Looking to channel the aura of one of its most iconic cars into its newest supercar, Mercedes-Benz introduced the SLS AMG at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 2009 to great fanfare. Its styling was very much a modern take on the stunning 300 SL of the 1950s and retained many of that car’s styling elements, including its iconic, roof-hinged gullwing doors. Needless to say, the SLS AMG was incredibly well received and quickly proved to be a sales success.

Not only was the SLS successful in Mercedes-Benz showrooms around the world, but it also spawned a racing version developed for the FIA’s GT3 class of racing, dubbed the SLS AMG GT3, that proved to be just as competitive on the track. While only 25 examples of the race-ready SLS AMG GT3 were built, it was clear that once the public got a taste of the race-ready SLS, there would be a market for a road-legal version with similar performance and styling cues. Taking its name from the highest echelon of AMG’s vehicles, the SLS AMG Black Series was born.

Intended to compete directly with other lightweight and high-horsepower exotics such as the Lamborghini Gallardo LP570-4 Superleggera and the Ferrari 458 Speciale, the SLS was more than capable of holding its own against the Italians. Its power output was raised to 622 brake horsepower and redline was increased to 8,000 rpm thanks to a revised high-speed valve train with modified camshafts, revised cam geometry, and special racing-specification tappets and intake air ducting. Furthermore, Mercedes-Benz’s engineers sought to trim the car’s weight by extensively using carbon fibre for the body panels and a number of mechanical components. Furthermore, the car’s luscious leather interior was largely replaced with light Alcantara, and the standard SLS’s steel exhaust was replaced with a titanium exhaust system.

With 150 pounds of weight shed from the car, the SLS’s 0–60 mph time decreased to 3.5 seconds and would lead the car onwards to a top speed of 196 mph. First shown to the public at the 2012 Los Angeles Auto Show, deliveries of the SLS AMG Black Series began in June 2013 for the 2014 model year. Customers could opt for a host of options, including numerous carbon-fibre accessories, and chose from nine standard colours. Furthermore, the SLS AMG Black Series’ navigation and infotainment system could be deleted to save a few extra pounds. Adding to the car’s visual ferocity and available downforce, an adjustable carbon-fibre rear wing, similar to the one fitted to the SLS AMG GT3, was also available.

Offered from the same loving home that purchased it new, and garaged since with many other high-horsepower Mercedes-Benz and AMG machines, this particular SLS AMG Black Series is offered in virtually as-new condition. Finished in desirable and rare Solarbeam Yellow, it has travelled just 848 kilometres from new. Following a recent service, it remains in exceptional condition throughout and is ready to drive and enjoy.

Focused enough for the occasional track day and refined enough for everyday use, the SLS AMG Black Series is a wonderful blend of performance, modern conveniences, and Mercedes-Benz heritage rolled into one glorious package. As the most radical performance-oriented vehicle in the SLS lineup, the SLS AMG Black Series is poised to be a future collectible. This example is truly one of the finest available, finished in the seldom-seen Solarbeam Yellow and having been in the care of just one AMG connoisseur from new; it certainly stands out from the rest. Driven only 848 kilometres over the course of its life and following a recent service, many miles of excitement still lie ahead for its next owner.