SCM Analysis
Detailing
| Vehicle: | 2013 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Black Series |
| Years Produced: | 2012–13 |
| Number Produced: | 800 |
| Original List Price: | $125,000 |
| SCM Valuation: | $126,440 |
| Tune Up Cost: | Plate on radiator fan shroud |
| Distributor Caps: | Plate on doorjamb |
| Club Info: | AMG Private Lounge |
| Website: | http://www.mercedes-amg.com |
| Alternatives: | 2008 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series, 2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, 2008 Mercedes-Benz SLK |
| Investment Grade: | C |
This car, Lot 131, sold for $90,042, including buyer’s premium, at RM Sotheby’s London, U.K., auction on September 6, 2017.
AMG Black Series cars elevate their fortunate owners into an ultra-exclusive club. AMG’s bespoke “black label” is to the automotive world what the Black American Express card is to the credit-card industry: In both cases, Membership Has Its Privileges.
AMG Black Series cars have rarity, sinister power and Nürburgring performance. Every few years, AMG releases a Black Series edition in order to remind the industry that “alles in ordnung” in Affalterbach.
Like a young Arnold Schwarzenegger flexing his muscles on Venice Beach, Black Series cars exude muscle, power and strength.
Unlike other “special edition” cars, Black Series enhancements are not merely cosmetic or ornamental. Rather, the Black Series treatment represents a major performance makeover of an already competent and potent AMG car.
“The Black Series treatment includes weight reduction, bucket seats, exterior alterations, interior alterations, higher power, greater traction, handling, and significantly greater overall performance. Black Series models are known as street-legal race cars.” — Wikipedia
When compared to modern “high-volume” Mercedes AMG cars, Black Series editions have historically been quite rare. For example, in 2009, AMG built a measly 350 SL 65 Black Series cars — and only 175 of these made it to America. To put this in perspective, between 1954 and 1955, Mercedes-Benz built more than 1,400 300 SL Gullwings.
On a relative basis, the total production volume of Black Series cars has been historically ultra-low. To date, only five Mercedes models have been given the Black Series treatment— the SLK 55, the CLK 63, the SL 65, the SLS 63, and most recently, the C63.
The upside
Our subject car is unique — and in demand — because it is likely the last normally aspirated AMG Black Series car to be produced.
From a performance and condition standpoint, this C63 Black Series checks all the boxes. It has more than 500 horsepower and can sprint to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds. Top speed is a blistering 186 mph. This example is a single-owner car with less than 6,000 miles on the clock.
A new car in 2013, this C63 spent its first four years in the Middle East and only recently found its way back the West. This C63 is finished in an attractive Diamond White Metallic with a black Alcantara interior.
The downside
No matter how much horsepower, carbon fiber, suspension modifications and exterior alterations are bestowed upon it, this car still looks like a C-Class Mercedes-Benz. Furthermore, the C63 is the least rare of all Black Series models. AMG intended to produce 650 units, but strong demand increased production to 800 examples.
Subjectively, the C-Class is weak in styling.
Relative to some of the more iconic modern Mercedes designs, the C63’s unremarkable styling leaves a lot to be desired — even with all the AMG Black Series enhancements. The silhouette of this car is unlikely to go down in the Mercedes record books. From a styling perspective, the C-Class coupe falls short because it lacks a classic, timeless and memorable design.
Relative value
A search for C63 Black Series cars for sale in North America and abroad put our subject car on the low side of asking prices for similar cars with far higher mileage.
For the purpose of the here and now, our subject car appears to be on target and even leans towards being well bought.
However, the vexing question here is the future appreciation prospects for this car. While it is certainly a bona-fide Black Series, AMG produced too many of them.
The high production statistics push the C63 Black Series into the realm of the not-so-rare category.
Of all the Black Series models on the secondary market today, the C63 sits on the low side of the totem pole.
There are several extraordinary Black Series models available that offer far more appreciation potential. True, an SL 65 or SLS Black Series is another price category altogether. However, if you are a collector and plan to throw down six figures on a car, you might as well swing the club the whole way. As the adage goes, “You get what you pay for.”
A track-ready road car
“It handles like a 500-horsepower Miata.” — Motor Trend, November 2011
If you put valuation and collector appreciation considerations aside, the C63 Black Series is a home run.
The C63 Black Series is a capable, modern, track-ready daily driver. Back in the day, race cars were driven to the track, raced, and then driven home.
Drivers used to proudly say, “Run what you brung.”
This car is a hugely overpowered, lightweight, nimble machine that is a ball to toss around the street and the track. The car’s initial media launch was a spectacle at Laguna Seca in the fall of 2011.
The press swooned over the performance and handling of the C63 Black Series. Those who have had time in the cockpit say it’s a nifty and impressive package.
One friend summed up the car with the following unusual metaphor: “The C63 Black Series is like great-fitting underwear; it’s snug and supportive in all the right places.” ♦
(Introductory description courtesy of RM Sotheby’s.)
