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Woman Maths: Mercedes SLK55 AMG

3 weeks ago

Writer:

Helen Wakerley | Social media consultant

Date:

14 June 2025

I only really regret selling three cars. The first was a Toyota iQ; the second, a Bornite Mercedes 190E, I have shared with you already; and the third was a bombastic SLK55 AMG. A car that felt as big as a shoe and may have taken some of the same styling cues. Unlike my 190E, I know where my SLK is – hello, Neil – and for now, I am at peace with the promise that I can buy it back. The stables are heaving, so for its own welfare, it is better off where it is.

During my Ferrari days, one of the mastertechs drove an SLK, and I ribbed him mercilessly about it. I couldn’t fathom why he’d want such a tiny, girly car… Dear reader, I cringe as I write. The realisation I was wrong (and an insufferable snob) came a few years later when my other half became obsessed with the idea of making an SLK F1 safety car replica, complete with light bar and signage.

Of course, once he came across a rare bluey-green, low-mileage car with all the right options, he was sold, so his search for a silver car to molest goes on. I don’t actually know how many cars have passed through our hands, but of them all, this wore the prettiest paint. In the shadows it was a dark, brooding blue, but in the sunshine, the blue peeled away to reveal a glittering turquoise green. Set against bright silver AMG wheels, with a simple dark leather cabin, it was perfect. It still looked a bit like a shoe, but a very attractive one, with a nose slightly reminiscent of the iconic SLR.

The AMG V8-engined SLK holds a special place in Helen's affections

Whoever decided to fit a 5.4-litre V8 into the littlest Benz deserves our respect – and perhaps a padded room. It should not work. Frankly, it is ridiculous, and in no world would Mercedes make something so silly today. And yet, it works. It worked so well I completely monopolised it. Thomas didn’t get a look in. You know that big joyful feeling you get deep in your chest when you are driving a car that feels as though it’s enjoying it too? It is figuratively and literally singing along with you, every straight a charge and as the wind rushes past, it takes all your worries with it. For me, that is the best kind of therapy and something at which in my experience the little AMG was uniquely adept.

The car’s crowning moment was during a road trip to Wales with a big group of friends. It was the oldest and smallest car, and yet I kept up with GT3s, GT4s, AMG Black Series, and a number of the spiciest hot hatches. The perfect balance between lout and lord, I knew where it would end up on the other side of a corner, and yet it was thrilling, sounded great and managed an almost respectable 24mpg. It wasn’t the fastest by any means (not even close), but it was the scrappiest, and it gave everything it had with gusto.

The diminutive SLK55 AMG had no problem keeping pace with much faster cars

Bit of a tangent, but stay with me. Since the Alpine A110 came out, I’ve wanted one. Dan’s fault, really… The opportunity to drive a pink press car arose, and I immediately whisked it up north. It was everything I hoped it would be – salute to my fellow Ti contributor David Twohig and his talented team. But as I was driving home, I realised that the space I had for a small fun car had already been filled by another. And despite its compromises, it was the little shoe with the big heart that filled it. To the brim.

The only word of warning would be subframe corrosion, but I believe Mercedes will still replace them for free. If not, many will already have been done. A clear underseal might be a good idea, but other than that, it is wonderfully solid mechanically. I also think I noticed a jump in enjoyability after I fitted Michelin Pilot Sport 5 rubber, but I’m a Michelin fan-girl so take that with a pinch of salt.

How’s this one for size? Very rare cream interior, but a touch on the expensive side at £18,950. It has been for sale for a long time, so a cheeky bid might just do the trick.

Photography by Alex Penfold

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