A 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (R129) with the unusual combo of a 7.3-liter V12 and a right-hand drive system on board has just found a new owner who handed over £340,000 for it.
According to different sources, AMG has only produced between 50 and 85 SL models with an engine like this shortly after its acquisition by Daimler AG. The naturally aspirated twelve-banger was known as the M297 and produced 525 PS (518 hp / 386 kW) and 750 Nm (553 lb-ft) of torque in its prime days. The car could sprint 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.5 seconds and maxed out at 322 km/h (200 mph). The Pagani Zonda supercar series later inherited this engine.
The car seen here rolled off the assembly line as a normal SL 600 roadster. Later on, its owner – a member of the Brunei royalty – returned it to the factory for an upgrade to the SL 73 AMG spec. Aside from the new engine, the car received an improved gearbox, tweaked suspension, a new body kit and Recaro seats.
In 2017, it was imported into the UK and properly maintained. With just 3,027 km (1,880 miles) under its belt, it went to the auction in near-mint condition.