This was one bad *&#@! SL in 1983 and gave new meaning to "triple black." Note Euro style flush headlamps, small bumpers and all chrome "blacked" out.
1983 500SL AMG 5-speed
The ultimate R107 SL of the go-go ’80s
With AMG now owned by Mercedes-Benz, we tend to forget the earlier days at AMG when Hans Werner Alfrecht and Eberhard Melcher performed their magic on individual cars as per a client’s particular tastes. While today we simply stroll into our local Mercedes dealer to evaluate and buy an AMG model, this was not the case 25 years ago.
In the early ’80s AMG did not have the resources to certify its highly engineered products for the North American Market, forcing American enthusiasts to rely on the notorious “Grey Market” channels to obtain an SL that produced more power than the anemic 155hp offered by the US specification 380SL. Lured by the 240hp 500SL readily available in Europe, thousands of US customers purchased stock 500SLs via various importers. Some of the more discriminating customers opted for an AMG modified 500SL, at that time a very rare car in the US.
Rear view reveals classic AMG spoiler, sport exhaust tips and AMG flared lower valance.
One such customer was Jay Levitt, a wealthy automobile enthusiast living in Naples, Florida. Mr. Levitt ordered the car you see above, a highly optioned AMG 1983 500SL, in April 1983. During the conversion process he received a call from AMG wondering which type of gearbox he wished to have fitted. While 90% of AMG’s clients selected automatics, Mr. Levitt chose the $2,739 close ratio 5-speed manual gearbox, thereby creating an exceedingly rare SL.
For its day this SL was an extraordinary automobile, with a list of AMG modifications that raised its performance and handling well above a standard 500SL.
* Polished/ported cylinder heads
* Sport exhaust
* Lowered AMG suspension
* Sport shock absorbers
* Limited slip differential
* 5-spoke proprietary AMG alloy wheels
* Aero body kit
* Rear spoiler
* Front chin spoiler
* Orthopedic 500SEC seats(!)
* Price new: $48,599
Interior features orthopedic seats sourced from the SEC and...Getrag 5-speed gearbox. Note heated seat switches on center console.
The original owner, Jay Levitt, put 44k miles on the car before deciding to sell in April of 2007 to SL enthusiast Brian Schneider. The car was and remains absolutely spotless, having been stored in a climate controlled garage during its time in Florida. It is the consummate example of AMG’s wares in the ’80s and today takes us back to the heady days of the grey market mania that brought to our shores the forbidden, European only, Lamborghini Countach and Ferrari Berlinetta Boxer. While not as exotic as these Italian 12 cylinders, this 1983 500SL AMG 5-speed is certainly one of the most exotic SLs ever constructed.
Five liter V-8 featured polished/ported cylinder heads and sport exhaust that raised the Euro motor's power by 45hp to about 285 . US emissions equipment would cut this somewhat.
AMG treatment included extended rocker panels and attractive 5-spoke alloys.
We thank Brian Schneider for graciously sharing his photos and information on this extraordinary SL.
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Roy Spencer, editor MercedesHeritage.com
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4 Responses to “1983 Mercedes AMG 500SL: Rare full AMG package w/5-speed”
Wow nice car! I have a 1983 500sl AMG also red with black leather it has 160k in great shape..VIN WDB10704612002426 Can you tell me anything about it Im needing to sell it and dont know what to ask?
getchrisbaker@hotmail.com
Kudos for creating such a informative portal. this blog happens to be not just informative but also very artistic too. There are very few professionals who can think to write not so easy articles that creatively. Keep up the good work !!
Beautiful AMG! I know the story well.
I’ve been a fellow MB enthusiast, shared forums and have corresponded with Brian over the years about this and many other Mercedes. When the R107 bug eventually found it’s way west, my relentless search began. I was seeking out a similiar 1982-1985 500SL AMG to add to the stable but more of a driver than Brian’s example. Ads were placed across the country seeking out a rival vehicle, my interest grew founder.
After a year of searching and many prospective examples examined, my hopes slowly diminished. Then, one day out of the blue I was contacted by a gentleman who had a lead on what sounded like THEE perfect SL. He went on to say that it was owned by the brother of a friend wasn’t clear on the specifics and wasn’t sure whether he was selling. I had to follow up regardless, a lead is a lead.
Turned out that not only was the SL an AMG it too had a Getrag the very rare five speed installed. You might imagine the excitement when thru cross referencing various sources and after speaking with Brian that the SL was once too owned by Jay. Actually it was used as the trade in on Brian’s SL above!!! What a small world.
Jay had originally ordered his SL with an ABS option and to his disappointment it had arrived from Germany without it. Quickly management was on the phone to Germany and another was ordered and that is the vehicle you see here.
The non-ABS, my SL, now proudly resides here in Southern California where it receives much attention, is driven often and is absolutely what the doctor ordered!
Meanwhile Brian has moved on and found another worthy owner for his SL and it now resides in NY state.
One day these two cousins will meet again!
I have a what ive been told is a 1983 sl grey market it looks a lot like the one above but it has an inline 6. do any of you know where i could find more info about my car its like a curse. iv’e had so much trouble finding info about it
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