Bring A Trailer auction preview: Mercedes V12 flagship convertible.
2008 Mercedes-Benz AMG SL65 Convertible
VIN – WDBSK79F28F140545
Exterior Color – Black
Interior Color – Black leather
Engine – 6.0 Liter Bi-Turbo SOHC 36V V12
Transmission – 5-speed automatic AMG SpeedShift
Current Miles – 75,526 miles
Owner Purchase – Purchased in 2023
General Overview
With more and more car companies moving to taller SUV platforms and electric drivetrains, few examples remain where drivers can enjoy premier personal luxury with the powerful balance of AMG performance and Mercedes-Benz quality. Loaded with amazing suspension and performance features, the AMG SL65 package is powered by a powerful 604 hp V12 Bi-Turbo engine delivering astonishing performance metrics in all categories. All this power is delivered via 5-speed automatic transmission hauling down from 0-60 4.5 second launches via six-piston aluminum caliper disc brakes. As with all AMG products, the build quality is superb, with engineering taken to a whole new level of performance metrics far ahead of many performance cars of this period. Suspension dynamics coupled with astonishing performance are furthermore enchanting as all this can be equally deployed for general transportation requirements, adding a dose of excitement when activating the fully retractable convertible roof, which smoothly folds down, nestling under the hard-shell cover which creates a smooth rear deck.
The ideal combination of performance and luxury in a convertible is steeped in Mercedes-Benz traditions, but in this modern V12 premium iteration, all the magic of open road performance driving can be achieved with the comforts of premium audio, beautiful leather trimmed finishes, excellent climate control, and multi-adjustable power seats.
History of This Car
This AMG was delivered new to Mercedes-Benz dealer Fletcher Jones Motorcars, Newport Beach, CA. Handsomely optioned from the factory with impressive features, this car originally sold for over $180k when delivered new. In addition to a host of luxury and performance standard features including DVD COMAND navigation, 19” AMG twin-spoke alloy wheels, 6-Disc CD changer with Harmon/Kardon Sound System, and Bi-Xenon headlamps, to name just a few, this car is outfitted with the following options:
731 Burl walnut Wood Trim
396 Voice Control
284 Wood/Leather Shift Knob
262 Delete Parktronic
Y83 Alcantara Headliner Charcoal
The car was sold to the first owner who maintained the car at the selling dealer until it was sold to the second owner in June 2013 then indicating 32,000 miles. Services included regular fluid changes, new tires, brake pads, four-wheel alignment, and a new battery. The second owner retained the car until 2014 continuing services with Fletcher Jones including fluid checks, new AC condenser, AC receiver/dryer, and AC service. The third owner continued services with authorized Mercedes-Benz dealers in California as it accrued just over 75,000 miles when it was sold to a dealer who sold it to the current consigning owner in June 2023.
Services of note include:
2023 – Both batteries replaced, radiator hoses, belt tensioner and belt, engine mounts, new hydraulic line, rear seal and seal cover, new driveshaft flex joint, new crank position sensor, engine gaskets, transmission service including gaskets and filter, new spark plugs, and AC system charge.
2023 – Both catalytic converters and entire exhaust system from headers to tail pipe replaced.
2021 – Michelin Pilot Sport 255/35 R19 front and 295/30 R19 rear tires, valve cover gaskets replaced.
2016 - New radiator, new power steering pump, new engine mounts, and stabilizer bar bushings.
The current owner has compiled a history of all services performed on the car including receipts for current services totaling over $20k while under current ownership.
General Condition
Today this SL65 presents quite nicely in elegant black over black leather interior. The exterior finish has been measured with a digital paint meter returning single digit thicknesses consistent with factory applied paint with the passenger side rear fender showing 10, 11, and 9 indicating respray in the upper rear fender area. The finish is in generally good condition with typical minor flaws found on mostly the front facing surfaces consistent with driver level condition as found on cars that has been enjoyably driven. All glass, clear front and rear lenses, and exterior body trim are in very good cosmetic condition including the AMG quad exhaust tips flanking the rear bumper. The body is free from major blemishes with a few expected scuffs on the underside edge of the front air dam. All openings function properly with excellent closure, proper gapping, and crisp fit to front and rear bumper caps. The wheels and tires are in excellent condition as well with no curb rash and consistent finish to the 19” rims. Silver finished brake calipers are mounted over disc brakes at all four corners. Michelin Pilot Sport 255/35 R19 front and 295/30 R19 rear tires were installed in 2021.
Inside the car, the supple, factory fresh black leather interior exhibits excellent finishes throughout including the seat bottom of the driver’s seat cushion left side eat bolster which remain quite nice. All interior components have been beautifully maintained including smooth and supple leather trimmed door panels, excellent red accent stitching, sculpted dash, and beautifully finished optional Alcantara headliner. The seats offer multiple power settings and memory with fantastic bolstering that is both supportive for sport driving and comfortable for long range cruising. The CD 6-disc changer and Harmon/Kardon audio system offers premium sound. The power retractable roof operates smoothly nestling in the trunk but still leaving usable space for weekend luggage. The trunk is properly lined with factory materials along with various tire changing tools and space saver spare wheel stored beneath the carpeted stowage floor panel.
Under the hood, the powerful hand-crafted 6.0 Liter AMG Bi-Turbo V12 engine offers incredible performance. The engine has been properly maintained both mechanically and cosmetically, under specialized Mercedes-Benz care and detailing since new. Factory components, trim, and manufacturer’s engine compartment stickers remain in place in excellent cosmetic condition. The undercarriage condition is very nice overall, clean, well-maintained including the recently installed new twin cat exhaust system. Suspension and various exposed components revealed in the underside are also in excellent condition, displaying a clean and stock appearance.
Driving this AMG is a performance experience like no other. Power is progressive and precise with impressive handling. Under daily use while idling in traffic, it’s easy to forget how much power is on tap. With the top up, the cabin is quiet and intimate while on warm days the roof easily retracts, and enjoyable cruising can be accompanied by brisk engine sounds or symphonic sounds from the premium audio system. Unlike so many fussy or hard to manage high-performance cars, this AMG SL65 represents a tremendous value to those seeking the pinnacle of V12 performance which can be readily and regularly enjoyed.
Items Included with the Car
This beautiful Mercedes-Benz AMG SL65 is accompanied by a set of factory manuals with factory leather pouch, tire changing tools, and copies of selected service records.
The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.
Fantasy Junction • 510-653-7555 • 1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608