The 2008 Mercedes-Benz CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition stands as a monumental tribute to four decades of high-performance engineering from Affalterbach. Limited to a global production run of just 40 units, this pillarless coupe was designed to be the ultimate expression of the C216 platform. With a staggering original MSRP of nearly $299,000, it was one of the most expensive and exclusive vehicles in the Mercedes-Benz lineup. This specific example, finished in the model-exclusive Liquid Metal paint, represents a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of AMG history that has covered 87k miles.
Liquid Metal Finish And Forged AMG Aesthetics
The visual character of this anniversary coupe is defined by its Liquid Metal (047) paintwork, a complex finish designed to flow over the body lines like molten silver. The silhouette remains classic AMG, featuring aggressive bumper covers, sculpted side skirts, and the signature quad-exit AMG Sport exhaust system. A set of forged 20-inch AMG double-spoke wheels provides the necessary scale for the large wheel arches, while a glass sunroof maintains the open-air feel of the pillarless design. Every exterior detail was crafted to emphasize the car’s dual nature as a sophisticated grand tourer and a high-speed intercontinental ballistic missile.
Diamond Stitched Brown Leather And Carbon Fiber
Inside the cabin, the 40th Anniversary Edition is treated to a bespoke environment featuring AMG Exclusive Brown Premium leather with intricate diamond-pattern stitching. The dashboard, center console, and door panels are wrapped in two-tone brown leather, contrasted by high-gloss carbon fiber trim that identifies this as a special series. Tech features are abundant, including Night View Assist, Distronic Plus adaptive cruise control, and an 11-speaker Harman Kardon LOGIC7 sound system. The V12-branded headrests and anniversary badging on the center stack serve as constant reminders of the vehicle’s limited-run status and elite mechanical pedigree.
Twin Turbocharged V12 Power Delivery
Performance is dictated by a handcrafted 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged V12 engine that delivers an effortless surge of power. This massive powerplant produces 604 hp / 612 PS and 738 lb-ft / 1,000 Nm, channeled to the rear wheels via a robust 5G-Tronic AMG Speedshift transmission. The driving feel is managed by an AMG-modified Active Body Control (ABC) suspension, which uses hydraulic actuators to virtually eliminate body roll during cornering. Despite its grand proportions, the CL65 remains remarkably composed under pressure, with massive ventilated and cross-drilled rotors providing the necessary stopping power for such a high-output grand tourer.
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Engine | 6.0L Twin-Turbo V12 |
| Curb Weight | 5,000 lbs / 2,268 kg (Factory Benchmark) |
| 0-60 mph | 4.2 Seconds (Factory Benchmark) |
| Top Speed | 186 mph / 300 km/h (Factory Benchmark) |
| Production | 1 of 40 Worldwide |
A Collector Grade Investment In AMG History
In the global collector car market, the CL65 AMG 40th Anniversary Edition competes with the Bentley Continental GT Speed and the Aston Martin DB9. Its unique selling point is its extreme scarcity, as finding one of the original 40 cars is an increasingly difficult task for enthusiasts. While standard CL65s have faced depreciation, these anniversary units have stabilized as modern classics due to their specific badging and the legendary Liquid Metal paint. For the collector who values the “hammer” philosophy of AMG’s V12 era, this Mercedes-Benz offers a level of prestige that few other modern coupes can match.
Legacy Maintenance And Value Trends
This particular unit comes with a clean Carfax report and a well-documented history, including its original window sticker showing the $298,775 initial price. Reliability in these V12 models often hinges on the maintenance of the Active Body Control system and the ignition coil packs, both of which have been addressed as part of its ongoing care. As an investment, the 40th Anniversary Edition remains one of the most sought-after iterations of the C216 generation. It represents a time when AMG was given a blank check to celebrate its heritage, resulting in a vehicle that remains as impressive today as it was in 2008.
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Source: bringatrailer.com
