This AMG SLS Coupe has been designed and presented in the spirit of – and in tribute to – the iconic 1955-57 300SL 'Gullwing' Coupes; including the signature ‘gullwing’ doors. Some will even go further by saying it is really more of a spiritual successor to the 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. Built in 1955, the Coupe was a beautiful, illogical one-off specifically built for engineering virtuoso Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Along with his long association with the Mercedes-Benz racing program of the 1930s and 1950s; the Anglo-German would become an executive for German manufacturer, but is perhaps still best known for his incredible road legal version of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR Le Mans racecar. There can be no higher compliment towards the machine that we are proud to offer.

The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT is the culmination of sports car, racecar and automotive art presented in an exotic shape that sees the aluminum bodywork tautly formed over an aluminum spaceframe. Mercedes-Benz eloquently states their design philosophy regarding their awesome AMG SLS GT; “The tautly drawn shape of the car is sculpted to conquer wind and weight, and capture stares and hearts. Its proportions celebrate its rear-wheel-drive power and ideally balanced chassis. Every brilliant detail combines purpose with poise. The result is at once timeless and trendsetting, and a sports car that seduces your gaze to linger.”

At its core is a handcrafted naturally aspirated 6.3-liter, four-valve-per-cylinder, high-revving V-8 that produces 583 horsepower, a 20-hp increase over the previous, non-GT-spec AMG SLS. The torque still measures 479-lb/ft for this strong engine. Car & Driver magazine commented that it is a “SLS on uppers.” The car has only subtle GT badging on the rear decklid to alert those in the know that this car is going to be just a bit quicker than the already fearsome SLS model. The SLS GT was the last stalwart of this fantastic engine that is in tribute to the AMG racing engine of the 1960s and ‘70s. The other cars from AMG have switched to a 5.5-liter V-8 layout that is more fuel and emissions regulations efficient.

According to AMG, the engine type in this car was the “world’s most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine” ever produced. It was not until nearly a half-decade later that any naturally aspirated V-8 could top its output, and then only the Ferrari 458 Speciale could do so with its slightly more powerful 596 horsepower output. The AMG SLS also represents the last Mercedes-Benz to have the naturally aspirated engine. With the passing of the AMG SLS’s M159 “monster engine,” and the less potent version used in the C63 AMG (the lower output M156 version), Mercedes-Benz sadly has no remaining naturally aspirated engines in its respected lineup. It has been referred to as the last great Mercedes-Benz musclecar. Again, from Car & Driver; “the 6.3’s wide power band, immediate throttle response, and instant surge of power and torque are among the most impressive we’ve ever experienced. And the sound—oh, the sound!”

It can accelerate from 0- to 60-mph in 3.6 seconds, approximately a tenth quicker than its predecessor, and has an electronically limited top speed of 197 miles per hour. (The speedometer actually reads 240-mph and, without the constraints, it may well achieve this staggering number.) With dry sump lubrication and race-tuned velocity stacks, the engine is one of the highest output V-8s available. Imposing power is turned into impressive performance by a rear-mounted and aluminum paddle shifter-operated seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transaxle and limited-slip differential, along with suspension, braking and steering systems developed and race proven by AMG. As an improvement over the prior SLS, this transmission unit has quicker reaction time than the manual “M” transmission.

The imposing style looks fantastic in Code 434 Le Mans Red (a $2,300 option). The understated exterior trim elements are finished in Piano Black lacquer; another difference to the 2011 and 2012 models. Also new for the GT are the darker headlight and taillight lenses. This exclusive design incorporates a long hood with the cockpit in close proximity to the rear axle and a short rear end where a rear wing deploys at high rates of speed for stability and handling. The wing will also function under braking. The brakes are four-wheel discs that perform to a high-level of efficiency, courtesy of the massive ventilated rotors found at all four corners. For additional braking stability and performance, this less than 2,000-mile car has the factory-optional AMG carbon ceramic braking system, costing an additional $12,500 when new.

The interior is luxurious, yet all business with AMG sports seats presented in equally stunning Code 507 Classic Red ‘designo’ exclusive leather. The $2,750 optional Carbon Fiber Trim package is a perfect accent for this car; as are all of the convenience and power features that include heated eight-way power seats, climate control, DVD player, navigation system; power windows, steering and brakes. Another option that is intriguing and quite appropriate for this type of machine is the $2,500 AMG Performance Media which turns the COMAND display into “race control.” By utilizing this system, drivers can switch among gauges showing speed or acceleration, lateral and longitudinal g-forces, lap times and oil and transaxle temperatures.

The MSRP for this Mercedes-Benz supercar totaled $222,555 dollars when brand new. This less than 2,000 actual miles car still carries the full Mercedes-Benz factory warranty until 50,000 miles or March 19, 2017. The car is reported to be “perfect in every way, without the slightest of defects anywhere. Not even under the front spoiler, this car is as new!”

With only 2,000 built for the United States; it is extremely rare to have a Le Mans Red with Classic Red interior, plus carbon ceramic brakes and still under warranty. The ‘gullwing’ doors give the car an extra touch of panache that always add to the conversation this car will cultivate. This is a true supercar in every sense of the word, with a very nice update over the previous AMG SLS. The Mercedes-Benz AMG SLS GT feels dynamic and renewed and is, naturally, quite fast and sporty with its pure V-8 power and torque. Its handcrafted performance and head-turning style will certainly make your heart race.

Much like its inspiration, the renowned and cherished 1955-57 300SL ‘Gullwing’ Coupes, have risen to high-six and seven figure investments by being considered true works of rolling artwork; this AMG SLS has a bright outlook to eventually fall into this type of rarified air of value. It would certainly be difficult to find a better prospect than the car being offered.