From the very beginning, the AMG-branded GT was more than simply a grand tourer. From the front mid-engine spaceframe chassis derived from that of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG to the quick-shifting transaxle dubbed AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G, the first-generation AMG GT is – without a shadow of a doubt – a corner-carving thriller.
It doesn't get much better than the AMG GT Black Series in this regard, for the limited-run special edition was developed to lap the Nurburgring faster than any other series-production Merc. Emphasis on series production because the F1-infused AMG ONE is faster still, clocking 6:30.705 on the short version of the world's most demanding circuit or 6:35.138 on the 20,832-meter (22,782-yard) lap.
The AMG GT Black Series couldn't do better than 6:43.616 and 6:48.047, respectively, which puts it right between the second-placed 991.2 Porsche 911 GT2 RS Manthey Performance Kit and the 992.1-generation Porsche 911 GT3 RS. Considering that production came to a screeching halt more than two years ago, that says a lot about the Black Series.
Roughly 1,700 units of the AMG GT Black Series were produced over approximately one year, all of them in coupe form. Chassis number W1KYJ8BA2MA041756 is one of those rarefied monsters, a low-mileage car specified in the most appropriate color for a track-oriented machine.
Enter AMG Green Hell Magno, a paint color that added $9,900 to the final price of this fellow. $325,000 is the suggested base retail price on the window sticker, which further shows $1,000 for the gas guzzler tax and $1,050 for destination. Optional extras? Make that $875 for the Lane Tracking Package, $4,500 for the Burmester high-end audio system, $1,600 for the matte-carbon crossbar, $550 for keyless go, $370 for an indoor car cover, and $1,200 for the AMG carbon-fiber door sill panels.
Photo: 77blazers on Bring a Trailer
Total retail price is listed as $346,045 for the 2021 model year, meaning that it's closer to $401,085 adjusted for inflation. Listed on Bring a Trailer with a Montana title in the seller's name, this rear-driven coupe is currently sitting on $325,000 after five bids. With six days left until the gavel strikes, the highest bid is likely to exceed four hundred grand.
This green-painted AMG GT Black Series is definitely worth that kind of money, more so after you see them 165 miles (266 kilometers) on the odometer. What's more, the first-gen AMG GT Black Series is certain to go up in value in the coming years due to AMG's flat-plane crankshaft V8.
M178 LS2 is how the 4.0-liter engine is dubbed, and no other road-going model in the lineup can be had with it. The second-gen AMG GT doesn't even feature the M178-series engine, but rather the cross-plane M177. What's more, Gen 2 models feature AMG's MCT transmission rather than the uber-expensive Getrag DCT of the first generation.
The only other application of the M178 LS2 is the Aston Martin Valhalla, a hypercar with three e-motors and no reverse gear. Combined, the 4.0L twin-turbo V8 and said trio of electric drive units develop 998 horsepower as opposed to 720 unassisted ponies for the AMG GT Black Series.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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