1995 Mercedes-Benz SL72 AMG with Pagani Zonda-Shared V12 Up for Auction with 42,000 Miles
An exceptionally rare 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL72 AMG, one of only 35 units ever built, is currently listed for auction on Bring a Trailer. This immaculate example, showing approximately 42,000 miles (67,867 kilometers) and originally sold in Tokyo, Japan, presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. Its allure lies not just in its rarity but also in its legendary 7.2-liter V12 engine, which famously found its way into the revered Pagani Zonda. With bidding currently at $280,000 and two days left, this SL72 AMG is a testament to a “bygone era” of engineering prowess, promising a blend of timeless class and menacing performance.
A Classy Beast with a Legendary Engine
The SL72 AMG stands as a monument to a golden age of Mercedes-Benz and AMG engineering.
- Rarity: Only 35 units of the SL72 AMG were ever built under the guidance of legendary engineer and designer Bruno Sacco, making it one of the most exclusive Mercedes-Benz models.
- Heart of a Legend: Its most compelling feature is the 7.2-liter V12 engine, a powerplant that captivated Horacio Pagani and was later famously shared with the iconic Pagani Zonda. This engine ensures a “full-bodied” performance experience.
- Subtle AMG Touches: Finished in resprayed Brilliant Silver Metallic, the car maintains a refined appearance. Discreet AMG elements—including a body kit, sports exhaust, wood trims, a 300km/h speedometer, and 17-inch OZ Racing Aero III split wheels—hint at its underlying power without ostentation.
- Impeccable Condition: The car features a pristine removable body-color hardtop, an equally excellent power-operated black soft top, and an immaculate Exclusive Black leather interior with “almost no signs of wear throughout.” The undercarriage is also well-preserved.
- Ready for the Road (or Museum): Recent preventative maintenance, including new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires and a suspension alignment in August, ensures it’s ready for spirited driving, making “revving each gear on the four-speed automatic transmission all the way out to 7,000 rpm a pleasure.”
The Price of Exclusivity and Heritage
The high bidding price reflects the SL72 AMG’s unique position in the collector car market.
- Substantial Sum: With the current highest bid at $280,000 and two days remaining, the SL72 AMG is already fetching a significant sum, surpassing the starting price of even a modern top-tier Mercedes-AMG SL 63 S E Performance ($207,900).
- Bygone Era: This SL72 “represents a bygone era that will never be repeated,” embodying the technological rivalry between Mercedes and BMW that produced some of the finest grand tourers.
- Investment Opportunity: For collectors, it’s not just a car; it’s a “relic” and a “monument”—an opportunity to own a piece of automotive heritage with serious bragging rights thanks to its legendary 7.2-liter V12. Its value is expected to be equally at home in a museum as it is at a cars & coffee event.
Final Thoughts
The 1995 Mercedes-Benz SL72 AMG is more than just a classic roadster; it’s a testament to an era of uncompromised engineering and design. Its extreme rarity, impeccable condition, and the legendary 7.2-liter V12 engine shared with the Pagani Zonda make it an exceptionally desirable collector’s item. For those willing to pay the extraordinary price, it offers an unparalleled blend of luxury, performance, and historical significance that modern vehicles simply cannot replicate.
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