MERCEDES-BENZ, The modern SL cars, The R129: From the 300SL to the SL73 AMG in Bloomington, MN

The
Mercedes SL R129
has started to become collectable and good examples sell at a premium. The V8 is naturally the most popular version. A special case is the V12. To buy one that is less than perfect is a guarantee to ruin you.
Updated in August 2023,
this guide tells you everything you need to know about the R129, its history and its various engines from the 300SL to the SL73 AMG; it also explains in detail chassis number and data card and offers you a comprehensive buyer's guide. All this is accompanied by great recent non-Daimler AG photos, this includes pictures of the suspension. These are some of the topics covered:
The development of the R129
The safety standards and the first integral seat in an open car
The 500SL and 300SL-24 (300SL in the US)
The V12 arrives
The 1995 facelift
The 1998 facelift
The navigation system
The AMG models, from the SL36 to the SL73
The special editions, from the 1995 "Mille Miglia" to the 1997 US "La Costa", the 2000 UK "Heritage" and "Silver Arrow Edition"
The tuning scene, from Brabus to RENNtech
Driving a RENNtech SL600 7.4 L
The Middelhauve SL600 and Karman R129 Gullwing SL
The VIN/FIN explained
The data card explained
Which R129 should I buy
Technical specifications and production figures
This guide ends with a free e-book offer. Enjoy reading!