The perfect Mercedes from the 90 (SL R129 1989-2001)

They were sold under the SL-Class model names. The R129 replaced the R107 SL-Class in 1989 and was in its turn replaced by the R230 in 2001.

The R129 was based on the shortened floorpan of the Mercedes-Benz W124[2] and featured many innovative details for the time, for instance electronically controlled damping (optional) and a hidden, automatically extending roll-over bar.

The R107's rather dated rear diagonal swing axle gave way to a modern multi-link axle.

The number of standard features was high, with electric action for the windows, mirrors, seats and hood.

1994 cars were the first to have the new designation. For example, 500 SL is now SL 500. Also starting in 1994, Mercedes-Benz offered special SL models from time to time, such as the Mille Miglia edition cars of 1994 or the SL edition of 200

The SL60 AMG was the most numerous of these rare cars. Sold from 1993 to 1998, it used a 6.0 litre V8 engine producing 381 PS (280 kW; 376 hp) at 5500 rpm.[4] AMG claimed a 0-62 mph (100 km/h) speed of 5.6 seconds.

Its top speed was limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), but with the limiter removed, it was capable of approximately 185 mph (298 km/h).

AMG later unofficially conceded that 0-60 mph was more like 5.0 seconds and the engine produced between 405-410 bhp.

Extremely rare was the SL73 AMG, sold through Mercedes-AMG in 1995, and offering the most powerful V12 engine ever put into an SL up to that time. After a brief hiatus, the SL73 was offered again from 1998 to 2001.

The same 7.3 L V12 was later used by Pagani in the Zonda.