The first Black series AMG. A forgotten modern classic
The tiny Mercedes SLK monster is part 5 of the Future classic? -series
This is the "spend big win big" entry to this list. The SLK 55 AMG Black is the forgotten Black Series Merc. Every else Black Series AMG has made big bucks but the SLK 55 has remained in the shadows (at least in my view). The small F1-nose imitating even cute convertible was famously driven in front of the very cars it was trying to imitate. A massive 5.4 litre V8 was delicately squeezed under the bonnet and then it was famously bought by a chain-smoking orangutan. The one bought by the ape was a common car compared to the Black Series SLK.
Only a hundred was made during 2006 and 2007 and it had 40 more horsepower than the standard SLK 55 AMG. Which meant, 400 angry naturally aspirated horsepower wedged in a tiny convertible that weighed less than 1500 kg. There are many SLS and CLK Black Series on the market and they are more expensive than the SLK Black. Buy one when one appears on sale since it is rarer and cheaper than any other Black Series AMG and therefore will only go up in value.
The Black series SLK has a few styling cues that differ it from the regular SLK 55 AMG. It has small air intakes in front of the larger and unique 19-inch wheels. Carbon fibre is used quite liberally both inside and out. Oh, and I almost forgot. The SLK 55 AMG Black series is a coupé. A carbon fibre coupé hardtop was installed in favor for the heavy open top contraption.
It might not be as up in your face as the other Black series Mercs. But it is the first Black series and that has to count for something.
Other parts of the series can be found on the TSH main page here.
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Comments (1)
I am quite keen the std version of this car. It will be a true classic one day.