MODEL HISTORY The company began with Bodo Buschmann wanting to customise his cars, but discovered most existing customisers could not grasp his vision or meet his requirements so he decided to start his own brand. After Buschmann had decided to start his own brand, Brabus GmbH was originally registered in 1977 in West Germany with Buschmann’s friend Klaus Brackmann because German law required a company must be established with at least two people. The company name was derived from the first three characters of the founders’ surnames (Brackmann, Buschmann). Following the company’s foundation, Brackmann did not show interest in modifying vehicles or running a business, so he sold his company shares to Buschmann for 100 euros - The R230, introduced in 2001, continues the evolution of R129 with smoother body design and new peanut-shaped headlamp design. The fifth-generation SL-Class featured a retractable hardtop (marketed as the Vario Roof) from the SLK-Class, Active Body Control (ABC) active suspension system, Keyless Go keyless entry and Sensotronic Brake Control (SBC) electro-hydraulic brake system. - A fully equipped SL600 is ordered from Mercedes-Benz and is sent to the Brabus factory where the engine is removed and completely stripped down. Cylinders are bored to 83mm and a special crankshaft is ordered, steel conrods and Mahle pistons are fitted to increase capacity from 5.5 litres to 6.3. With new engine management and new camshafts plus a few other tweaks, power increases to 640bhp at a cost of £27,000. Styling revisions and whole host of other additions would be made available via the extensive Brabus catalogue. - EQUIPMENT Green Black Metallic, 5 Speed Automatic, Brabus Styling, 20 inch Brabus Monoblock VI Alloys, Brabus Engine, Brabus Suspension, Command Sat Nav, Phone Prep, Keyless Go, Climate Control, Electric Heated Memory Ventilated Multi Contour Seats, Multi CD, Bose Sound, Bi-Xenon Headlamps, Park Distance Control, Power Hood, Carbon Fibre Trim inc Heated Multi Function Steering Wheel, Folding Mirrors - EXTERIOR Where most tuning companies will provide some cosmetic additions in the spirit of aesthetics, Brabus have developed this SL using composite materials to both optimise chassis balance and support engine performance. This factory example has been exposed to the full styling exercise with full front and rear aprons, side skirts, rear spoiler and diffuser – generating a visual impact that strikes a perfect chord between style and aggression. - The deep Green Black metallic paint presents very well with a lustful shine thanks to fastidious ownership and careful use; presentation throughout is very good indeed with some light chips to the bonnet to be expected. Lights, trim, rubbers and plastics have all survived well and match the wonderful condition of this rare V12 special. - INTERIOR Unadulterated luxury and individuality inside the cabin are a Brabus speciality. The interior is a professional affair with Exclusive Grey leather contrasted by carbon-fibre on the centre console, the upper and lower sections of the steering wheel and on the tops of the door cards. The seats are in excellent order showing factory contour and shape whilst offering a range of accommodating options with power adjustments, heat, ventilation and even an active lumbar massage system! The folding hard top works in perfect order and retracts seamlessly, going from coupe to convertible in seconds. - ENGINE & TRANSMISSION The SV12 Biturbo engine has been developed and tuned by Brabus and includes the installation of a custom-designed one piece crankshaft, larger diameter pistons and precision-balanced piston rods which increase displacement from 5.5 to 6.3 liters, The Brabus engine sets new performance standards with 640 hp and over a 1,000 NM of torque! - Naturally in an attempt to harness the enormous power, a special Brabus self-locking differential was introduced alongside the torque tolerant 5-speed automatic gearbox. - WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES The multi-piece Monoblock VI wheels are unmarked and show no signs of curbing wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 6 with substantial thread on all four corners. - A high-performance brake system easily handles even the most extreme braking stress. It features 375 x 36-mm vented and cross-drilled discs with 12-piston (!) fixed calipers in front, and 355 x 28-mm discs with 6-piston fixed calipers on the rear axle. Brakes all appear in good order with pads and discs showing no signs of lipping or wear. - HISTORY FILE Delivered to Brabus as a brand new SL600, the original vehicle build contract shows the conversion cost at over £180k including the donor car. - Brabus spec sheets included in the history file are a feast for the eyes and list the incredible detail and care they would be prepared to invest with creating these bespoke machines. This epic sports roadster has led a pampered life with no less than 10 visits to the main dealer throughout it’s 18 year life and the original service invoice illustrates that the car has never travelled further than 7k miles in between service visits. - All of the original books, manuals and Brabus Catalogue are present in the history file. - To compliment the already impressive handling characteristics, Brabus developed an electronic module for the suspension which also lowers the ride height by up to 25 millimeters.