SL73 is quite a sleeper with only discrete badging and exhaust tips and betraying massive power.
Mercedes-Benz AMG SL73
The not-so-subtle inspiration for the SL65
If the 302 hp 2000 SL500 is not up to your power requirements, perhaps 525 hp would better suit your needs. AMG, never known to be shy regarding shoehorning massive power into various Mercedes products, figured the only way to liven up the 4500 lb 1999-2001 SL600 was to add power, and plenty of it.
While the standard specification SL600 generated a seamless 389hp from its 5.9 liter 48 valve V-12, an additional 1.4 liters of displacement was required to obtain the 34% hp increase necessary to drag this heavyweight to 60 mph in just 4.7 seconds.
And the maximum torque ballooned from 420 ft/lb to 558 ft/lb! Other modifications included suitably updated brakes and suspension as well as subtle cosmetic refinements that made this European spec only hot rod quite a sleeper.
7.3 liter monster delivers 525hp and 553ft/lbs torque. Standard 6 liter V-12 delivered 389hp in US spec.
Clarkson weighs in
Top Gear’s Jeremy Clarkson, during a road test in 2001, moaned about the car’s dated looks, generally imprecise handling, and brakes that did not inspire confidence. And this was for a car that sold for an enormous premium above the already stratospherically priced standard Euro SL600.
He was, however, pleased with the massive smoky burnouts possible once the traction aids were switched off. With only 85 constructed, chances are you’ll never see one in the flesh. But if you’re touring the Autobahn and you see one of these beasts in the rear view, you’ll likely want to move aside.
While still a heavyweight, SL73 suspension modifications help with body roll.
roy spencer/editor mercedesheritage
photography/daimler ag
Since not even Brembo brakes on all four wheels “inspired confidence”, my “chief mechanic” managed to fit SL 55 AMG brakes on the front wheels.
A miracle, that he got the brakes thru the German technical inspection association (TÜV).
Concerning the “generally imprecise handling”: The handling of a 12 cylinder heavyweight in front is not for high-speed cornering, but good enough for driving at 300 km/h on the Autobahn …