With regards to unique high-performance Mercedes and AMG icons of the fashionable period, you’ll probably flock in direction of the apparent names: The McLaren-Mercedes, SLS AMG, AMG GT Black Collection, or perhaps, in uncommon situations, if you happen to’re feeling significantly daring, a CLK GTR. However there’s an equally compelling and sometimes ignored choice from the German automaker’s catalog that’s simply as uncommon, and even rarer than the above-stated fashions. Whereas it doesn’t have butterfly doorways or flaunt hypercar styling, what it has in spades is character.
Welcome, everybody, to the 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Collection, one of many purest street-legal monitor toys ever created by the parents over at Affalterbach. The standard R230 SL could function the bottom, however that is no atypical SL. Former TopGear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, who famously reviewed it again in ‘09, referred to as it ‘mind-boggling’ and he’s not fallacious.
With large energy courtesy of its 12-cylinder turbocharged powerplant and a silhouette that appears prefer it simply stepped out of cyberpunk, right here was an SL that had been extensively reworked by AMG. 350 examples have been made, however solely 175 models made it to U.S. shores, making it rarer than 1 / 4 of the worldwide McLaren SLR manufacturing run and practically 10 occasions rarer in the USA. In case you’re the kind of collector chasing low-volume, high-drama machines, right here’s why this V12 monster is value contemplating.
AMG’s Final Avenue Weapon
At first look, the SL65 Black Collection could appear like one thing cooked up in a digital idea, however there was technique to the insanity. The usual R230 was by no means what you’d name featherweight. The SL, in any case, was a grand tourer, and luxury took priority. So when AMG got down to create the final word monitor toy, that they had their work reduce out.
The SL’s retractable arduous high made method for a hard and fast carbon-fiber roof. The whole physique was widened and sculpted utilizing carbon-fiber strengthened plastic (CFRP), and this shaved over 550 kilos in comparison with the bottom SL65. This introduced the load all the way down to 4,122 kilos, which continues to be somewhat hefty, however sufficient when paired with a customized AMG-tuned suspension, a stiffened chassis, elective carbon ceramic brakes, and most crucially, that hand-built V12 powerplant. Thoughts you, whereas issues do look civilised within the cabin, and the carbon seats and stiff experience pays dividends on monitor, the SL Black’s harsh experience has an influence on its on-road usability. One thing to remember.
As for that engine, we’re speaking a couple of 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 from the usual SL65 AMG, besides that for this explicit utility, AMG’s engineers strengthened the internals, tweaked the turbos, upgraded the intercoolers, and recalibrated the ECU. The consequence? 661 horsepower, which isn’t that large a quantity by fashionable requirements, however for ‘09, these have been spectacular. That’s extra energy than a Ferrari Enzo.
Torque although was fairly substantial at 738 pound-feet. In reality, AMG needed to electronically restrict the torque to make it work with the five-speed computerized transmssison, which despatched energy completely to the rear wheels. 0-60 mph occurs in 3.8 seconds and the highest velocity is electronically restricted to 199 mph, and with out the restricted, you’re 210 mph.
These extra-wide fender flares are a practical component aiding in high-speed stability, housing a staggered setup with 265/35ZR19 upfront and 325/30ZR20 on the rear, which labored with the lively wing that deploys at 75 mph to place all that energy down. On the Nürburging Nordschelife, it clocked a lap time of seven:51 minutes, which places it in the identical league because the Ferrari 599 GTB (7:47 minutes) and the Porsche 997 GT3 RS (7:48 seconds) from the identical period.
Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Collection Specs
| Engine Displacement | 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 |
| Engine Configuration | Twin-Turbo V12 |
| Horsepower | 661 hp |
| Torque | 738 lb-ft (restricted) |
| Transmission | 5-speed AMG Speedshift auto |
| Curb Weight | ~4,100 lbs |
| 0–60 mph | 3.8 seconds |
| Prime Velocity | 199 mph (electronically restricted) |
A V12 Rarity In A World Dominated By V8s
We could solely have a handful of brand-new V12-powered fashions at present, however even again in ‘09, it was an endangered species. AMG’s focus had already begun to shift in direction of the now legendary 6.2-liter V8, which made its method into every part from the C63 and E63 to the gullwing SLS. Whereas the Black Collection line was in regards to the aforementioned ‘brute pressure’, all of them featured V8s. The SL65 Black Collection is the one AMG Black Collection to ever function A V12, and that issues, as a result of when you notice that this was AMG’s first, final, and solely try at a V12 Black Collection, its case for collectibility will get quite a bit clearer.
