Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2008)

Mercedes-Benz’s CLK 63 AMG Black Series roots were as a rolling testbed for AMG's mighty M156 V8, the brand's first entirely self-built motor. Launched in 2005, this is still widely regarded as one of the greatest production car V8s ever built, an engine that remained in use for nearly a decade in multiple applications within the brand. These test cars made an appearance on the CLK Black's launch event, used by the AMG personnel as pace cars for the track test.

Used as a safety car for the 2006 Formula 1 season, that specially developed CLK 63 AMG then laid the foundations for the production Black Series, and both were developed by AMG's newly opened Performance Studio. The safety car had a version of the M156 putting out 481 bhp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The car also boasted a bespoke exhaust, 70 mm extra track in the front and 60 mm more at the back and plenty of weight saving carbon bodywork to slash 150 kg out of its kerb weight.

The final production CLK Black Series cars had an upped power output of 507 bhp, enough to propel the car to 60 mph in just 4.1 seconds. Other improvements included an upgraded rear axle, chassis strengthening throughout, flared wheel arches, a fully adjustable suspension system and a stylishly simple interior.