Estimated Price: £32,000 - £36,000

Mercedes-Benz launched its new SL-Class (R230) of high performance GTs in September 2001 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, though one had already served as Formula 1's Safety Car at Hockenheim in July. In 2002, the SL55 AMG went on sale. Hailed by EVO magazine as a supercar in disguise, the latter was powered by a supercharged 5.4-litre V8 engine initially producing 469bhp and a monstrous 520lb/ft of torque.

The second generation of the R230 SL500, marketed as the Phase II, was introduced in 2006 and naturally the SL55 AMG benefited from similar changes. The revisions for the 2006 SL55 AMG included a new grille inspired by the SL65 AMG and the front bumper was redesigned and looked more aggressive than before. Inside, there was a new steering wheel and new options available, including heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise-control and a push-button start on top of the gearbox stick.

Most of the major changes were technical, the front disc-brakes were carried over from the SL65 AMG and were bigger, with 6-pot calipers instead of the older 8-pot units, the engine was re-tuned with a new compressor now generating 510bhp (up from 493bhp) and the gearbox reverted to the old and reliable 5G-Tronic box allowing for the increase in torque.

Naturally, the AMG F1 Performance pack was available on the Phase II car at around £10,000 and this included an AMG Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel, active suspension with 20% stiffer Nürburgring settings, larger brakes cooled by vents in the SL65 front bumper, 19" two-piece double spoke alloys, AMG locking differential, carbon fibre trim and the speed limiter was recalibrated to 186mph although the power output remained at 510bhp.

Finished in Iridium Silver with a classic SL black leather cockpit, this stunning SL55 AMG-F1 was first registered on 20th March 2007 with a list price in excess of £100,000 at that point. It had been enjoyed by four previous keepers when it was purchased by our vendor in 2015 and judging by the current indicated mileage (at the time of cataloguing) of 21,242, it has been lightly used by all. It will have a fresh MOT prior to the sale and is presented to auction with its history file and three keys.

Rarely do such low-mileage examples of this modern classic come to market and we encourage your inspection at our Silverstone Festival Sale.