2004 Mercedes-Benz SL65

With just 25,500 miles on the odometer, this wonderfully original Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG might just be the ultimate bahnstormer. Still in ‘as new’ condition and with an impeccable history, it is an original, UK-supplied right-hand-drive example that has been cherished through its life.

Finished in Obsidian Black with an Anthracite leather interior and dark birds-eye maple interior trim, it was supplied new on the 23rd of September 2004 by Mercedes-Benz of Sunderland to a Mr Edmondson of Newcastle at a cost of £150,111.98 (the original invoice is included in the history file), or more than £230,000 at today’s prices.

Being offered with a modest reserve, never before has mankind been able to go far, so fast, and in such comfort - and all for under £50,000…

Look, it’s a largely hand-built, hugely expensive Mercedes-Benz that has been substantially re-engineered by one of the most diligent firms on the planet, so I think we can take excellent panel alignment, along with tight, even door gaps, for granted.

But what you couldn’t have predicted is just how damned good it still looks. The flanks are free of ripples and dinks, the Obsidian Black paintwork gleams and is free of even the most cursory of marks or damage, and the light lenses, window glass, badges and chromework all still look like new.

It’s a time-warp of a car, and one that looks six months old rather than sixteen years.

And the consumables (given the state of our roads, all alloy wheels are consumable these days…) are just as good: the 19-inch split rim AMG alloy wheels are stunning, and in a wonderful condition. Painted anthracite in the centre and edged with polished alloy, they are designed to allow the odd cheeky glimpse of the eight-piston AMG brake calipers that lurk within. Shod with matching Pirelli P-Zero tyres, all of which have good tread, they add considerably to the AMG’s powerful stance.

And, as we will never tire of explaining, our experience shows that matching high-quality tyres are an infallible sign of a caring and mechanically sympathetic owner who is prepared to spend the appropriate amount in maintaining their car properly. Their presence does not, of course, preclude the need for a thorough inspection - something the vendor would welcome, by the way – but do give you a shortcut into their attitude towards maintenance.

Problems? Well, the paint is lifting in a couple of small areas on the alloy wheels, and there are some marks on the side trim on the roof. That’s it.

Oh, and who wouldn’t fall head-over-heels in love with a car that has ‘V12 BITURBO’ badges on the front wings?

The anthracite leather interior might be minimal in design but it is anything but austere. Its factory specification includes the COMMAND satellite navigation system, front and rear parking sensors, keyless-go, a six-CD multi-changer, a garage door opener, telephone preparation, rain-sensing wipers, and an electric adjustable steering column.

And, in case that isn’t enough for you, the AMG Comfort leather seats are heated and cooled, and have a three-position memory switch to retain their multi-adjustable position. They’ve got a pulse massage feature too, which isn’t something a classic car journalist gets to write very often.

Leather covers almost every swooping surface, and what isn’t leather is suede, all the better to cut distracting reflections at night - and what isn’t leather or suede is wood, and while the dark birds-eye maple wooden veneer might be limited in scope what there is is beautifully judged and is in as good a condition as you’d expect given the car’s careful curation.

There’s satin chrome in there too, and deep-pile carpets, and some of the most legible, easily assimilated instruments ever fitted to a production car.

And it’s all in a staggeringly good condition. Unblemished, barely ruffled, and wearing only the very lightest of creases to the AMG-fitted driver’s seat, it’s a wonderful, cossetting and exciting place to be.

Obviously, it all works, and that includes the very expensive aluminium roof, which combines the advantages of a fixed-head coupe when the roof is up, and full-on convertible fun when it’s down and even has a glass sunroof inset within it.

This is a very clever – and hugely complex - arrangement that gives the occupants the best of all three worlds, albeit at a hefty premium when the car was new. And just take a look at the alignment of the various panels, both raised and lowered. If that isn’t precision engineering, I don’t know what is.

