2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS 6.2 V8 AMG Roadster

Jaguar E-Type fans will undoubtedly disagree but perhaps the most recognisable sports car of the 1950s was the classic Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. With its dramatic doors, this was the ultimate supercar of its time and the very mention of the name evokes memories of Grace Kelly and grainy black and white racing footage. It was the embodiment of half a century of Mercedes motorsport pedigree and pleasingly, became the inspiration for a modern interpretation - the brand's equally desirable SLS AMG model, launched in 2010.

It's not just the gullwing doors that awaken reminiscences of the legendary 300 SL as the characteristic wide radiator grille with the large Mercedes-Benz star and the wing-like fin are also reminiscent of the face of that historic sports car. The three-dimensional, sculptured front with the low, v-shaped, front skirt with lateral indentations gives this new gullwing a powerful, almost aggressive stance on the road, a sort of 'don't mess with me' look. The car's dominance is underscored by six large air intakes and the wide-set, Bi-Xenon vertical headlamps.

There's something utterly beguiling about a large capacity V8 and the one you'll find under the bonnet of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG is an absolute peach. It's a 6.2-litre unit and was the first V8 from the AMG stable to be designed from the ground up, with its initial application being in the E63 super-saloon. The engine was further developed for the SLS with a dry-sump set-up and 120 unique parts and, in this guise, could muster a very healthy 563bhp. It's a simply superb engine and even when running on a light throttle it rumbles and crackles like distant thunder and lightning. It's mated to a seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission complete with a 'Race Start' launch-control system enabling a claimed 0-62mph time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 197mph.

The SLS is one of those machines that had modern-classic written all over it from the moment it first saw the light of day and Mercedes themselves state on record that they will only build such a special car once every 50 years or so, and there was never any replacement either planned or offered. Whilst it was the first car to be fully designed by AMG in-house, it was sadly the last to be fitted with a naturally aspirated V8, the most powerful normally aspirated engine they had ever built. However, it wasn't just a case of prodigious power and retro-inspired styling that made the SLS a modern icon as, when EVO magazine pitched it up against some pretty serious rivals, it won the motoring press over with its blend of all-round ability and everyday usability. Pitched head-to-head with Aston's V12 Vantage, Ferrari's 599HGTE and the evergreen Porsche 911 Turbo S, the AMG's depth of talent won the day.

Finished in Imola Grey Metallic with a Black Designo exclusive leather interior, this immaculate, right-hand drive, SLS AMG Roadster has covered a mere 5,493 miles. The massive original specification was added to by some 16 factory options including AMG Carbon trim, AMG performance steering wheel, AMG Speed shift DCT 7-speed transmission, AMG Ride Control Sports Suspension, Auto dimming interior and exterior mirrors, electric seats, reversing camera and blind spot assist.

Dating from 2014, it was imported to the UK from South Africa in January 2016 to join a very exclusive collection where it has been stored and cossetted since and used only sparingly. The history file contains information about the full process of the car's import, which was conducted by industry specialists, and details of a visit to Mercedes-Benz Basingstoke to update the software and UK mapping. In September 2020, it had a full service with Auto Torque at 2,780 miles followed, in June 2025, by a full service by Mercedes-Benz Sheffield at an indicated 4,987 miles at a cost of £5,336.

The SLS AMG was destined to be a modern classic from the moment it arrived and this superbly presented and maintained Imola Grey Roadster example would fit perfectly into any collection of important motor cars.