Why Chris Harris Calls SL 73 AMG One Of The “Coolest Mercedes-Benz” Cars Ever Made

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.

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.

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This SL 73 AMG Once Belonged To Brunei Royal Family

This Is A Rare SL 73 AMG Commission

• SL 73 AMG is one of 85 examples made
• The Brunei royal family purchased an SL 73 AMG or two
• This SL 73 AMG is finished in diamond black
• The black leather cabin matches the dark exterior

Only around 85 examples of the SL 73 AMG came into existence, according to mercedesheritage.com. One of these came into the possession of the Brunei royal family. AMG converted them from SL 600 into SL 73 AMGs. The Brunei royal family had specified their own interior and exterior preferences, and AMG carefully embedded them into this car.

According to Collecting Cars, this lovable SL 73 AMG left Mercedes’ factory finished in the AMG Diamond Black Metallic special-order paintwork. This example features a black leather cabin with walnut inlays and black soft top fabric.

It included a third stop lamp, additional blinker lamps, a glass roof, undershields, and Xenon headlamps. Inside, front occupants sit on multi-contour seats (heated and electrically adjustable seats with three-position memory), while rear passengers occupy rear seats meant for SL models.

Other factory specs for this SL 73 AMG include an anti-theft/anti-break-in warning system, fire extinguisher, boot-mounted CD changer, self-leveling suspension with Adaptive Damping System (ADS), passenger compartment protection (infrared), cruise control, and climate control.

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SL 73 AMG Started As A Mercedes-Benz SL 600

How A Mercedes SL 73 AMG Is Made

• SL 73 AMG is converted from a Mercedes SL 600
• M297 engine replaces the less potent M120 engine
• Comes with several AMG parts and components

AMG then received the SL 600 from Mercedes and made several modifications as part of the car’s conversion into an SL 73 AMG. These modifications include the swapping of the M120 engine for the M297 and the fitment of a modified gearbox (five-speed automatic transmission). The tuner also installed an AMG carbon fiber engine cover, AMG suspension, and AMG exhaust, as well as an AMG body kit, AMG boot lid rear spoiler, and AMG body kit.

Other AMG-fitted modifications include Recaro seats, an AMG monogrammed steering wheel, an AMG speedometer (reading up to 300 km/h), AMG monogrammed white dial instruments, and AMG monogrammed chrome door sills.

SL 73 AMG Recommissioned In 2017 After Arriving In The UK

Quick Specs of This R129 Mercedes SL 73 AMG

(Source: Collecting Cars)

It seems that the Brunei royal family or their representatives didn’t dare to take this SL 73 AMG on long trips. According to Collecting Cars, this SL 73 AMG has covered just over 1,800 miles. Thanks to a good friend in Singapore, the car’s current owner was able to contact the caretaker of the Brunei royal family collection. Then, he was able to export the car from Singapore, with the SL 73 AMG landing in the United Kingdom in 2017.

In the UK, Mercedes-Benz specialist NJS Solutions of Brands Hatch recommissioned and overhauled the SL 73 AMG. Jobs done on the SL 73 AMG included a full respray of the bodywork, as the paintwork was in poor condition when the car arrived in the UK. While the current owner could have refinished some of the interior wooden trim, he opted to leave them alone in their as-acquired condition for the sake of originality.

Aside from overhauling the interior and the electric roof, NJS Solutions also repaired the ECUs and wiring loom, fitted new brake discs and pads, and replaced the suspension. They also refurbished the wheels and fitted new tires. This SL 73 AMG now rides on split-rim 18-inch five-spoke alloy wheels shod with Goodyear Eagle F1 tires.

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Cool SL 73 AMG Is Now A Hot Auction Item

Current Situation Of This SL 73 AMG

• Registered with DVLA in March 2023
• Could be one of two right-hand-drive SL 73 AMGs
• Overhaul was needed but now in good condition
• Currently in auction with $201,000 highest bid

It took around six years before the car was registered with the DVLA in March 2023. The current owner has papers and pictures of the document to prove the car’s origins as part of the Brunei royal family collection. The VIN and chassis numbers on the papers also match the ones on the car’s VIN plate and chassis markings. According to the owner, this SL 73 AMG could be one of only two right-hand-drive examples built.

The owner noted that while the paintwork was in poor condition, there was zero rust. The condition refers to peeling lacquer as well as scratches that were too deep to polish out. The replaced plastic trim was replaced and painted.

However, the owner admitted there was a crack in the plastic rear screen, which will be replaced independently of the fabric hood. This isn’t apparent in the pictures as the SL 73 AMG is wearing its hard top. Nevertheless, this SL 73 AMG is proving popular on their auction site. Bidding started at $15,000, and with winning bid ended the auction at £340,000 British pounds (about $430,000 USD converted)

Source: Collecting Cars on YouTube, secret-classics.com, mercedesheritage.com