With regards to unique high-performance Mercedes and AMG icons of the fashionable period, you’ll most definitely flock in the direction of the plain names: The McLaren-Mercedes, SLS AMG, AMG GT Black Sequence, or perhaps, in uncommon situations, should you’re feeling notably daring, a CLK GTR. However there’s an equally compelling and infrequently missed 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 Sequence, one of many purest street-legal observe toys ever created by the parents over at Affalterbach. The common-or-garden R230 SL could function the bottom, however that is no peculiar SL. Former TopGear presenter, Jeremy Clarkson, who famously reviewed it again in ‘09, referred to as it ‘mind-boggling’ and he’s not incorrect.
With huge 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 had been made, however solely 175 items 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 the event you’re the type 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 Sequence could seem like one thing cooked up in a digital idea, however there was methodology to the insanity. The usual R230 was by no means what you’d name featherweight. The SL, in spite of everything, was a grand tourer, and luxury took priority. So when AMG got down to create the last word observe toy, that they had their work lower out.
The SL’s retractable onerous high made manner for a set carbon-fiber roof. Your entire 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 burden all the way down to 4,122 kilos, which remains to be moderately hefty, however enough when paired with a customized AMG-tuned suspension, a stiffened chassis, non-obligatory 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 journey can pay dividends on observe, the SL Black’s harsh journey has an influence on its on-road usability. One thing to remember.
As for that engine, we’re speaking a few 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 from the usual SL65 AMG, besides that for this specific utility, AMG’s engineers strengthened the internals, tweaked the turbos, upgraded the intercoolers, and recalibrated the ECU. The end result? 661 horsepower, which isn’t that huge a quantity by fashionable requirements, however for ‘09, these had been spectacular. That’s extra energy than a Ferrari Enzo.
Torque although was fairly substantial at 738 pound-feet. In truth, AMG needed to electronically restrict the torque to make it work with the five-speed automated transmssison, which despatched energy solely to the rear wheels. 0-60 mph occurs in 3.8 seconds and the highest pace is electronically restricted to 199 mph, and with out the restricted, you’re 210 mph.
These extra-wide fender flares are a useful aspect 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 Sequence 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 Pace | 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 right this moment, however even again in ‘09, it was an endangered species. AMG’s focus had already begun to shift in the direction of the now legendary 6.2-liter V8, which made its manner into every thing from the C63 and E63 to the gullwing SLS. Whereas the Black Sequence line was concerning the aforementioned ‘brute power’, all of them featured V8s. The SL65 Black Sequence is the one AMG Black Sequence 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 Sequence, its case for collectibility will get loads clearer.
Values and Funding Outlook
When it hit the showroom ground in 2009, a $300,000 sticker worth was moderately steep for a beefed up SL for an economic 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 one in every 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 taking place within the $350k vary, which remains to be lower than the SLR. A pristine U.S.-spec instance with low miles may simply command much more, particularly whether it is in he uncommon Mars Crimson shade. 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 Sequence
In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to seek out an SL65 Black Sequence, as with every automobile, documentation and originality will probably be essential. Most of those automobiles had been delivered to collectors, so ultra-low-mileage examples do exist. You must be particularly cautious about modified automobiles, or ones which have had their exhaust or ECUs tinkered with. Torque-converter put on was a recognized subject on these automobiles, 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 Sequence, Think about These V12 Alternate options
Ferrari 599 GTO
- Manufacturing Years: 2010–2012
- Manufacturing Numbers: 599 items
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $743,651
Lamborghini Murciélago LP670-4 SV
- Manufacturing Years: 2009–2010
- Manufacturing Numbers: 186 items
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $640,091
Aston Martin V12 Vantage (First Gen)
- Manufacturing Years: 2009–2013
- Manufacturing Numbers: ~1,200 items (excluding particular editions)
- Common Market Worth (Previous 5 Years): $163,000
Why The SL65 AMG Black Sequence Is A Extremely Underrated Future Basic in Plain Sight
Whereas the SLS Black Sequence and fashionable AMG GT Black Sequence coninue to garner a whole lot of consideration within the collector group, the SL65 Black Sequence stays the underdog unicorn of AMG’s golden period. Too heavy, too costly, too insane for its time; it is a automobile that shouldn’t have existed and right here we’re 15 years later, appreciating its analog attraction.
Because the final V12 Black Sequence, the SL65 additionally marked the tip of the period. No track-mode trickery, no hybrid aids, simply old-school fire-breather power feeding thrust to 2 rear tires. In right this moment’s age of DCT this and AWD that, the SL65 Black Sequence could appear hilaroulsy outdated, however thats the entire level. It is a automobile that each one about brute power 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 Sequence had been constructed?
A. Mercedes AMG constructed 350 items of the SL65 AMG Black Sequence, with 175 items coming to the USA.
2. What makes the SL65 Black Sequence so particular?
A. The SL65 AMG is the one V12-powered AMG Black Sequence ever made, making it considerably rarer than an SLR McLaren or SLS Black Sequence.
3. Is the SL65 AMG Black Sequence 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 Sequence?
A. Whereas the SLR McLaren and SLS Black Sequence are sturdy AMG investments, none throughout the Mercedes steady match the rarity and V12 drama of the SL65 Black Sequence. In the event you’re after a V12 from this period, your greatest choices are a 599 GTB or a
5. What colours had been out there on the SL65 AMG Black Sequence?
A. The SL65 AMG Black Sequence was provided in restricted manufacturing facility shade choices, together with Obsidian Black, Designo Mystic White, and Iridium Silver, with Mars Crimson being the rarest.
