The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG offers the ideal nexus of inspired design and breathtaking performance. Beginning development in 2006, Mercedes-AMG sought to deliver a contemporary, albeit more sinister, spiritual successor to the marque’s iconic midcentury grand tourer, the 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ coupe. Ecstatic press, design awards, and most importantly, orders, poured into Affalterbach at a prodigious rate following the unveiling of the SLS AMG at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show. Without exception, it has proven to be an exceptionally desirable modern supercar since day one.

From the carbon fiber and aluminum body to the front-mid-mounted engine, the SLS AMG is a hand-assembled machine. Its powerplant merits particular attention: In line with the 300 SL’s legacy of endurance racing success, AMG developed an engine for the SLS that would be at home both on the road and in competition. Derived from the AMG-designed M156, the resulting M159 engine is a modern masterpiece. A heavily modified 6.2-liter dry-sump lubricated V-8, it features an aluminum block and crankcase, forged pistons, magnesium intake assembly, and tubular high-flow exhaust system which growls with distinctive menace. Peak torque of 479 pound-feet is achieved at 4,750 rpm, while the full 563 hp arrives at 6,800 rpm. Billed as the most powerful naturally aspirated production engine in the world when it debuted, its performance is such that it is still used to power modern Mercedes-AMG racing cars.

The SLS AMG sends this power to the rear wheels via a Formula 1-derived carbon fiber driveshaft paired to a seven-speed AMG “Speedshift” dual-clutch transmission mounted in transaxle configuration. The “Sport+” driving mode and accompanying launch control sequence bring the 3,752 lbs. coupe to 60-mph in just 3.5-seconds, with sub-100 millisecond shifts and a limited-slip differential assuring optimal acceleration under full power.

This stunning 2012 SLS AMG coupe is a masterfully optioned example clad in AMG-exclusive AMG Alubeam (Silver Metallic) paint, a $12,000 US option from the factory. Carbon fiber mirrors and exterior trim add a subtle nod to this chassis’ tasteful specifications—even the engine surround is carbon fiber, a particularly rare choice.

Optional staggered 19- and 20-inch seven-spoke light alloy AMG wheels house enormous gold six-piston front calipers (rear calipers are four-piston) mounted on 15.8-inch front and 14.2-inch rear cross-vented ceramic rotors, respectively. This improvement over the already capable base equipment comes courtesy of the Carbon Ceramic brake package. A speed-activated airbrake deploys from the rear hatch to greatly increase downforce, aiding cornering and deceleration.

The supple Brown leather interior is enriched by a significant presence of optional carbon fiber trim, an AMG Performance steering wheel, and the Bang & Olufsen premium sound package. Accounting just for this chassis’ full-carbon fiber specs alone amounts to an additional $24,000 US over base MSRP, with many more options listed.

This nicely optioned SLS AMG has covered just under 46,300 miles from new, and is offered with manuals, literature, tools, and select service records.