2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG Convertible

Description

Ever since the launch of the legendary 300 SL ‘Gullwing’ in 1954, the Sport Licht (SL) series has served as Mercedes-Benz’s flagship sports car, from the fabulous ‘Pagodas’ of the 1960s through the long-running W107 range of the 1970s and 1980s, to the almost as long-lived R129 model (1989 – 2001).  Announced in 2001, the arrival of the R230 continued the evolution of R129 with smoother body styling with a fully retractable hardtop.  The fifth-generation SL featured Active Body Control (ABC), active suspension system, Keyless Go entry and smart key, and a Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) electro-hydraulic brake system.  In addition to the usual six-cylinder and V8 powered models, Mercedes unleashed the hero SL55 version, motivated by a formidable supercharged 5.5-litre V8 hand-assembled by the AMG performance division.  Essentially a stroked version of the SL500’s 24-valve aluminium V8, changes included forged aluminium pistons, heavy-duty bearings, cross-bolted mains, a new sump and more powerful oil pump.  Other mods included reprofiled cams and a beefed up SpeedShift five-speed automatic that can be operated in manual mode.  Developing 500 horsepower at 6100 rpm and 516 lb/ft of torque, the SL55 was easily the fastest Mercedes at the time of its 2002 launch, capable of reaching 0-60 mph in 4.5 seconds on the way to a top speed limited to 155mph, while the quarter mile was dispatched in 13 seconds flat.  AMG’s engineers claimed the new SL55 could easily crack 200mph with the limiter removed.  Massive crossed-drilled and vented disc brakes sat under 18-inch alloy wheels, while interior changes included a sports steering wheel, silver-faced AMG instruments, Alcantara on the dash pad and headliner and unique sports seats.  Combining the SL’s traditional virtues as a grand tourer with supercar-equalling performance, the SL55 garnered plenty of positive attention when it first appeared almost 20 years ago – even Jeremy Clarkson was moved to own one.  Costing an eye-watering $372,900 at the time of its launch, SL55 values have been on the rise in recent years but they still look like a bargain compared with the earlier R129 and R107 generation SLs.