For those that came to the topklasse Christmas Party at Michel's facory, the 5 litre AMG SL is still with Michel, although I believe it is still for sale. We have seen pictures before, we have seen it at the Eastern Creek Classic Day in August, but we, or certainly I, have never really heard it running.
Michel wanted to have a new under bonnet padding glued to the bonnet, a job that required the expertise of Parks. This we had to do at my premises and therefore the car needed to be picked up and driven some twenty odd kilometers. Driving the car gave me the opportunity to have 'a closer look' and a little bit of an assessment especially as I also had to drive it to Glenorie the following day - a distance of some sixty kilometers there and back. I also took the opportunity to take some pics......
So, what's there to like about this car or, for that matter, to dislike ? Not a lot, that is, to dislike. The first thing to notice, after 'squeezing' into those recaros (with my dicky knees) and starting the engine, is the exhaust note - quite simply glorious. Not noisy, but purposefully growly right from when you press the accelerator pedal, and building up to a sonorous crescendo when reaching higher rev limits. You just can't get away from that magic sound - it's with you all the time, but never annoyingly noisy. The next two items to notice were the left hand drive configuration, and the 'waftability' of engine and drivetrain.
I have driven left hand drive cars in Europe, and was comfortable most of the time, although larger and multi road roundabouts could create some confusion and uncertainty. Thus, I approached this drive with some reservation, given that we drive on the left side of the road. Surprise, surprise....I normally like hugging the inside lane, so being situated close to the kerbside gave me a bit of confidence that I felt I was lacking - mind you, not quite 100%, but it got better with each passing kilometer and getting the hang of sharing the road with other users. So I don't see left hand drive as a problem area with this 500SL. The next thing to notice was the aforementioned waftability. This car has a four speed Automatic, but it is extremely long legged - gear changes are barely noticeable, and it just seems to accelerate forever and ever (always with that nice growl), but the moment you ease off the pedal, the car is coasting whisper quiet - say, as you are approaching traffic lights. Very satisfying. I do suspect that it has a tall gear ratio - a bit like a 6.9, giving you at least forty kilometers to a thousand revs. It could be a 2.45:1 diff ratio. Anyway, it proved no hindrance to acceleration or rapid progress - it really feels like a 6.9 and it drives completely differently to a 450, or 350 for that matter. Quite magic.
Ride comfort - surprisingly good, given the size of rims and tyres. A bit of 'patter, patter' and tramlining over some road sections, but never uncomfotably so. Nothing like a 350SL I drove a few years ago that had been fitted with 18" rims and tyres. That car was almost undriveable. I also quite liked the Recaros (beautifully made) which held me in place nice and firm, although a larger framed person may be a little uncomfortable. There are some nice touches to the car, such as the quite exquisite headlight wipers, the car has a reasonably sized backseat (believe it or not) and all in all, this is a delightful package that I have now come to appreciate much more. It would be a wonderful weekend car, ready to be cherished and owned with pride, and a car that would award a 'professional and fastidious tinker' over and over again. Great looks and styling, very satisfying power package, and obvious exclusivity in bundles. I'd love to have it. Regards Styria
