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. With the introduction of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG in 2010, the Affalterbach-based firm took a significant step forward. First seen at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and acknowledged as a tribute to the legendary 300 SL 'Gullwing' coupé of the 1950s – arguably the world's first supercar – the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was notable as the first car to be designed in-house by AMG. A collectors' item from the day it was announced, the newcomer featured 'Gullwing' doors like its illustrious predecessor and succeeded the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren at the top of the German manufacturer's range. Styled by Mercedes-Benz's Mark Fetherston, the SLS AMG received numerous prestigious design awards, and is the only automobile ever to have won the (gold) Design Award of the Federal Republic of Germany.

Boasting a chassis/body of mainly aluminium construction, the SLS (Sport Licht Super) was powered by a 6.2 litre V8 engine producing 563bhp initially - the most powerful normally aspirated production car engine of its day - while the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was similarly state-of-the-art. A rear wing, extendable at high speeds, kept the SLS stable at its near-200mph maximum, while its low weight (3,573lbs) helped the car lap the Mercedes-Benz test track quicker than its SLR McLaren predecessor. Not surprisingly, given its pedigree, the SLS AMG proved very popular with racing drivers, Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton among them, while the list of celebrity owners includes Eddie Murphy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Al Pacino, Roger Federer, Sylvester Stallone and Tom Hanks. Several limited edition versions were introduced, including a GT3 racer, leading up to the SLS AMG GT Final Edition of 2014. Mercedes-AMG CEO Tobias Moers has said that there are no plans for a successor, so for the time being the SLS AMG remains the ultimate expression of the noble 'Gullwing' tradition.

This stunning example presented in Fire Opal Red with Black Designo Exclusive Diamond pattern leather and carbon fibre bonnet as per every SLS Final Edition has covered a mere 4,500 miles from new. Originally registered 19th June 2014, this example was owned for several years by the first owner before being sold by Romans International to its second owner who kept it for a year before Romans were again commissioned to sell it to our vendor in 2023. Limited to only 350 models worldwide, this is the last ever version of the iconic Gullwing Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG. The Final Edition is based on the SLS AMG GT, the later version which has a 20bhp power boost over the standard SLS and features a remapped double clutch seven-speed gearbox with upgraded suspension improving the car's performance and handling considerably. Final Editions such as this have some unique touches to make them it that extra bit special including a carbon fibre bonnet with a central air outlet, carbon fibre splitter on the front apron, a fixed carbon fibre rear wing from the SLS Black Series plus a set of forged light alloys and finally a diamond patterned exclusive leather interior. Of the 350 SLS Final Editions made worldwide which is a combination of both coupés and roadsters, it is believed only six were UK supplied Gullwing coupés with this example being one them and one of the rarest cars you'll ever find on the UK market.

We believe the SLS to be a modern day classic which will be one of the most remembered and desirable Mercedes in years to come, a great investment opportunity as proven by the 300 SL Gullwing that the SLS was based on. Last serviced at 4,400 miles in December of 2023, this car boasts a main dealer service history and the car has also recently been treated to PPF on the front and carbon interior.

With one of the last 6.2 litre naturally-aspirated V8 engines Mercedes will ever make it is of no surprise that we are seeing many collectors buying up the best examples, with the AMG Black SLS now fetching in excess of £700,000 and SLR’s values increasing year on year. Keeping an eye on its future value is certainly worthwhile but meanwhile own one of the design icons of the modern era harking back to the design icon of the 50’s.. Consigned by Mathew Priddy