The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is among the most admired modern-day supercars. First unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the car drew design inspiration from the original 300 SL ‘Gullwing,’ a contemporary take on arguably Mercedes-Benz’s most iconic model. The car was an immediate favorite among the press and enthusiasts alike.
From the outset, the SLS was destined to be the ultimate grand tourer. Its AMG-developed 6.2-liter V-8 front-mid engine produced a tumultuous 563 hp at 6,800 rpm and 480 foot-pounds of torque at 4,750 rpm to propel the car from 0–60 mph in 3.7 seconds and to a top speed of 197 mph. At the time it was the most powerful naturally aspirated engine in production. Equally impressive was the transmission. Utilizing a Getrag-developed double-clutch, seven-speed paddle-shifted transmission, the car was able to shift gears in less than 100 milliseconds. The remarkable performance of the transmission was optioned for four different settings with comfort, sport, sport plus, and manual driving modes. To aid its handling, the transmission was placed in the rear of the car as a transaxle for better weight distribution.
The example offered here is finished in the classic color scheme of Iridium Silver over Exclusive Red interior and has recorded only 6,690 miles at the time of cataloguing. It is very clean throughout, with scarcely blemished paint, a spotless engine bay, and an interior that still appears virtually as-new; even the carpeting of the trunk is in remarkable condition, commensurate with the car’s very low mileage. This is an excellent SLS AMG and would be a wonderful counterpoint to a vintage Gullwing in a sportsman’s collection.