Mercedes-Benz builds some of the world’s most desirable luxury cars. When AMG is brought into the equation, luxury becomes seamlessly blended with dynamic performance. That’s why there are people who consider AMG vehicles as their favorites. For British automotive journalist, amateur racing driver, and Top Gear host Chris Harris, the SL 73 AMG is one of the coolest Mercedes ever made......READ THE FULL ARTICLE>>>
At first glance, the SL 73 AMG may not seem like the car people would describe as cool nowadays. However, Harris certainly has several reasons to label the SL 73 AMG as one of the coolest cars from Mercedes. He shared these reasons in a video posted on the YouTube channel Collecting Cars, featuring a rare example of the luxury car. Interestingly, this same SL 73 AMG is now up for sale in an online auction, and the bids are steadily rising.
AMG’s Cool Creation When It Was Still Independent Of Mercedes
Quick Facts About SL 73 AMG
- SL 73 AMG is based on the Mercedes R129 SL
- SL 73 AMG is the most hardcore version of R129 SL
- Ditches a six-liter engine for more potent 7.3-liter V12 mill
- Its 7.3-liter V12 engine made its way into the Pagani Zonda
Hardcore AMG versions of the R129 SL started in the early 1990s. This happened at a time when AMG was still a well-known tuning company that was largely independent of Mercedes. It all began with the 500 SL 6.0 AMG, which offered six liters of displacement, 385 hp of max output, and 417 lb-ft of peak torque, according to information from secret-classics.com.
AMG continued to create and provide hardcore versions of the SL R129 until the early years of the millennium. Reigning supreme among these AMG SL models was the SL 73 AMG. Thus, the SL 73 AMG was essentially the most hardcore version of the R129 SL. This is because the SL 73 AMG came with one of the most potent AMG-tuned Mercedes engines at the time.
All SL 73 AMGs started their life as SL 600s with the AMG Styling Package and the 6.0-liter M120 engine. This engine was quite potent, but AMG tuned it to deliver more.
With increased displacement, the 7.3-liter M297 engine – a tuned version of the M120 V12 engine– could provide up to 518 hp of output and 553 lb-ft of peak torque. If this engine seems familiar, it is because the M297 V12 mill is the power unit of choice for the Italian supercar maker Pagani for its Zonda supercar. Harris calls the SL 73 AMG as an ultimate donor car, since it’s the only way to get an engine when the one in the Zonda conks out.
Harris remarked that the SL 73 AMG may not look special at first glance. However, delving into the details might change one’s mind; Harris even referred to it as a perversion. This Mercedes is a powerhouse, boasting a 7.3-liter engine that churns out more than 500 hp.
Furthermore, it stands as one of AMG’s rarest creations and boasts a royal connection. The true might of the SL 73 AMG becomes evident when behind the wheel. Harris observed that, though it’s a bit lumpy at idle, it transforms into an animalistic force when driven, with the engine roaring to deliver over 500 hp. Additionally, it offers “crazy” torque, with a slight delay, but truly delivering when it kicks in..CONTINUE READING>>