The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary race car has been unleashed, with the German manufacturer confirming it will produce the new special edition in an exclusive run of just five bespoke racers to celebrate the milestone.
Mercedes says the ultra-rare hand-built SLS AMG GT3 Gullwing has been designed for car collectors with a passion for motor sport.
The 45th Anniversary edition’s 6.3-litre V8 engine is personally fitted to the engine bay by five-time DTM champion and Mercedes-AMG brand ambassador Bernd Schneider.
Schneider has carried out the majority of test drives for the SLS AMG GT3 and has competed for a variety of AMG teams throughout 2012, and his signature, as well as that of a professional engine fitter who assists him in the process, is etched into a badge atop the brawny powerplant.
Like the 45th Anniversary version of the SL65 AMG revealed earlier this year, the SLS AMG GT3 sports ‘designo magno graphite’ matt paint, as well as silver ‘45 Years of Driving Performance’ logos on the gullwing doors.
The lightweight racer features carbonfibre doors, mudguards, bonnet and boot lid, rear wings, front apron, front splitter and rear diffuser, while carbon also spreads to the cabin across the dashboard and centre console.
Mercedes has continued the matt grey theme over the steel rollover cage, while the six-point seatbelts and steering wheel spider are finished in contrast silver.
Special ‘1 of 5’ badges on the seats and centre console remind of the car’s exclusivity and round out the enhancements.
The five lucky customers will be invited to a unique handover ceremony at the Mercedes-AMG headquarters in Affalterbach, where Schneider will personally introduce the new owners to their new cars.
The program also includes a tour of the factory, a behind the scenes look at the AMG Performance Studio and engine ‘Manufaktur’ (hand-finishing section), and, upon request, a race track coaching session with Schneider.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3 45th Anniversary is priced from 446,250 euros ($567,000), a sizeable 48,790-euro ($62,000) premium over the standard SLS AMG GT3.