In the 1990s and early 2000s, Mercedes-Benz’s AMG performance division made faster cars primarily by using large, potent V-8s that powered models such as the W202 C 43 sport sedan and W463 G 55 off-roader. At one point in the 2000s, AMG switched to forced induction and started supercharging V-6s and V-8s, and even twin-turbocharging V-12s! Our Pick of the Day is a product of that delightful era in AMG’s history. You can find this 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG listed on ClassicCars.com by a dealership in Sonoma, California. It comes with service records, two sets of keys, window sticker, and owner’s manuals.
The R230 generation of the SL offered a mild-to-wild spectrum of performance options. For unhurried boulevard cruising and trips to the country club, there was the SL 500. The SL 600 brought huge waves of smooth, twin-turbo V-12 power; its SL 65 sibling had an even larger and more potent V-12. AMG fitted the first-series SL 55 with a supercharger that helped its hand-built 5.4-liter V-8 crank out 493 horsepower and 516 lb-ft of torque, which a five-speed automatic delivered to the rear wheels.
Of course, AMG also modified everything around the SL 55’s engine to give it the show to match that go. It added a body kit, high-performance brakes, shift paddles, and other features to set the SL 55 apart from its more restrained siblings. This car was spec’ed with the SL 55 AMG Performance Package, which adds an AMG Safety Car front bumper with side air extractors, staggered-width 19-inch AMG wheels, upgraded AMG brakes, Active Body Control (ABC) suspension with AMG “Nürburgring” calibration, locking differential, 186-mph top speed, and Alcantara-trimmed AMG steering wheel.
The ’06 model you see here comes in the eye-catching color known as Mars Red. The Charcoal leather interior’s list of features — heated and ventilated seats, adaptive cruise control, dual-zone climate control, tinted glass roof panel, and Bose audio — help make lighting up the rear tires a pleasant and comfortable experience. Lowering the power-operated hardtop will really let in the aroma of scorched rubber.
These days, you can’t get a new SL with the instant power of a supercharged V-8. The good news is that you can buy this 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL 55 AMG for $25,900.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
