The Mercedes SL R129 is one of the cars with which there is no doubt in any conversation between car lovers. It is a car universally adored by petrolheads, perhaps for being in that “sweet spot” youngtimer, halfway between classic and modern cars. Also for belonging to one of the most golden times for Mercedes, in which “Das Beste oder nichts” had much more meaning. Surely you have heard of the Mercedes SL 73 AMG, but I am not so sure that you know the RENNtech SL 74. Perhaps the final preparation of the Mercedes SL R129.
Some time ago we told you about the Mercedes SL 73 AMG, a very exclusive version of the Mercedes SL. Its V12 prepared by AMG was increased in displacement to 7.3 liters, thanks to which it reached a whopping 525 CV. This same propellant, massaged by AMG, was the mechanical base of the Pagani Zonda, with the same displacement. In the case of the RENNtech SL 74, the basis was also a Mercedes SL 600, whose 6.0-liter V12 developed a silky-smooth 408 horsepower right out of the factory. The first step of the American preparer was also to raise his cubic capacity.
The V12s were Mercedes’ flagships of the time, only available in the S, CL, and SL-Class.
Specifically up to 7.4 liters, a figure very rarely seen in street cars other than American muscle cars. Another modification by RENNtech was the intake, completely redesigned, built in alloy and carbon fiber, with a significantly higher air flow. In addition, the exhaust line was newly made, an additional radiator for the oil and a reprogrammed control unit were installed. The result was, on paper, a maximum power of no less than 583 hp and a torque of 813 Nmimpressive for a naturally aspirated engine.
Power from the M120 was transmitted to the ground via a five-speed automatic transmission and torque converter, connected to a limited slip rear differential. All in all, it was a car designed more for straight-line acceleration than cornering. Although it was capable of accelerating to 100 km/h in just over four seconds, in curves its weight and its purely GT philosophy made themselves felt. Aesthetically, RENNtech made no changes to the Mercedes SL, creating true wolves in sheep’s clothing. Some owners equipped AMG aesthetic kits, as is the case with the unit that presides over your screens.
We confirm it: if you like cars, that “money does not buy happiness” is a big lie.
It is a RENNtech SL 74 from the year 1998, which has been recently auctioned in the US for no less than $90,000. The unit is a true beauty, painted in Brilliant Silver Metallic, equipped with an AMG kit, 19-inch wheels and an interior upholstered in two-tone leather. Carbon fiber accents adorn the steering wheel and center console, while a simple chrome exhaust and a “74” on the tailgate reveal its truly unique character. A true wolf in sheep’s clothing, whose price in the 1990s was $325,000 – which already included the $110,000 for the base SL 600.
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