Designed as a modern-day interpretation of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL “Gullwing”, the SLS would become the fifth model to receive the Black Series treatment by AMG. An impressive 70 kilograms was stripped out of the base car, although the headline act was undoubtedly the atmospheric 6.2-litre V-8. The standard rev limit was raised by 800 rpm for a thunderous 8,000 red line, which in turn added 60 horsepower for a grand total of 631. As a result, Mercedes-Benz could proudly lay claim to having the most powerful naturally aspirated eight-cylinder production car engine in the world at the time of release.

While the manufacturer limited production of the SLS AMG Black Series to just 350 units—already making the model a rare beast—the car offered here sits uniquely among them. It was the sole example to be finished by the factory in the menacing shade of Designo Mystic Blue. The deep, rich colour perfectly suits the muscular design, so much so that other owners have subsequently had their cars repainted to match. But this SLS Black Series is the original. The exterior further benefits from the selection of AMG carbon fibre trim pieces, the aerodynamics package that adds the distinctive rear wing, plus the fitment of 10-spoke wheels that measure 19 inches at the front and 20 inches on the rear axle.

To match the very special outside, the interior is presented in complementing dark blue upholstery for the sports seats while the microfibre roof lining is specified in Dinamica Black. This car also gained the AMG Performance steering wheel and high-gloss carbon fibre trim pieces. Notable equipment includes a rear-view camera, the upgraded sound system by Bang & Olufsen, plus a carbon fibre finish for the engine bay surround.

This European-specification car was originally delivered to Germany on 17 December 2013 and has been very sparingly driven since. Accordingly, the odometer remarkably displays only 362 kilometres at the time of cataloguing.

Arguably the most desirable SLS AMG Black Series Coupé ever produced on account of its unique factory finish, this preserved example of Affalterbach’s 2010s flagship would make for a truly stunning addition to any supercar or marque-themed collection.