2012 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series

Chassis No. WDDGJ7HB5CF897771
First established as a company in 1967, the acronym AMG was derived from the surnames of founders Hans-Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, and the location of their first premises in Grossaspach, near Stuttgart. Both had previously worked as development engineers at Mercedes-Benz in Untertürkheim, but had grown similarly frustrated at the company's unwillingness to commit to future racing activity.
Rapidly gaining a reputation for producing powerful, tractable and reliable engines, AMG diversified into offering performance upgrades for a wide variety of Mercedes units; their work soon encompassing areas such as transmission, brakes and suspension as well. The 1970s and 1980s heralded a period of significant expansion for AMG, and in 1988 the company was appointed as the official racing partner of Mercedes-Benz. In 1990, a landmark deal ensured that AMG products could be sold and maintained through the existing global network of Mercedes dealerships, and only three years later, both companies unveiled the jointly developed Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG; the first such car to officially share both Mercedes-Benz and AMG badging.
The ever-closer synergy between the two entities was cemented with Aufrecht's sale of a majority stake in AMG to Mercedes in 1999; a move which preceded a complete buyout - and hence, full integration into the Mercedes-Benz family - in 2005. Now synonymous with - and integral to - Mercedes-Benz, AMG's influence extends throughout the current range, with high performance, ultimate specification AMG variants available in everything from A-Class sub-compact to top-of-the-range AMG GT Coupe.
However, while the profile of the AMG brand has grown exponentially in recent years, since 2006 they have simultaneously been developing their somewhat subversive Black Series brand. In contrast to the main AMG portfolio, that of the Black Series is restricted to two-door cars only, focusing heavily on AMG's illustrious racing background, ultimate performance and a simple, fundamental driving experience. Unlike direct competitors BMW and Audi, with their respective M Sport and Audi Sport performance brands, Black Series cars represent a further and even more uncompromising evolution of an already highly accomplished performance derivative, and undoubtedly represent the most important and desirable production-based Mercedes-Benz cars of the last 20 years.
As of 2022, just six models have formed part of their exclusive product range, with total Black Series production up to and including their third-generation SL65 AMG Black Series covering just 1,170 cars. Assuredly aimed at subscribers to the theory that too much just isn't enough, Black Series cars embody the concept of the road-legal race car; invariably featuring yet further power hikes and weight reductions as well as minimalist interiors and extravagant external modifications.
First launched in 2011, the C63 AMG Black Series was the fourth Mercedes-Benz to receive AMG's ultimate development package, using the already formidably fast 450 horsepower, 6.2 liter V8-powered standard AMG version as its basis. However, the fitment of a lightweight crankshaft, lighter con-rods and forged pistons - all sourced from the SLS AMG supercar - further boosted power to some 510 horsepower, this figure being accompanied by a monumental 457 lb-ft of torque. Driving through a seven-speed automatic gearbox, 62 mph was achieved in just 4.2 seconds, while its top speed of 188 mph was electronically limited.
However, it was in suspension configuration and appearance that the C63 AMG Black Series differed significantly; coilover suspension and widened front and rear track - increased by 1.5in and 3.1in respectively - affording the car significantly more lateral grip than its AMG counterpart. Wider fender flares were required to accommodate the revised dimensions, the car sporting a noticeably more aggressive look as a result.
This superb example of AMG's fourth generation Black Series car was acquired by The Halo Car Collection in 2016. Finished in the striking body color of Diamond White, it was trimmed with Black leather interior; the seats featuring Alcantara inserts and contrasting red stitching. Although it was possible to configure the C63 AMG Black Series with the rear seats removed, in this example they have been retained for enhanced practicality and increased cabin accommodation. Originally also specified with the popular AMG code B26 Aerodynamics Package, this car also boasts a front splitter, front canards and an adjustable rear spoiler; each being manufactured from carbon fiber and further adding to its already dramatic appearance.
Incredibly, the car also benefits from a Stage 3 Weistec M156 supercharger boosting power by 289hp and increasing torque by 187tq. All told total power is approx. 800hp with the Weistec Stage 3 system fitted and the resulting performance can only be wondered at.
As with all other cars in The Halo Car Collection, this magnificent machine was purchased with its undoubted credentials as Best of the Best firmly in mind; a fact neatly mirrored by the positioning of the AMG Black Series as the halo brand of Mercedes-Benz. It is presented in superb condition and has covered just 9,655 miles from new. In line with the low mileage, it is offered with two keys, original window sticker, first aid kit, and owner's manuals. Extravagantly specified and offering blistering performance even in its original form - since surpassed - it represents one of the most spectacular and capable two-door, four-seat coupes ever made. Furthermore, with limited production Touring cars such as the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz 190E-16 and Lancia Delta Integrale demonstrating huge collector appeal in recent years, the future possibilities for any AMG Black Series model appear similarly limitless.