2004 Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (Performance Pack)

• Spec'd new by a discerning London businessman, and bought directly from the factory
• Costing c.160,000 Euros when new, including the sought-after (P-30) AMG Performance Pack (a 9,500 Euro option)
• The pack included AMG Alcantara-trimmed sports steering wheel, 186 mph top speed, Active Suspension with Nurburgring calibration 20% stiffer, larger more powerful braking system, 19" two-piece double-spoke alloys, AMG locking differential, SL65 front bumper with vents, additional oil cooler and carbon fibre trim.
• Extensive original paperwork from Mercedes-Benz, complete book-pack, including stamped-up service booklet
• Enviable service history with Mercedes-Benz and specialists; numerous invoices and MOT certificates
• Sophisticated colour combination of special-order Seal Grey Metallic paintwork and grey leather interior; high specification

Introduced in 2002, after some five years in development, the R230 Series SL Roadster was an engineering tour de force. Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Packed full of sophisticated electronic driver aids which made it immensely safe but still fun to drive, it was an instant success and is widely considered to be the best-looking Mercedes for many years. In late 2003, the striking SL55AMG was introduced. Seriously powerful and impressively fast, the 5.4-litre V8 was rated at 493bhp with a stump-pulling 520 lbs.ft of torque.

From 2004, the SL55AMG could be further enhanced by the addition of the €9,500 Performance Pack (Code P-30) (F1 Performance Pack in the UK) offering a host of upgrades including 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.