2012 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class in Amelia Island, Florida

Chassis No. WDDRK7HA6CA007899

AMG engineers and designers are used to creating powerful and dynamic automobiles; however, nothing could have prepared them for what they were told in a Sindelfingen boardroom in the late 2000s. In short, they were requested to create not just a new AMG super sports car, but one that brought their most cherished design - the 300 SL 'Gullwing' coupe - into the modern era. A difficult task to be sure, but who could knock it out of the park if not AMG and Mercedes-Benz? When launched at the 2009 Frankfurt International Auto Show, the world was smitten by the sleek new coupe, one that perfectly captured retro details of the Gullwing and brought that classic, powerful 1950s design into the modern era.

Always with one eye on tradition, Mercedes followed the coupe with the SLS AMG Roadster in 2011. Now those who dreamt of open-air motoring while being thrust along with all the power - 563 horsepower to be exact - of the coupe's dry-sump 6.3-liter 'M159' V8 could do so in luxurious convertible style. The monumental power from what Mercedes claimed in 2009 to be, "the world's most powerful naturally aspirated production series engine" is sent to a seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle via a carbon fiber driveshaft, saving weight and improving the car's overall balance.

Ordered in the subtly sinister color combination of Obsidian Black Metallic over Black/Anthracite Exclusive leather, this SLS AMG Roadster is not, as would be expected by those who know Mercedes, short on luxury. Standard on a car of this caliber, the SLS AMG featured Keyless-Go start, Thermotronic climate control, Parktronic parking aid, bi-xenon front headlamps, Airscarf, and the AMG high-performance compound brake system. Additional options on this Roadster include ten-spoke AMG forged wheels painted titanium grey with a high-sheen finish, high gloss carbon fiber interior trim, and Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG 'High End' Sound System. Perhaps most remarkably of all, this SLS AMG Roadster features shows just 7,283 miles traveled in the past ten years. It is unlikely that another naturally aspirated powerhouse like these SLS AMGs will ever be designed again, making this open-air tourer an excellent opportunity to savor the magnificence that is the first car designed entirely by AMG as the world moves towards electrification.