2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL55 AMG Convertible

2004 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Description

Mercedes-Benz is one of the most storied and respected automakers in the world. The attention to detail... the rigidity of construction... the passion forperformance -- to drive one isexhilarating. To own one and is aunique experience that a select few are lucky enough to attain.
The flagship roadster SL-Class has attained iconic status overits 60+ yearhistory. Instantaneously recognizable, unmistakingly Mercedes-Benz.
But... this is not your father's SL. 493hp and516b-ft of torque argue otherwise. Sure... take it for a light stroll around town and it is amazingly unassuming, luxurious, and civilized. Step on the gas, however, and this AMG roars forward with unleashed fury -- complements of the supercharged 5.4L V8 and sports exhaust. The experience is indescribable... usually rendering its passengers speechless but with wide grins. Fun. A LOT of fun!
Upon release, Car and Driver deemed the SL55 the "quickest factory Benz we've ever tested" -- boasting 0-60 in 4.5 seconds, 0-100 in aludicrous10.9 seconds, and the 1/4 mile in 13 seconds flat at 110mph. Only a limiter keeps the beast in check once 155mph is reached.
Unfortunately, this level of engineering, performance, and luxury comes at a price... a STEEP price. A BASE price of over $118,000 -- in 2004! A supercar, but unfortunately at a supercar price.
Herein lies the opportunity. With just over 50,000 miles, this Benz hastreaded less than 5,000 miles per year over its life. Its price, however, has treaded NEARLY $100,000 lower -- almost $2 of depreciation per mile driven!
But this is not your problem... again, that is your opportunity. A chance to own a timeless, refined classic for $24,500. Your neighbors, however, will think you spent $100,000.
I purchased this AMG at a Mecum auction in Chicago in 2014. It was one of thestars of the show... one of the sales hailed on the on-air broadcast, with the hosts drooling over the shiny silver paint as the RIGHT COLOR. And it is.
Unfortunately, I never really had the chance to enjoy the car as much as I would like. With a growing family, I found it increasingly difficult to find time to break away in a 2-seat roadster. So, short trips here and there, and just ~2k miles were added since mypurchase. Alas, this car deserves better... it deserves to be DRIVEN... and that's where the next owner comes in.
So why this one? First, it's unmolested -- not subject to oversized aftermarket rims, ground effects, or high spoilers. Design as it was intended. It's also the right colors -- with the factory silver shimmering in the sunlight, and the gray perforated leather seats beaming with a hip sophistication (not too hot in the sun, I might add). The engine instantaneously roars on startup. The tire treads are full. The batteries (2) are brand new. The windows and locks all work. No warning signs illuminate on the display. Body panels are straight.
Is it perfect? Well, no. But it has aged much better than its 12 years would suggest. Normal signs of wear and tear, including bumper rash/scrapes and a crack all the way up front. A small ding on the trunk lid. An A/C unit that generally blows cold, but some days decides to call in sick. Certainly none of this adds up to the $100,000 already taken off of the sticker.
I welcome the opportunity for you to reach out with any questions. We can chat specifics. You can come drive it. We can arrange a PPI. I want the next owner to buy with complete confidence. I realize that buying a 10+ year old MB can come with some uneasiness (I did it), so I look forward to helping along the way. Send me a note if you would like a link to start-up andwalk around videos.
The car deserves better. It deserves to be driven... or better yet, paraded. Help it find a new home.