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Mercedes-Benz SL AMG 5.0  (1 of 8) 

Since inception in 1971, it was clear that the R107 series of convertibles was less the exhilarating “super leicht”—super light— performance machine the original SL was and more a beautifully engineered luxury coupe. Even the V-8 models were relatively underpowered, fitted exclusively with automatic transmissions, and rode upon a compliant suspension that emphasized luxurious cruising. In this regard, the independent tuning firm AMG, based in Affalterbach, Germany, saw a massive business opportunity.For a privileged clientele with unbounded checkbooks, AMG—which remained independent until Mercedes-Benz acquired a 50-percent stake in 1999 and then fully subsumed it in 2005—would entirely transform the SL into a true sports roadster with greatly improved power, handling, aerodynamics, and a full suite of attention-grabbing cosmetic accoutrements. Each car specified by an AMG customer was bespoke, replete with à-la-carte options offered from the company’s wide-ranging catalogue.

This 500 SL is the first of eight examples equipped with a five-speed manual transmission reportedly built by AMG for North American customers between 1982 and 1987.

A pair of ported and polished cylinder heads, which house solid mechanical intake valve lifters, and a set of AMG camshafts are the pièces de résistances among its desirable AMG-engineered performance upgrades. This top-end power kit is complemented by a modified air-intake assembly, and custom exhaust system which altogether help this 5.0-liter engine produce a conservatively rated 276 horsepower and achieve a top speed above 155 mph. Considering that the most powerful SL available to a US buyer in 1982 used a 3.8-liter V-8 that produced a mere 204 horsepower and had a top speed of 133 mph, this SL 500 AMG 5.0 is truly a mechanical marvel by comparison.

Power is routed to the rear wheels through a close-ratio five-speed manual transmission from Getrag and a limited-slip differential, which sits upon a unique 3.46:1 rear axle. Close inspection reveals that AMG technicians cleverly repurposed the car’s original bellhousing to unite the Getrag transmission with the engine. A full “Bilstein for AMG” suspension and color-matched 16-inch BBS alloy wheels wrapped in Kumho tires provide more agile handling dynamics and a pleasingly aggressive stance.