Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.The Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG is one of the great sleeper supercars, a hand-built, twin-turbo V12 grand tourer that quietly delivers monstrous performance for a fraction of its original price. This 2009 example is a black-on-black car with 60,000 miles and long-term ownership. It is on Bring a Trailer at $17,250 with four days to go, and it represents a lot of hand-assembled AMG muscle for the money.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerWhat it's worth right nowThe standard SL65 AMG has become a genuine performance bargain as depreciation has run its course. According to Classic.com, the R230 SL65 AMG averages around $48,084, with sales ranging from about $20,856 to a $145,500 high, and clean, well-maintained examples generally trading from the high $20,000s into the $60,000s depending on mileage and condition.AdvertisementAdvertisementThis car sits toward the more accessible part of that market. Its long-term ownership since 2012 and documented maintenance are genuine positives, but the theft-recovery and damage history detailed below is a real value consideration, and the 60,000 miles place it in the middle of the range rather than the low-mile top tier.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerWeighing all of that, fair value realistically lands in the $20,000 to $32,000 range, most likely the mid-to-high $20,000s. At $17,250 with four days remaining, the bidding is climbing and should push into that band.Condition and detailsThe car presents as a well-kept, long-owned example. It wears black over black AMG Exclusive leather with carbon-fiber trim, and it is comprehensively equipped with the power-retractable hardtop, a panoramic glass roof, Active Body Control suspension, AirScarf, multicontour seats, and Distronic cruise control. The hand-built twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter M275 V12 makes 604 horsepower and a colossal 738 lb-ft, driving through a five-speed automatic. Recent maintenance is reassuring: the convertible top's hydraulic pump was replaced in July 2026, and the front brake pads, rotors, and tires were replaced in April 2026.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerThe central consideration is the history. The Carfax notes that the car was stolen, damaged, and recovered in 2022, and the seller explains it was taken by a worker during a home renovation, recovered within about two hours, and required a replacement front spoiler and re-keying. That reads as relatively minor, but a theft-recovery and reported damage on the Carfax is a material value and resale consideration, so review the details and confirm no structural or mechanical harm resulted.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerTwo mechanical points deserve real attention. The Active Body Control hydraulic suspension is a known and potentially expensive weak spot on these cars, so confirm its service history and health, which a commenter specifically asked about. And the twin-turbo V12 is expensive to maintain and demands specialist care, so budget accordingly despite the good records, and a pre-purchase inspection is essential.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerAdvertisementAdvertisementThe offerSpecificationDetailMakeMercedes-BenzModelSL65 AMGYear2009Mileage60,000 milesEngineTwin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12Power604 hp and 738 lb.ft of torqueTransmission5-speed automaticDrive typeRear wheel driveExterior colorBlackInterior colorBlack leatherCurrent bid$17,250, with four days leftInterested in this 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMG? View the listing here.What makes the SL65 AMG uniqueThe SL65 AMG sat at the very top of the R230 SL range, and its defining feature is its engine: a hand-assembled, twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter V12 producing 604 horsepower and a mountainous 738 lb-ft of torque, so much that Mercedes fitted a five-speed automatic because the seven-speed could not handle the twist. The result is a deceptively luxurious roadster that hides genuine supercar acceleration beneath its elegant, folding-hardtop bodywork, capable of the 0-60 mph sprint in the high-three-second range. It is the definitive velvet-hammer grand tourer.2009 Mercedes-Benz SL65 AMGBring a TrailerThat combination of hand-built exclusivity, a rare twin-turbo V12, and everyday luxury has made the SL65 one of the most underpriced performance cars on the used market. It offers a driving experience, and a badge, that once cost close to $200,000 new, now available for supercar thrills at family-sedan money, which is a large part of its enduring appeal.My takeI have a real soft spot for these, because few cars deliver this much torque, exclusivity, and presence for the money. A black-on-black SL65 AMG with its hand-built twin-turbo V12 is a genuine sleeper, understated to look at but explosively fast, and the long-term ownership and recent maintenance here suggest a car that has been cared for rather than flipped. For a buyer who wants maximum V12 drama on a sensible budget, the appeal is obvious.AdvertisementAdvertisementFair value sits in the $20,000 to $32,000 range, with the theft-recovery history and 60,000 miles keeping it below the low-mile, clean-history cars. So go in clear-eyed: review the theft-recovery details closely, confirm the health and service history of the Active Body Control suspension, and budget honestly for twin-turbo V12 upkeep, backed by a specialist pre-purchase inspection. Handle all of that, and you own one of the great hand-built AMG bargains, a velvet hammer for a fraction of its original price.Disclaimer: This post is for informational purposes only. We are not a dealership or broker. All vehicle specifications, pricing, and availability are subject to change without notice. We are not responsible for typographical errors, omissions, or the accuracy of the provided information. Please verify all details directly with the seller.Autoblog aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.This story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the Car Buying section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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