The AMG name is synonymous with performance when it comes to Mercedes-Benz vehicles. I introduced a little bit of AMG’s history (formally known as “Mercedes-Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach”) last October when I presented an exceptional SLK55 AMG roadster to the community. Today, we get to admire another one of AMG’s finest creations – this time, in a more vivid color.
The Pick of the Day is a 2003 Mercedes-Benz SLK32 AMG listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Edgewater, Florida. (Click the link to view the listing)
“This is a rare SLK32 AMG convertible hardtop with only 30,100 original miles,” the seller says. “Highly desirable Sunburst Yellow.”
The SLK-Class roadster rode on what Mercedes called the “R170” chassis and debuted as a concept car at the Paris Motor Show in late 1994. Its retractable hardtop, called the Vario-Roof, took only 25 seconds to deploy or retract. In typical fashion, engineers sought to take this already-capable platform to new performance heights in Affalterbach, Germany at the AMG facility. Enhancements were made to the front and rear fascias, brakes, wheels, and other elements. “These were hand-built and have capability to go from zero to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds,” the seller says.
Under the hood, plentiful power comes from a supercharged “M112” 3.2-liter V6 that was rated at 349 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque. The engine itself has a placard on top of it with the signature of the individual who completed final assembly. It also states Mercedes-AMG – Affalterbach, Germany. While some versions of the CKL-Class were available with a five-speed manual transmission, the SLK32 AMG was offered only with a 5G-Tronic five-speed automatic.
Definitive sources for production data for this model appear to be limited, so I was unable to find verified data from Mercedes-Benz. Some enthusiast forums state that there were 4,333 total SLK32 AMG models produced worldwide and about 1,000 of them stayed in Germany. It would be fascinating to see a more granular breakout that included color combination, because Sunburst Yellow does seem quite rare.
Does this performance-oriented drop-top catch your eye as much as it did mine? Considering it sold for $55,450 when new about 21 years ago, the current asking price of $25,500 or best offer seems fair for a car with only 30,000 miles and in such a unique color combination. There surely can’t be many left!
To view this listing on ClassicCars.com, you can find it in the archives at Pick of the Day.
It has paint issues and interior blemishes. Asking price is high.