2003 Mercedes-Benz SL55 K8 Brabus R230

Highlights

• Low mileage of 54,000 miles
• One of only six RHD K8 built
• Genuine Brabus-built 530bhp 5.4L car
• Well maintained with last service in October 2025
• Over £10,000 of maintenance since 2021
• 2025 service included over £3,000 of work by Project AMG
• ABC pump, driveshafts and other work by Prestige in 2021
• Regular ceramic coat treatment to Obsidian Black paintwork
• Current MOT to May 2027 with no advisories

The Appeal

At first glance, the £70,000 required to transform a 493bhp SL55 into a 530bhp K8 seems a lot for a relatively small power hike. But that investment buys much more: Brabus’ engine tweaks give the K8 supercar-challenging mid-range pull and a top speed of over 200mph. Then there’s the rarity - just 50 were sold worldwide, of which only six were built in RHD like this Obsidian Black 2003 example.

It has covered only a few miles in its 23 years, most recently with the current keeper since 2023. The history file reinforces what you see in the photos - this is a very well-kept car. The paintwork and plush interior, with its panoramic roof and Brabus fittings, show few signs of age or use. The history file reveals regular attention by main dealers and well-regarded high-end marque specialists like Prestige and Project AMG. Since 2021, over £10,000 has been invested, including a new ABC pump, replacement driveshafts and regular servicing despite very limited use. The last service was in October 2025, when over £3,500 was spent at Prestige on servicing and other work.

With an advisory-free MOT to May 2027, this is a chance to buy one of the rarest and fastest supercars of the modern classic era.

Key Information

• Mileage: c.54,000 miles indicated (supported by MOT and service history)
• Country of registration: United Kingdom
• Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 27th May 2027 with no advisories
• Technical specs: Brabus-tuned 530bhp 5,439cc V8, 5spd automatic, ABC suspension
• Paperwork: 1 key, branded folder, handbooks, wallet, V5C, service book, invoices

Service history:

• 10/25 - 51,973 miles - Project AMG
• 05/23 - 50,405 miles - Calcot Cars
• 08/20 - 48,795 miles - Southern Cross (Mercedes specialist)
• 07/18 - 47,743 miles - Southern Cross
• 10/16 - 42,320 miles - Southern Cross
• 01/14 - 37,451 miles - D Newton (Mercedes specialist)
• 04/11 - 25,253 miles - Steve Redfearn (Mercedes specialist)
• 11/09 - 20,010 miles - Steve Redfearn
• 07/08 - 11,965 miles - Mercedes-Benz Waterhouse
• 05/07 - 8,943 miles - Mercedes-Benz Medway

Notable recent maintenance:

• 10/25 - £3,593 - Project AMG - servicing and other work
• 06/23 - £1365 - Alloy Wheel Direct - Brabus alloy wheel and centre cap
• 2021 - £6,340 - Prestige Car Services - ABC pump, driveshafts etc

The Detail

• Very rare K8 in Obsidian Black with factory exclusive black leather interior
• Features Brabus ‘Monobloc’ alloys and Brabus badging
• Paintwork presents well with some light stone chips to note
• Paintwork treated to ceramic coat treatment in 2019 and 2021
• Bodywork in good order including arches and sills as shown
• 20in Brabus alloys in good order with some light tarnish to note
• Fitted with matching Continental tyres dated 2026
• Underside as shown with no structural advisories on MOT
• Vario folding hard top with optional ‘panoramic’ glass roof
• Exclusive black leather interior with AMG-branded seats
• Seats show slight wear to driver’s bolster but otherwise very well kept
• Interior in good order with Brabus touches such as carbon trim
• Fitted with Brabus mats to cabin and boot areas
• Alcantara headlining in grey
• Well maintained with recent work to ABC pump and driveshafts
• No advisories on MOT

BEFORE YOU BUY

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