MERCEDES BENZ SL 73 AMG (R129) 1999-2001 Photos, engines & full specs

The horsepower battle between Mercedes-Benz and its main rival, BMW, led to the creation of this unique roadster fitted with the monster engine: the SL 73 AMG.

BMW didn't have anything in its stable to compete against the SL, so Mercedes-Benz made an intelligent move and transformed that advantage into an even bigger one. Even though it knew that the V12 powerplant was very heavy and the SL fitted with it didn't handle the curves as well as the V8-powered ones, it still did it. And the result was one of the most expensive vehicles in the carmaker's stable.

In those days, Mercedes-Benz didn't want to scream its performance vehicles throughout its all body panels. So despite being the most potent version of the SL Class, it was subtle. At the front, the bumper was similar to other AMG-versions of the carmaker, and the grille was still chromed, albeit it was available as an option in black. On the front fenders, there were two small V12 badges, which were also available on the SL 600 version. And yet, the monoblock AMG wheels and the SL 73 badge at the back of the roadster were the only noticeable differences between this monster and the rest of the range.

The interior was garnished with all the bells and whistles the carmaker had in its basket. The ESP was standard, and the AMG lettering on the speedometer and the button for the adaptive suspension were also included. It was, actually, a suspension with two settings: sport (hard) and comfort (soft). Since the carmaker knew that its clients asked for high-power vehicles, but without giving up the comfort, it installed bolstered bucket seats. Still, they were far from being sports seats.

Under the hood was a manually-assembled 7.3-liter V12 powerplant. Later on, the engine found its way into the Pagani Zonda hypercar. Its 518 hp (525 PS) and the massive 553 lb-ft (730 Nm) torque were sent to the rear axle via a limited-slip differential via a five-speed automatic. Only 85 units were produced.