The boot, which is home to the toolkit and what looks to be a new battery, is very clean and tidy. But then you’d guessed that by now, hadn’t you?

But, perhaps best of all is the engine start/stop button on the gearknob. That’s never going to get boring, is it?

As you can hear in the video, it starts on the button, ticks over evenly and with almost no vibration whatsoever, and drives beautifully. It’s fast, smooth, and utterly beguiling in the way it goes about its business; we’ve probably been guilty of using the ‘iron fist in a velvet glove’ analogy before, but it is utterly apt in the case of the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG.

And it’s a multi-sensory treat too, because it sounds like a Class One Offshore Powerboat at full chat, and a Rolls-Royce when you are just ambling along.

The engine bay is as clean as you’d expect it to be, and it’s got genuine carbonfibre components in there, FTW.

The MOT certificate expires in June 2020 and was gained without a single advisory. As such, the online MOT history shows nothing of concern whatsoever and confirms the car’s low mileage.

The car comes with a number of expired MOT certificates plus a sheaf of invoices and bills to confirm the work that has been done to it. Not that’s it’s needed much over the years other than routine servicing.

It also comes with a well stamped service history booklet, the original owner’s handbook and the storage wallet with the usual bumf inside.

Please visit the documents section of the gallery of this listing where you will find photos of this and other paperwork to support our claim that this car has been maintained to an impeccable standard.

If you’d like to inspect the car prior to placing a bid – something we would encourage – then please use the Contact Seller button to arrange an appointment.

NB. We know that many of you will be limiting your social exposure over the coming days and weeks, so if you’d rather not come to see the car in person, please give us a call and we can shoot a personal video of the car honing in on any areas you’d like us to concentrate on.

Or, even better, why not contact us with your mobile number and we can set up a WhatsApp video call? You get to direct us in real-time, giving you a virtual personal viewing experience while maintaining the lockdown. We like to call it ‘The Market’s 2020 Vision’…

With just 25,000 miles on the odometer, this meticulously engineered Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is barely run in and appears in the best condition of its life. Mechanically faultless, it looks stunning - and sounds even better.

As to value, we think it’ll sell for between £41,000 and £47,000, or less than a third of what it cost its first owner. That’s staggering value, in anyone’s book.

And the SL65 AMG is, you will recall, a luxurious convertible that can still hit 60mph in 3.6 seconds, and pass 100mph in seven-and-a-half. It is astonishingly quick when you’re in the mood for fun ‘n’ games - and astonishingly cossetting and discreet when you aren’t.

Those who know, know and those who don’t; well, who cares what they think? This is your 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 (as long as you don’t do anything silly, obvs…) is the icing on an already spectacular cake.

Oh, and in case you are still wavering, can we point out that the SL65 AMG produces just 14bhp less than a McLaren F1. Food for thought, eh?

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; 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’.

If needed, please remember we have a network of trusted suppliers we work with regularly and can recommend: Classic & Sportscar Finance for purchase-financing, Footman James for classic car insurance Thames Valley Car Storage for storing your car and AnyVan for transporting it.

BORING, but IMPORTANT: Please note that whilst we at The Market always aim to offer the most descriptive and transparent auction listings available, we cannot claim they are perfect analyses of any of the vehicles for sale. We offer far greater opportunity for bidders to view, or arrange inspections for each vehicle thoroughly prior to bidding than traditional auctions, and we never stop encouraging bidders to take advantage of this. We do take a good look at the vehicles delivered to our premises for sale, but this only results in our unbiased personal observations, not those of a qualified inspector or other professional, or the result of a long test drive.

Additionally, please note that most of the videos on our site have been recorded using simple cameras which often result in 'average' sound quality; in particular, engines and exhausts notes can sound a little different to how they are in reality.

Please note that this is sold as seen and that, as is normal for used goods bought at auction, the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. See our FAQs for more info, and feel free to inspect any vehicle as much as you wish.