2008 Mercedes-Benz SL63 (R230) AMG

The R230-generation SL was an instant hit following its public debut at the 2001 Frankfurt Motor Show and its subsequent crowd-pleasing appearance as the Formula One Safety Car at the German Grand Prix at Hockenheim later that year. The flagship models of the range were the formidable AMG variants from the wizards at Affalterbach, namely the V8-powered SL55 AMG and the V12 bi-turbo SL65 AMG. Both offered tremendous performance, complemented by exceptional road holding and ride quality thanks to their advanced Active Body Control (ABC) suspension system.

The facelifted SL63 was launched in 2008, replacing the earlier SL55. The supercharged 5.5-litre V8 of its predecessor gave way to the M156 naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8, also seen in the contemporary S63. As expected of any AMG SL, the SL63 delivered exceptional performance, with 518bhp and 465lb/ft of torque, mated to the all-new AMG Speedshift MCT 7-speed automatic transmission with steering wheel-mounted paddle shift.

The SL63 occupies a particularly special place in AMG history. Only around 270 examples of the 6.2-litre model were officially imported into the UK, and at its heart lies the revered M156 engine - the first powerplant designed and built entirely in-house by AMG, without Mercedes-Benz involvement. Development of the engine was led by Bernd Ramler, recruited from Porsche following his work on the Carrera GT’s V10, and previously responsible for the celebrated Cosworth 2.3- and 2.5-litre engines. The result was one of AMG’s most charismatic and technically significant engines, now widely regarded as a high point of the brand’s engineering independence.

Offered here is a superb UK-supplied, right-hand drive example finished in striking Palladium Silver Metallic over a black leather-trimmed interior, featuring satin silver accents and black ash wood veneer. First registered on 17th April 2008, the SL63 was showing 51,443 miles at the time of cataloguing and is accompanied by an impressive service history, including 13 main dealer stamps within the history file.

The most recent routine maintenance was carried out in July 2025 at 49,628 miles by Mercedes-Benz of Guildford. This consisted of an ‘A Plus’ service, including an engine oil and filter change, a new fuel filter, replacement front brake discs and pads, and a new oil cooler pipe, with almost £3,000 invested. A full-service history list is available to interested parties upon request. Possibly unique within the world of modern classics, Mercedes-Benz sold their cars with a 30-year corrosion warranty and Mobilo roadside assistance (so long as the vehicle was last serviced by a franchised dealer and is serviced up to date) indicating remarkable confidence in their build quality. 

Equipment includes Xenon headlights, front and rear parking sensors, a glass folding hard-top roof, Active Body Control suspension, selectable driving modes, dual-zone automatic climate control, a central COMAND media system with satellite navigation, cruise control, Airscarf neck warmers, a Harman/Kardon sound system, and electrically adjustable, heated and ventilated front seats with three-position memory. The appropriate Cherished Registration Number, CEZ 6300, will remain with the car.

The discreet styling, luxurious interior, precision engineering and sheer performance of the Mercedes-Benz R230 SL63 are now rightly recognised by today’s market. Frequently outperforming equivalent Aston Martin DB9 Volantes and Bentley Continental GTCs at auction, we invite and encourage inspection of this low mileage AMG roadster at our forthcoming sale, where it represents compelling value for money.