Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Roadster

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The most powerful production car ever to storm out of the factory gates, the Mercedes SL55 AMG was launched in 2002 and remained in production until 2008 when it was replaced by the even more bonkers SL63. 

While it was the immense 500bhp power output that grabbed all the headlines, the really astounding figure was the torque generated by the supercharged V8. With 520lb/ft available at just 2,650rpm, the SL55 could literally melt its tyres away from the lights and needed all manner of sophisticated electronic aids just to keep it on the road.

“The engine is amazing,” said AutoExpress. “Even at idle, it reverberates through your ears and makes the ground tremble. Crack the throttle open and the full-blooded roar is nothing short of phenomenal. However, it takes a while to notice the sound – to begin with, you're too busy concentrating on the speed. Despite weighing the best part of two tons, AMG's flagship will pass 60mph in 4.5 seconds. By that stage, though, it's only just getting into its stride. With the standard car's 155mph limiter removed, Mercedes claims 180mph is easily achievable, and an AMG engineer has admitted to us that an otherwise unmodified SL55 has already achieved over 205mph in testing.”

Costing £89,000 at launch before any options were added, ownership was always going to be restricted to a privileged few and only around 1,500 were sold in the UK, so seeing one on the road today is always quite an event and makes it a sure-fire classic of the future.

First registered in December 2004, this particular car has covered just 52,000 miles from new in the hands of three owners, the vendor acquiring it in November 2012. Always well-maintained, it has six stamps in the book to date and was last serviced about 8,500 miles ago.

Looking stunning in Metallic Telluer Silver with a light grey leather interior, it rides on 18” Turbine alloys and has a smoked glass Vario Pan hardtop that folds away into the boot at the touch of a button. Packed with all the luxuries you would expect including sat nav, cruise control, parking sensors and electric heated seats, it also has a paddle shift 5-speed gearbox that lets you waft around in auto mode but can switch to manual if you fancy being a bit lairy.

In excellent condition throughout, it comes with all its original handbooks, is taxed until July, MOTd until October and needs nothing more than a lucky fourth owner behind the wheel.

A custom-made car cover suitable for indoor and outdoor use is also included in the sale.

Please note that the private plate shown in the pictures is not included and will be replaced with an age-related plate FN54 AJU prior to the sale. However RRX 6 is still available by separate negotiation if desired.

AMENDMENT: This car has a 12 month warranty valid from 4/09/2013 and up to 60,000 miles which cost the vendor £500 and may be transferable to a new private owner on payment of a £25 fee within seven days of purchase. For more details see the Warranty Agreement in the history file or call WMS on 08444 774 909.