2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG Black Series

OVERVIEW

"The coolest, baddest, and most stealthy Mercedes-Benz AMG ever made, with the performance to back it up." – Bruce Canepa

Click here to view high resolution photos

One of 175 produced for the United States
661hp/738 lb-ft of torque, hand-built 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine
Carbon-fiber bodywork, AMG limited slip differential, AMG adjustable suspension
AMG Speedshift Plus 5-speed automatic transmission with variable modes
Factory MSRP of $304,350.00 in 2009
6,838 miles - Extensively serviced per clear Carfax report
Includes owner’s manuals, original window sticker, and tools

Mercedes-Benz built a reputation creating well-built and thoroughly-engineered automobiles, creating icons throughout time. While Mercedes was working through new designs and producing cars, AMG was quietly (and sometimes not so quietly) taking some of these designs and applying their sense of insanity to them. More power, increased handling, higher performance, and muscular styling created a cult following for the tuning house, eventually being absorbed by Mercedes-Benz and becoming their in-house performance department. AMG is known for creating icons such as the AMG Hammer, CLK-GTR, and the CLK DTM, all of which were known for their insane power and handling prowess. However, when asked what is their favorite 2-door road-going AMG car, this elusive and under-the-radar choice always appears for many: the Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG, Black Series.

If giving a Mercedes to AMG is turning the dial to 10, then the Black Series moniker is jamming the dial even farther. The Black Series designation is saved for only the most exclusive and maximum performance models, and the SL65 AMG Black Series is one of the most famous. Sinister from every angle, the hand-built 6.0-liter V12 twin-turbocharged engine produces 661hp and an earth-turning 738 lb-ft of torque. Maximizing the mechanical grip, engineers widened the car which is obviously apparent from the bulging fender flares. With body panels made from carbon fiber, a fixed roof for rigidity and weight savings, the performance behemoth isn’t just a one-trick pony. Swathed in leather, the interior of the SL65 AMG Black Series is as luxurious as you’d expect, with comfortable seats equipped with massagers and excellent outward visibility. Electronically limited to 199mph, 0-60 miles an hour in 3.6 seconds, all while in the luxury known by Mercedes-Benz, the SL65 AMG Black Series has performance to spare while keeping the occupants in comfort. With only 175 examples created for the U.S. market, seeing an SL65 AMG Black Series is a rare sight. Experiencing one is an even greater feat, with your brain not being able to comprehend how a Mercedes-Benz SL could accelerate, brake, and handle with such ferocity. That is the way of AMG.

This SL65 AMG Black Series was first delivered to Murray Motor Imports of Denver, Colorado. Spec’d in black with a black AMG exclusive leather interior, SL65 AMG Black Series cars were heavily optioned from the factory with little-to-no extra options available. Options included AMG adjustable suspension, 19” and 20” AMG wheels, High Performance Brakes, AMG Sport Exhaust, AMG Limited Slip Differential, AMG Carbon Fiber Trunk Lid Spoiler, 12-way adjustable massaging seats, AMG Exclusive leather, Carbon fiber interior trim, 10-speaker Harmon Kardon sound system, Bi-Xenon headlights with active curve illumination, and numerous others. All this power, performance, and style didn’t come inexpensively, with the original window sticker showing an MSRP of $304,350.00 in 2009!

The car was first sold on July 3rd, 2009. The first owner kept the car maintained at Murray Motor Imports during their ownership as noted on the Carfax report, and on July 9th of 2015 the car was serviced at Mercedes-Benz of Westminster. The car throughout its time in Colorado was serviced no less than 11 times while in Colorado, supporting that this SL65 AMG Black Series was very well cared for. Its most recent owner purchased the car in April of 2019 and kept it in his expansive collection of automobiles. During his ownership, he drove it only 184 miles.

An SL65 AMG Black Series is always a welcome sight at Canepa, with its aggressive factory styling that is unmatched and with performance specs that rival supercars even in 2020. With only 6,838 miles, the car presents in fantastic condition both cosmetically and mechanically.

Upon arrival at Canepa, each and every collector car for sale is put through an extensive and diligent process called the “Canepa Difference.” This includes a major and comprehensive mechanical inspection where all systems are checked and serviced as necessary. They also receive an award-winning concours-level detailing, a thorough cleaning of each and every surface that ensures that every car is a sight to behold. Finishing off with a foam-pad-only polish to enhance the paint finish, each and every car is a perfect example and a personification of Bruce Canepa’s impeccable attention to detail.

One of the most aggressively-styled Mercedes-Benz cars to ever leave Germany, the SL65 AMG Black Series is a unique experience every time you drive it. All prior thoughts of what an SL-Mercedes is goes out the window as soon as you press the ignition in this car. It’s massive 6.0-liter V12 roars to life and as soon as you push your right foot down on the accelerator, you’re gone. This low-mileage example, being only one of 175, is a rare treat to own and experience, and will leave you and your occupant smiling no matter the place you arrive to.