Mercedes SL55 AMG - Carlsson CK55 RS580

• Simply awesome in every way!

• Only 23k miles from new

• One of only 3 UK CK55 RS580 upgrades

• Comprehensive history

• 12 main dealer and specialist stamps

• Huge folder of invoices and provenance

• Find another!

[Click images to enlarge]

We are proud to offer for sale our mega rare Mercedes SL55 AMG, modified by Carlsson to CK55 RS580 spec, one of only 3 UK full Carlsson upgrades, low mileage, stunning, one for the enthusiast and collector. Our SL is even rarer in beautiful Tanzanite Blue, with only 23k miles from new.

Our modern classic is currently being prepared. Please use the contact us link above to register your interest.

Draft description:

Here at QuickandBig.com we are proud to be able to offer for sale, this appreciating modern classic, the 5.4l, V8, supercharged, Mercedes SL55 AMG (R230), one of only 3 UK examples to have been fully modified to legendary German Mercedes tuners, Carlsson’s CK55 RS 580 spec.

Back in the day, respected tuner, Carlsson’s conversions were covered by Mercedes original manufacturers warranty.

With the benefit of super low mileage (only 23k from new), high factory specification, really rare colour (Tanzanite Metallic blue), beautifully comprehensive service history and mega rare Carlsson upgrades is there a more desirable SL55 on the market?

The R230 was and still is a technical and performance “tour de force” the Supercharged AMG delivers hard top comfort, top down cruising and super car performance. Jeremy Clarkson bought one, given the SL55 AMG is so good at so many thing he described his as a “Swiss Army Knife.”

The best SL55 AMG’s values are climbing fast, as those of us who wanted one when they were new (basic price was around £100k plus our examples many extras, and the Carlsson upgrades), can now own one of our early motoring icons.

Any AMG with the Supercharged V8 (M113K) engine, is an increasingly desirable thing, after all, engines like this, will never be seen or heard again! As with all modern classics, the advice from forums and magazines is to buy the best you can afford.

When our lovely SL55 left the AMG Affalterbach plant its supercharged V8 was said to produce a conservative, 493bhp / 700 Nm. This was not enough for the infamous Hartge brothers at German tuners Carlsson. In 2004/05, after a suitable running in period, our muscle car, was sent to Birds UK (UK Carlsson agent) and upgraded to full RS 580 spec, at a cost of £27,500.

The modifications included:

-     Beautiful 20 inch forged “Ultra Light” alloy wheels (according to Birds there are only 6 sets in the UK).

-     Front and rear spoilers, 20mm suspension lowing module (still retains the ability to raise the suspension for speed bumps etc).

-     Carbon fibre cabin inserts weaved with Tanzanite Blue.

-     580bhp / 780Nm upgrade incorporating upgraded: supercharger pulley, intercooler, injectors, intake / induction system, tuned stand alone ECU, gearbox software, replacement stainless steel exhaust with high flow cats, and top speed delimiter.

Chris Harris probably summed up the conversion better than I can, in his Autocar review he said:

“It’s an expensive conversion, but it makes the SL55 one of the fasted – and best sounding –cars on the road. And once you’ve seen those 20 inch rims, you’ll be hooked.”

The SL55 AMG, at launch was Mercedes fastest and most powerful production car, “standard” 55 AMG’s without the Carlsson upgrades achieving 0-60mph in under 4.5 seconds and go on to an electronically limited 155mph.

Car Magazine back in the day, are alleged to have got a standard but derestricted SL55 AMG to 60mph in 3.9 seconds and on to 202mph. If you are brave enough and can find an Autobarn devoid of Sprinter vans in the outside lane, our RS580 should be a genuine 200+ mph missile.

Outstanding low mileage SL55 AMG’s are becoming rarer by the day, those given the full Carlsson treatment, rarer still. We are told by Kevin Bird (still tuning German cars), that only 3 SL55’s in the UK had the “full fat” engine conversion.

LG53AVY (currently registered as 5635MG which will be removed prior to sale) has only covered 22,706 miles, that’s an average of less than a thousand miles a year, backed up by comprehensive service and MOT history. It was registered on 10/10/2003, and therefore benefits from being lower road tax at £430 pa, ironically our near 600bhp V8, is ULEZ exempt.

