The racing version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe that has been developed for the GT3 series has, so far, won three driver and team titles: the FIA GT1 World Championship, the ADAC GT Masters and the FIA GT3 European Championship.
In celebration of AMG’s 45th birthday, Mercedes has created the SLS AMG GT3 “45th Anniversary”, which according to the company, is aimed “at car collectors with a particular penchant for motor racing”.
The car is deemed a collector’s item, as it will be built in just five examples, with Bernd Schneider, who has won five DTM titles as well as the 1995 FIA GT world championship, assisting the AMG engineer in installing the 6.3-liter V8 into the car and putting his signature, alongside the engineer’s, on each of the five V8s.
Priced at €446,250 (US$579,900) including VAT in Germany, the special edition bears a number of exterior and interior changes compared to the 49 other racing versions of the SLS AMG that have already been delivered to customers around the world since 2011.
The bodywork and the alloy wheels of the SLS AMG GT3 “45th Anniversary” are finished in a “design magno graphite” matte paint, the same as the SL 65 AMG that was unveiled at the New York Auto Show last April.
Under the matte paint, one can see the exposed carbon fiber reinforced plastic, which is the material of choice for the construction of the gullwing doors, the bonnet, mudguards, boot lid, rear wings, front and rear spoilers and rear diffuser.
The interior is that of a fully functional racing car but with details such as the “design magno graphite” finish on the steel rollover cage, the matte carbon fiber finish trim on the dashboard and center console and the silver-painted six-point harnesses and steering wheel.
Moreover, there’s a carbon fiver safety cell on the co-driver’s side, a “1 of 5” inscription on the seats and center console and a “45 Years of Driving Performance” logo on the indoor car cover.
Just in case onlookers miss the fact that this is a special edition racer the same logo, in contrasting silver, adorns the car’s doors.
By Andrew Tsaousis
PHOTO GALLERY
