One owner from new
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series Coupé
Chassis no. WDB2304791F157947
Engine no. 27598360007789

"For anyone wishing to give their Mercedes that extra personal touch, Mercedes-AMG GmbH has just the answers. The Daimler-Chrysler subsidiary offers the combined experience of Mercedes-Benz and AMG in the field of high-quality enhancements for Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and puts the emphasis firmly on individuality when creating the customer's dream Mercedes." - Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

AMG, which is now the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long history of producing high-performance derivatives of Mercedes' standard production vehicles, and these improved versions enjoy an enthusiastic following world-wide, with prominent figures of the motor sports, entertainment, sport and business communities being counted among aficionados.

Offered here is a beautiful SL65 AMG Black Series, the third of this evocatively titled and exclusive limited-edition family that had begun with SLK55 of 2006. Intended as even more highly developed versions of Mercedes-Benz's AMG performance models, the Black Series consists of two-seater fixed-head coupé designs only. In the case of the SL65, this meant abandoning the 'ordinary' version's folding metal hardtop in favour of a fixed carbon fibre roof, which also made room for the Black Series' retractable rear spoiler.

The SL65 AMG Black Series was unveiled at Monterey in 2008. The base-car SL65 AMG's 6.0-litre V12 engine was retained for the Black Series, but received larger turbochargers, a bigger intercooler, a new exhaust system and a suitably remapped ECU, resulting in an increase in maximum power to 670bhp (approximately a 10% improvement over the stock SL65 AMG) while torque went up to a mighty 737lb/ft, delivered between 2,200 and 4,200 revs. AMG's engineers not only increased engine output but also trimmed 250kg (550lb) off the car's all-up weight courtesy of additional carbon fibre panels, further improving the power-to-weight ratio. The result was a 0-60mph time of 3.8 seconds, while top speed was electronically limited to 199mph. This stupendous performance reached the road via AMG's Speedshift Plus multi-mode five-speed automatic gearbox.

As one would expect, given the Black Series raison d'être, the chassis too underwent considerable modification, featuring quicker steering, wider front and rear track, and redesigned suspension in the interests of enhanced road-holding and controllability. Mercedes-Benz recognised that many Black Series customers would wish to enjoy their cars on the racetrack (where else could one safely enjoy its performance to the full?) and thoughtfully made the multi-link rear suspension adjustable. The SL65 AMG Black Series rolled on AMG light-alloy wheels - 19.5" at the front, 20" at the rear - while stopping power was provided by 6-pot callipers at the front, 4-pot at the rear. Only 350 of these amazing cars were made, and all found customers despite a price tag (in the UK) of around a quarter of a million pounds.

This SL65 AMG Black Series is offered for sale by its one and only owner and comes with a copy of the original purchase receipt confirming that it was manufactured to Swiss specifications. Since acquisition it has mostly been on static display and will require recommissioning prior to road use. Offered with the Mercedes-AMG Certificate of Conformity, it represents a possibly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of these fabulous limited-edition supercars in effectively 'as new' condition.

Please note that if this vehicle remains in Monaco or France, it will be subject to 20% Import VAT and 10% Import Duty (+VAT) both calculated on the hammer price. In some cases, the 10% Import Duty (+VAT) shall not apply however please speak to our recommended shippers for full confirmation of charges. All customs charges will be invoiced and collected directly by our customs agent, Benaim. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered country's rate and paid directly there. Import rates to other EU Countries may vary and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.