Presented in stunning and very rare Tanzanite Blue (very, very metallic / dark blue / almost black), complimented with Alpaca Grey leather interior, our SL presents in beautiful condition and is a credit to its enthusiast owners.  

In our view, our Carlson RS 580 is beautifully presented inside and out, and benefits from a number of desirable factory extras in addition to the Carlsson upgrades, including, keyless entry / start / stop, BOSE hifi, and heated massage seats.

The SL55 AMG was loaded with standard equipment (even by modern day standards). Its spec is exhaustive, but here’s some of the highlights: Active body control, variable ride heights (for speed bumps etc), steering wheel mounted sequential gear shifts, electronic steering wheel adjustment, auto dip rear view and door mirrors, cruise control, power fold door mirrors, soft close boot, climate control, front and rear Parktroninc, command sat nav / linguatronic, memory seats, auto bi-xenon head lamps, cooled glove box, head lamp washers, multiple air bags and electronic stability program (you can turn it off, not sure I’m that brave). This list goes on and on.

Since I first saw and heard one of these SL55 AMG back in the noughties, I’ve wanted one. At the time, I was working in Central London and our Managing Director drove one into his private car park on Oxford Street every day, the sound as exhaust note bounced off the tall buildings as he approached is still etched on my mind. The Carlsson exhaust sounds even better!

Our rare SL comes with a comprehensive service folder, including almost 20 old MOT certificates, around £15k worth of maintenance receipts, numerous old V5’s, information from Birds on the Carlsson upgrades and its original book pack, the folder is a petrol heads idea of bed time reading!

In its original service book there are records of 12 Mercedes Main Dealer and Specialist services, most recently for us at respected AMG Specialist’s MB Medway.

Our CK55 RS 580’s service history is summarised below:

6/2005 – 3k miles Mercedes Benz Walton on Thames

9/2006 – 5k miles Mercedes Benz Greenoaks

1/2008 – 8k miles Tony Purslow MB Specialist

10/2009 – 9k miles Mercedes Benz Tony Purslow

9/2011 – 13k miles Mercedes Benz Canterbury

9/2013 – 17k miles Mercedes Benz Canterbury

9/2015 – 19k miles Mercedes Benz Canterbury

10/2017 – 20k miles Mercedes Benz Canterbury

9/2019 – 20k miles Mercedes Benz Canterbury

5/2021 – 21k miles MB Medway

6/2023 – 22k miles MB Medway

4/2025 – 23k miles MB Medway

Its MOT history is excellent, and backs up its low mileage as genuine, the most recent test was passed with no advisories and does not expire until 5/10/25, we will of course put a fresh MOT on the AMG upon sale.

The Carlsson Super Light alloys, are beautifully original and come shod with Continental Sport Contact 6’s 255/30/20 front and 305/25/20 rear tyres with 6mm and 5mm of tread respectively.

Our rare SL55 AMG comes with book packs, wallet, fitted wind deflector, jack, tools,1st aid kit, Mercedes tyre inflator pump, trickle charger, Tracker (subscription required) and 2 working keys.

For the Carlsson’s lucky new owner, it will also come with an independent 90+ point pre delivery inspection. It is of course HPI clear, a copy of the PDI and full HPI report will be available to potential purchasers.

Many thanks for wading through our lengthy description, we believe it’s better to describe our cars fully. It is not in our interest to waste your time or ours, with inaccurate or incomplete descriptions. It does of course have the odd age related imperfection (which used car doesn’t), but for its age it really is outstanding.

Our SL55 AMG, Carlsson CK55 RS 580, really does tick all the QuickandBig.com boxes, its very, very quick, beautifully presented, fabulously original, comprehensively maintained, super, super rare and appreciating in value.

Please visit the photographs again as they form part of the description, familiarise yourselves with our terms and conditions and use the “contact us” tab at the top of the page, to arrange a viewing / test drive by appointment. Any inspection is welcome. Part exchange particularly if it’s quick, big or rare a pleasure.