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.