Values and Funding Outlook
When it hit the showroom ground in 2009, a $300,000 sticker value was somewhat steep for a beefed up SL for an financial system nonetheless steeped in recession. Having stated that, it was nonetheless lesser than the SLR McLaren’s $450,000 from the mid-2000s and Mercedes managed to nonetheless promote each single certainly one of them.
Common costs have hovered round $250,000 to $300,000 on the secondary marketplace for some time, however have steadily elevated since 2022, with most transactions occurring within the $350k vary, which continues to be lower than the SLR. A pristine U.S.-spec instance with low miles might simply command much more, particularly whether it is in he uncommon Mars Purple coloration. Different manufacturing facility shades embrace Obsidian Black, Iridum Silver, and Designo Mystic White. Right here’s a white instance with 6,123 miles, at present listed on duPont REGISTRY for $399,900.
What to Search for Earlier than Shopping for An SL65 AMG Black Collection
In case you’re fortunate sufficient to seek out an SL65 Black Collection, as with every automobile, documentation and originality shall be essential. Most of those vehicles have been delivered to collectors, so ultra-low-mileage examples do exist. You must be particularly cautious about modified vehicles, or ones which have had their exhaust or ECUs tinkered with. Torque-converter put on was a recognized challenge on these vehicles, so search for transmission service information. Manufacturing unit-original examples with AMG build-sheets and detailed upkeep information will command a premium.
If You Just like the SL65 Black Collection, Think about These V12 Alternate options
Ferrari 599 GTO
- Manufacturing Years: 2010–2012
- Manufacturing Numbers: 599 models
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $743,651
Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV
- Manufacturing Years: 2009–2010
- Manufacturing Numbers: 186 models
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $640,091
Aston Martin V12 Vantage (First Gen)
- Manufacturing Years: 2009–2013
- Manufacturing Numbers: ~1,200 models (excluding particular editions)
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $163,000
Why The SL65 AMG Black Collection Is A Extremely Underrated Future Basic in Plain Sight
Whereas the SLS Black Collection and fashionable AMG GT Black Collection coninue to garner a variety of consideration within the collector group, the SL65 Black Collection stays the underdog unicorn of AMG’s golden period. Too heavy, too costly, too insane for its time; this can be a automobile that shouldn’t have existed and right here we’re 15 years later, appreciating its analog attraction.
Because the final V12 Black Collection, the SL65 additionally marked the top of the period. No track-mode trickery, no hybrid aids, simply old-school fire-breather pressure feeding thrust to 2 rear tires. In at present’s age of DCT this and AWD that, the SL65 Black Collection could seem hilaroulsy outdated, however thats the entire level. It is a automobile that each one about brute pressure and nothing else and that’s what makes it a extremely fascinating collector automobile.
Supply: Mercedes-Benz, AMG, Basic.com
FAQ
1. What number of SL65 Black Collection have been constructed?
A. Mercedes AMG constructed 350 models of the SL65 AMG Black Collection, with 175 models coming to the USA.
2. What makes the SL65 Black Collection so particular?
A. The SL65 AMG is the one V12-powered AMG Black Collection ever made, making it considerably rarer than an SLR McLaren or SLS Black Collection.
3. Is the SL65 AMG Black Collection a very good funding?
A. Sure. Being a restricted run mannequin with restricted availability and the V12 engine, the SL65 AMG stays undervalued with costs nonetheless hovering round $350k, making it extraordinarily collectible
4. Are there any options to the SL65 Black Collection?
A. Whereas the SLR McLaren and SLS Black Collection are sturdy AMG investments, none inside the Mercedes steady match the rarity and V12 drama of the SL65 Black Collection. In case you’re after a V12 from this period, your finest choices are a 599 GTB or a
5. What colours have been accessible on the SL65 AMG Black Collection?
A. The SL65 AMG Black Collection was provided in restricted manufacturing facility coloration choices, together with Obsidian Black, Designo Mystic White, and Iridium Silver, with Mars Purple being the rarest.
