“The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is a dramatic, fast and thoroughly engaging high-performance car, especially in its most powerful GT C Roadster guise… (with) a 300km/h top-speed and a sub-four second 0-100km/h time.” – Auto Express.
AMG, which is now the official performance division of Mercedes-Benz, has a long history of producing high-performance derivatives of Mercedes’ standard production vehicles, and these improved versions enjoy an enthusiastic following worldwide, with prominent figures of the motor sports, entertainment, sport, and business communities being counted among aficionados. On 1st January 2005 the then parent company DaimlerChrysler acquired 100% of AMG’s shares, leading to the creation of what is now one of the world’s most celebrated performance marques: Mercedes-AMG.
Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in October 2014, the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupé was only the second model, after the SLS, designed entirely in-house by AMG. In appearance the GT looks similar to the SLS, both cars being the creation of lead designer Mark Fetherstone, but has conventional doors rather than its predecessor’s gullwing type, thereby lowering the centre of gravity.
Boasting a spaceframe chassis/body of mainly aluminium construction, the GT in its ‘entry level’ form is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 469bhp, while the AMG Speedshift seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission is similarly state-of-the-art. The engine is set well back in the frame and the transmission is housed in a rear transaxle, helping to keep the weight distribution at what Mercedes calls an optimum 47/53 percent front-rear split. Developed with input from Mercedes’ Formula 1 World Champion Lewis Hamilton, the Mercedes-AMG GT was chosen to serve as the F1 Safety Car for the 2015 season. Deliveries commenced in March 2015.
Introduced at the same time as the GT was the higher performance GT S, and later in the year a GT3 competition version was announced. Premiered in 2016 for the 2017 model-year were three new variants: the GT Roadster, high-performance GT R Coupé, and GT C Coupé and Roadster. In standard form the GT Roadster uses the same 469bhp engine as the GT Coupé, while the range-topping GT C has a mighty 549bhp on tap. Essentially the same mechanically as the Coupé, the Roadster boasts a neat and well-insulated convertible canvas roof. The GT C version also comes with 20″ wheels, adjustable suspension, an electronic limited-slip differential, active rear steering, red brake callipers, parking sensors, reversing camera, and a premium Burmester sound system; all this in addition to the already generous standard GT specification. Inside the Nappa leather interior the fortunate owner will find electric memory seats and Mercedes’ COMAND online infotainment system with an 8.4″ display, in addition to all the other luxuries one expects to find in upmarket modern Gran Turismo.
Released at the same time as the GT C was a limited-edition model, the Edition 50, celebrating AMG’s 50 years of existence. Limited to a production of 500 units, the Edition 50 was available in a choice of two special colour schemes: Designo Kashmir White Magno and Designo Graphite Grey Magno, while other special features included black chrome exterior trim, headlight surrounds and cross-spoke forged wheels; two-tone silver pearl or black against grey quilted leather; and ‘Edition 50’ and ‘1 of 500’ lettering on the suede-trimmed steering wheel.
Delivered new to Sweden and registered there, this rare and exclusive Mercedes-AMG GT C Edition 50 Roadster comes with virtually every option that one could wish for; indeed, the accompanying ‘extras’ listing runs to 60 lines! Offered for sale by the Swedish private owner, this collectible modern Mercedes comes with all books and tools. Relatively rare and dramatic in design, the AMG GT C Roadster Edition 50 is without question one of the most glamorous soft-tops that Mercedes has ever made.
Please be advised that due to the age and limited number of kilometres recorded on the odometer, this Lot may incur VAT liability upon registration in the EU. The VAT payable will be the rate prevailing in the country of registration.
Report by bonhams.com
