Everybody's favorite roadster has added yet another award to its prestigious repertoire - the SL65 AMG was recently voted "The Fantasty Convertible" by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA).

The award was given after NEMPA members, consisting of New England-based automotive journalists, tested the SL during the annual Ragtop Ramble convertible driving event from Boston to Kennebunkport.   When asked why the SL65 was chosen as the "Fantasy Convertible," Gerry Miles, NEMPA President and automotive editor for New Hampshire’s Portsmouth Herald, responed:  “Because it would be a fantasy to own one, never mind be lucky enough to secure seat time behind the wheel of one.”

I've never heard of Gerry Miles, or the NEMPA for that matter; either way, we couldn't agree more with their choice.

For more info, you can check out the full press release below.





OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE


MERCEDES-BENZ SL65 AMG VOTED “THE FANTASY CONVERTIBLE”
SL: Still Winning Awards After 50+ Years


MONTVALE, NJ – Mercedes-Benz is proud to announce its award-winning SL convertible sports car lineup has yet another trophy to add to its cabinet – the SL65 AMG was voted “The Fantasy Convertible” by the New England Motor Press Association (NEMPA). NEMPA members, consisting of New England-based automotive journalists, tested the limited-production, high-performance hardtop convertible during its annual Ragtop Ramble convertible driving event from Boston to Kennebunkport this summer.

“Why fantasy?” asks Gerry Miles, NEMPA President and automotive editor for New Hampshire’s Portsmouth Herald. “Because it would be a fantasy to own one, never mind be lucky enough to secure seat time behind the wheel of one.” The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class began with the 1954 300 SL coupe and has continued uninterrupted production ever since. Decades later, the SL is still coveted as the most luxurious and fantasy-worthy convertible. The SL65 AMG features a powerful 6.0-liter 12-cylinder, twin-turbo charged engine, hand built following AMG’s one-man-one-engine philosophy for unparalleled quality and workmanship. Supplemented by 738 lb.-ft. of torque, the SL65 boasts 604 horsepower and rockets from 0-60 in just over four seconds.

For those looking to make the fantasy into a reality, the 2006 Mercedes-Benz SL lineup ranges from $93,675 for the SL500 to $185,775 for the SL65 AMG. For those dreaming of SLs of generations past, the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center, located in Irvine, California, is set to open this winter. The Classic Center will retail, restore and provide parts for all Mercedes-Benz classics, including earlier SL models.


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