A RARE Mercedes described as “superb” by Jeremy Clarkson has hit an auction for an eye-watering price – complete with a “magnificent jackhammer” engine.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is one of only 132 motors of its kind – and has an impressive top speed of 196mph.
Plus, the motor has only racked up 500 miles on the clock, having only driven 209 metres per day.
The black sports car, made in 2014, is now set to sell for between $750,000 and $850,000 in Phoenix, Arizona – around £600,000 to £675,000.
Jezza tried out the rare Merc in a 2012 series of Top Gear, saying it was a “superb car”.
Referring to the car’s snazzy gull-wing doors, he added: “As far as I’m concerned, there’s only one thing wrong with it, the doors.”
Auctioneers RM Sotheby’s said the example up for sale was practically as good as new and would be perfect for collectors.
They said: “The example offered here features an all-black color scheme and remains like new, with less than 500 miles showing on the odometer at cataloguing time.
“Serviced in January 2024 with an oil change, new tires, and protective ceramic coating, it has been pampered and cherished under current ownership as part of a small collection of significant supercars.
“Incredibly well-preserved, having been driven so little since new, this SLS AMG Black Series represents an incredible opportunity for the marque enthusiast or supercar collector eager to own one of the most significant and rarest models in Mercedes-AMG’s storied history.”
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG first appeared at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show – a successor to the brand’s 300 SL Gullwing.
The car also boasted a long hood and 6.2-litre V-8 engine – which were assembled by hand at AMG’s Affalterbach facility in Baden-Württemberg, Germany.
Several versions of the SLS were created over the course of the coming years, including the roadster in 2011 and the SLS AMG GT Electric Drive in 2012.
But the SLS Black Series, of which this an example, remains one of the most sought-after, with only 132 examples made over the course of its one-year run.
Modelled on the SLS AMG GT3 racecar, it featured a V-8 engine and 622 horsepower – the most powerful naturally aspired engine in the world at the time.
As well as its impressive 196mph top speed, it could also accelerate from 0 to 60mph in just 3.5 seconds – with an impressive 8,000 rpm rev limit.
And other specs included 468-pound-feet of torque, a lightweight titanium exhaust system and aerodynamic carbon fibre components.
The auction will take place on 24 January 2025 – lot number 176.
It comes after another ultra-rare Merc, a custom-made G wagon created in tribute to British racing legend Sir Stirling Miss, was put up for auction at a huge £540,000.
ONE of eleven Lewis Hamilton-inspired Mercedes G-Wagons with a rectangular steering wheel could be yours for £541K.
The “Sir Class” has just been unveiled by HOF, a brand known for making tuned versions of Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
Images show the car with a silver-to-black finish, inspired by the team’s racing colours, with Petronas Tiffany Green accents on the 23-inch wheels, wing mirrors, and throughout the interior.
The outline of the Yas Marina circuit, where the Abu Dhabi GP is held, is embroidered into the car’s headliner.
Other features pictured include the rectangular F1-style steering wheel and racing bucket seats.
The car is powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 producing 1,063 horsepower and 959 ft-lbs of torque.
The engine is equipped with new aluminium pistons, stronger connecting rods, new turbos, and a high-flow fuel system, while the ECU has also been remapped.
This SUV can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds and hit a top speed of 186 mph, making it the fastest G-Wagon in history.
As a fan favourite, the G-Class is favoured by A-listers around the globe with Megan Fox, Britney Spears, and Kendall Jenner all sporting the chunky SUV.
It’s also been featured in various hit songs including Post Malone’s Wow.
