1999 Mercedes-Benz Other Mercedes-Benz Models

To Be OFFERED AT AUCTION at RM Sothebys Sealed July event, Bidding Closes 16 July 2026.
450,000 - 500,000 EUR

• The Beast from Bottrop, the ultimate SL top speed of 304 kilometers per hour
• One of very few produced between 1995 and 2001
• Finished in Azurite Blue Metallic over Saffron Nappa leather; dark blue convertible top and matching hardtop
• Powered by the monstrous 582-hp, 7.3-litre Brabus M120 S V-12 engine; reinforced 722.6 five-speed automatic transmission
• German-market car converted at the Brabus factory when new; first registered in the United Kingdom
• Optional Brabus equipment includes 330-kph speedometer, sport suspension, Alcon big brake system, Monoblock IV wheels, sports exhaust system, and front bumper
• Fewer than 47,000 kilometers indicated at cataloguing time
• Accompanied by Brabus Certification

For more than 40 years, Brabus has pushed Mercedes-Benz automobiles far beyond their factory limits. From its headquarters in Bottrop, Germany, the legendary tuner built its reputation by pursuing performance without compromise installing ever-larger engines into Mercedes-Benz chassis and engineering every supporting system to withstand the resulting power. Brabus famously fitted V-8s to compact W201 sedans and developed outrageous V-12-powered W124s, all while maintaining factory-level refinement and craftsmanship. By the late 1990s, the company had established itself as one of the worlds foremost tuning houses, constructing bespoke automobiles for an exclusive international clientele.

During this golden era, Brabus created one of its most celebrated machines: the SL 7.3 S V12. Produced in extremely limited numbers between 1995 and 2001, the model transformed Mercedes-Benzs flagship R129 SL roadster into a genuine supercar. Enthusiasts quickly nicknamed it the Beast from Bottrop, and for good reason. With a claimed top speed of 304 kilometers per hour, the SL 7.3 S ranked among the fastest convertibles in the world while retaining the effortless comfort and grand touring character that defined the SL platform.

Brabus centered the transformation around its legendary 7.3-liter M120 S V-12 engine. The company extensively reworked the powerplant with a unique ECU calibration, billet crankshaft, redesigned cylinder heads, and numerous internal upgrades, ultimately extracting a staggering 582 horsepower. To harness that immense output, Brabus reinforced the 722.6 five-speed automatic transmission and upgraded the chassis to match the cars extraordinary performance capabilities.

Finished in striking Azurite Blue Metallic over Saffron Nappa leather, this exceptional example began life as a German-market SL 600 equipped with the desirable APS navigation system, Xenon headlamps, Alpina multi-disc CD changer, and a dark blue cloth soft top. Mercedes-Benz completed the car at Sindelfingen in January 1999 before immediately delivering it to Brabus for conversion to full 7.3 S specification. Brabus also equipped this SL with an impressive suite of optional components, including a 330-kph speedometer, sport suspension, an Alcon big brake system with eight-piston calipers, enlarged discs, and braided stainless-steel brake lines, staggered Brabus Monoblock IV wheels, a Brabus sports exhaust system, and a revised front bumper.

Sold new to a Greek citizen living abroad in the United Kingdom, the car subsequently received its first registration there on 23 November 1999 as S871 HGP . In 2001, the car was exported to France when its original owner moved to Monaco and it has remained within the Principality since then.

In 2021, this 7.3 S was acquired from its original owner by the consignor, and has been regularly maintained at Brabus Monaco (M.C.C.) during his ownership. Now showing fewer than 47,000 kilometers at the time of cataloguing, this remarkable SL 7.3 S V12 offers collectors a rare opportunity to acquire one of the most charismatic and sought-after creations ever to emerge from Bottrop.

A Brabus Certification packet accompanies the car, alongside a matching Azurite Metallic hardtop.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/auctions/s0726/.