Mercedes-AMG SL72 is up for auction: Is this AMG really powered by a Pagani engine?

The SL72 AMG is one of the rarest versions of the R129. Technically, it is a piece of authentic AMG craftsmanship, yet visually it remains deliberately understated. Just such a specimen is now going under the hammer in the USA. Bring a Trailer is offering a 1995 SL72 as a premium listing. The current bid is $295,000 (approximately €253,050), and the auction is scheduled to end on October 17, 2025.

The vehicle was initially produced by Mercedes in 1995 as the SL 600 with the large M120 V12 and delivered by ART Sports in Tokyo. On June 1, 1995, the factory conversion to the SL 72 was carried out at AMG, documented by an AMG Classic Conversion Confirmation. This isn't unusual, but rather consistent with the practice of the time: Such high-performance models weren't created as separate series in the mid-1990s, but rather as customer conversions based on regular Mercedes models, executed by AMG. An SL 72 is therefore generally an original AMG conversion based on the SL 600 and, with appropriate documentation, is considered an authentic AMG.

The car is finished in Brilliant Silver Metallic, features a body-colored hardtop, and a power-operated black fabric soft top. The body was repainted in 2003. The contemporary 17-inch AMG Aero III rims from OZ are fitted with fresh Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, and the axle geometry was re-measured in preparation for the auction. The odometer shows 68,000 kilometers. All paperwork, service records, and CarVX and Carfax reports are included.

The core of the conversion is the M120 V12, enlarged to 7.2 liters. AMG claims approximately 525 hp. The naturally aspirated engine features four-valve technology and two overhead camshafts per cylinder bank. Titanium connecting rods and an AMG sports exhaust system are part of the equipment, as is the AMG-typical fine-tuning of the peripherals. Power is transferred to the rear axle via a four-speed automatic transmission. Traction and driving stability are ensured by ASR and the adaptive damping system ADS with automatic level control. The result is an exceptionally confident, long-distance-capable R129 with a very distinctive character.

The often-cited "Pagani connection" refers to the shared technical basis. Pagani used AMG derivatives of this M120 family in the Zonda, primarily with 7.0 and 7.3-liter displacement. The SL72 shares the architecture and character of this series, but is not identical to the later Zonda engines. Driving it, however, still experiences the same technical DNA—just in a production Mercedes.

The interior showcases AMG's typical blend of restraint and handcrafted customization. Exclusive black leather with contrasting French seams, an AMG-specific wood finish, and the AMG steering wheel define the ambience. Features include automatic climate control, a Bose audio system with a cassette player, heated and electrically adjustable seats with three memory settings each, and a 300 km/h speedometer in the VDO instrument cluster.

The SL72 remains understated on the outside as well: a body-colored hardtop, a black fabric soft top, a discreet AMG body kit, xenon headlights with washer system, fender vents, and a spoiler lip at the rear. The OZ Aero III wheels are a typical distinguishing feature of this version.

The SL72 is one of the rarest variants of the R129. For years, experts have been talking about around 35 vehicles built, but official factory figures are not available. This is due to AMG's conversion practices at the time: These models were not produced on an assembly line, but were custom-built for customers.

The auction vehicle comes with an AMG Classic certificate with the conversion date and a complete history with service records and Carfax/CarVX reports. Such documentation clearly distinguishes an original AMG conversion from later retrofits and is a key factor for collectors.

Within the M120 line, the SL70 AMG sits at the bottom of the hierarchy. Its V12 was enlarged to 7.0 liters and, depending on the source and production period, produces approximately 490 to almost 500 hp. Production numbers are low, but higher than those of the SL72. The SL72 sits in the middle. The SL73 AMG forms the top end. Its 7.3-liter V12 was officially offered towards the end of the R129 series and also produces approximately 525 hp. Due to its larger displacement reserve and its close relationship to the engines later used in Pagani Zonda models, the SL73 is the most well-known model of this trio.

All variants share the character of the large-displacement naturally aspirated V12 and the combination with the four-speed automatic transmission. The SL70 marks the entry-level model, the SL72 is the extremely rare intermediate level, and the SL73 is the prestigious top model. Among collectors, the SL72 in particular is considered one of the most exclusive versions of the M120 experience.

At approximately €253,000 in its current condition, the car is already in a range that reflects its rarity and documentation. Experience shows that fresh tires, wheel alignment, and complete documentation are all important for the outcome of an online auction. However, Classic Analytics estimates the SL72 in well-maintained condition at €180,000. Perhaps this example will set a new record.