This hardtop convertible is modified with 525 horsepower.

Although the Mercedes SL Class of its predecessor has aged gracefully, don’t let the car’s almost-standard design fool you into thinking it’s stock. The fifth-gen SL-Class (R230), was electronically limited to 155 mph (250 kph). Mercedes increased the limiter to allow a maximum speed of 186 mph (307 kph) at an extra cost. This car almost broke the 200-mph barrier. See the video below.

Is that possible? This 2005 example is not your average SL 55AMG. It has been modified to produce 525 horsepower at its rear wheels via its five-speed auto transmission. The car is 4235 pounds and weighs in at 1,920 kilograms. However, its torque rating is more than adequate at 625 pound-feet (847 Newton meters).

You can also see other top speed runs from the same location:

The roadster can go from 0 to almost 200 mph (322 km/h) by cranking up the volume. We would be interested to see how a stock SL 55 AMG with 510 hp (720 Nm) and 531 lbft (720 nm) at the crank does in this top speed test on Merritt Island’s Johnny Bohmer Proving Grounds.

The runway is the longest and most flattened in the world, making it an ideal place to drive a car. The concrete runway measures three miles and is extended by 1000 feet with asphalt at each end. A Bugatti Chrome owner should get the W16 monster to help those 1,500 horses.

Recalling this beautiful rear-wheel-drive SL55 AMG, it’s amazing what a 14 year-old car can do, even if it has been modified, while still being perfectly street-worthy.