The matte black finish on what is normally an elegant Mercedes SL550 caught my eye first. Then the 417 logo on the head rest puzzled me. Retreated to my extensive automotive library (aka Google) and immediately learned this car is a one of 417 special edition models commemorating Mercedes unexpected win in the 1955 Italian road race called the Mille Miglia. Sixty years ago a Mercedes 300SL was driven by a pair of Americans to a first place in class and fifth overall over the 1,000 mile road course. The race started at 4:17 am and the 300 SL’s race number was 417, hence the “417” moniker. Me thinks that’s a little odd but as the last year of the R231 platform before the 2017 refresh I guess Mercedes needed a marketing boost. This 2016 Mercedes SL550 Mille Miglia 417 Special Edition sold new for perhaps $120,000 and six years later is available at half that. A unicorn.
Car and Driver made note of the extensive use of red stitching and interior trim, writing “It’s not discreet, but it is well executed.” I’d second that. I don’t hate it although it’s an awful lot of race car aesthetics on what is still a JR Ewing car (and yet a model I am seriously considering – more on that tomorrow). It may be a low end niche collector car someday due only to the low numbers?
Not only does the head rest have the Mille Miglia 417 logo, it’s home to the wonderful Mercedes Airscarf heated blower to keep the neck and shoulders warm during top down fall runs to the winery. I really, really like this.
Even the rims get red lips. The color is officially Designo magnetite black metallic paint finish. I wonder how many times at cars and coffee I’d be asked if it was wrapped? I think I like it, although I wish something more had been done to the car’s performance. Borrow some bits from an SL63, perhaps?
The Mercedes SL550 is powered by a 4.7 liter twin turbo V-8 and a seven-speed automatic transmission, good for 60 mph runs in a windblown hair over four seconds. Not an SL63 but still very fast. The V-8 makes 449 hp and 516 lb-feet of torque at only 1,800 rpm. I drove a 2013 SL550 not long ago and mistakenly thought it was the older 380 hp SL550 – was stunned at the acceleration. Top speed is a governed 155 mph. This car is loaded and a data card search revealed it actually does have auto cruise control (Distronic Plus) even though not noted by CarMax. Might cost more if it did. Use the savings for MaxCare – this one will not be cheap to fix. Find this two owner, accident free Mercedes SL550 here in Rivergate, Tennessee.
