Rare Mercedes-Benz SL tuned by AMG heading to auction in Florida

A 40-year-old Mercedes-Benz 500 SL, one out of only eight such cars made by AMG for the United States, will be crossing the auction block in Florida soon expected to fetch $150,000–200,000.

The two-door classic has over 180,000 kilometers (112,000 miles) on the odometer, but is still believed to be particularly valuable. The main reason is that it was designed by AMG back when it still was an independent tuning company and not a part of Mercedes.

Back in the 1980s, the Mercedes-Benz SL for the United States was known as a cruiser with comfy suspension, a couple automatic gearboxes to choose from and miserable amounts of engine power. AMG realized that there was a demand for sportier, faster modifications, but was ultimately able to build just eight such cars, equipping each with a powerful new engine and manual transmission. You can watch the video for another example.

As for the car on sale, it packs a 5.0-liter V8 with a modified header assembly and exhaust system. A Getrag transmission with close gear ratios carries 280 PS (276 hp / 206 kW) to the wheels through a limited-slip differential, allowing the sports car to hit a top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

The best Mercedes could offer on the U.S. market in the early eighties was a 3.8-liter modification rated at 204 PS (201 hp / 150 kW). It maxed out at 214 km/h (133 mph).

Among other things, the tuned exotic benefits from Bilstein suspension components, 16-inch BBS multi-spoke wheels, and Recaro leather seats in the cabin.