2006 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG

The odometer on this lovely, original Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG has just slipped past 70,000 miles. Just run in some might say and with a good history and being in outstanding condition, it is only being sold as our seller spends much of his time traveling, with the car safely tucked up back home.

Let’s rewind to 2018 as that is when the car came up for sale at a Bonhams auction at the Goodwood Members Meeting. It immediately caught our seller’s eye, and he was quite delighted when the hammer fell and he was to become the car’s fourth owner.

The SL is finished in Obsidian Black with matching leather interior, probably the best and most striking colour combination, the car signals intent even when quietly parked. Our seller reports that it drives superbly, never failing to impress whether popping to the shops or hard charging through the countryside.

With some cars you can immediately tell that they have been looked after well and that is the case with this SL. The paintwork positively gleams, and we all know that black is such an unforgiving colour.

Excellent panel alignment along with tight, even door gaps we can take for granted on what is a largely hand-built, hugely expensive Mercedes-Benz, which has been substantially re-engineered by one of the best firms on the planet.

You will spot a few small stone chips here and there, but nothing which detracts from the overall finish.

The car sits low, the wide arches concealing the bespoke colour coordinated split rim alloy wheels. One of the first jobs our seller had done after the purchase was to have them professionally refurbished at a cost of £600. They allow the odd cheeky glimpse of the eight-piston AMG brake callipers that lurk within. Stopping power par excellence!

All the Pirelli PZERO tyres were replaced in 2017 and have covered just 6,000 miles since. Care taken with tyre choice is especially important on a performance car such as this.

And in case anyone was in doubt as to the car’s considerable sporting prowess, the ‘V12 BITURBO’ badging n the front wings should put them right.

The electric roof works as it should, allowing for alfresco motoring at the drop of a button as soon as the sun doth shine. It’s quite the spectacle watching the roof fold away into the boot.

We should mention that the private registration number adorning the car is included in the sale.

The AMG comfort leather seats are the star of the show, with heating and cooling functions built in. And yes, they are supremely comfortable, yet supportive should you be exploiting the SL’s considerable performance. Aside for a little gentle creasing they look as new.

Fine leather covers almost every surface, though there are splashes of wood trim for a little visual interest. Deep-pile carpets might encourage the passenger to slip of their shoes…

The factory specification includes the COMMAND satellite navigation system, keyless-go, a six-disc CD multi-changer, front and rear parking sensors, rain-sensing wipers, and an electrically adjustable steering column. Obviously, it all works as its maker intended.

The only blemish we can spot is a mark on the back of the passenger seat.

One useful addition is the wind deflector. This mesh item does an excellent job of stopping that swirling back draught, the ruination of many a fine hairdo.

The boot is home to the toolkit and the battery, replaced in autumn 2019. It’s quite commodious with ample space for luggage should a continental touring holiday be your thing. A quick blast to the South of France perhaps? There’s surely no finer car for the trip…

We always include plenty of photographs of a car’s underside in our listings and that is the case here. Other than the expected road dirt, we cannot spot anything untoward.

Lift the bonnet and that powerhouse of an engine is revealed in all its glory. AMG badging leaves one in no doubt as to its origins. And in case you are asking, it sounds really rather special too.

It ticks over evenly with almost no vibration and drives beautifully. It is fast, smooth, and utterly beguiling in the way it goes about its business.

There is paperwork aplenty accompanying this fine car. Servicing in the car’s earlier days was within the Mercedes-Benz dealer network, moving on to specialists in later years.

The last work carried out on the car was in 2019 by Pentangle MB Ltd, the invoice totalling almost £1,000. Our seller reports that nothing has been needed since and the car has covered less than 1,000 miles, stored properly when not in use.

The last MoT was carried out in April 2023, a pass certificate with no advisory items being attained. Old certificates are present and correct, and it is reassuring to see that any advisory items mentioned have been dealt with.

We have already mentioned the wheel refurbishment and new battery fitted.

This meticulously engineered Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is in excellent condition and having been little used in recent years, it is surely time someone did something about that. This car is just begging to be driven and is sure to excite both driver and passenger!

Summer weather is here and what a fine way to top up that tan, wafting through the English countryside. And the accompanying sound it makes, well that’s just stupendous!

We think the SL will sell for somewhere between £30,000 and £35,000, much less than a third of what it cost its first owner. What value!

This sale offers the chance to buy one of the rarest and most desirable cars AMG has ever produced, and the fact that it has almost certainly finished depreciating (if you maintain it properly) is the icing on the already amazing cake.

Oh, and in case you are still wavering, can we point out that the SL65 AMG produces just 14hp less than a McLaren F1. Food for thought and bragging rights at the local golf club!

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.