1989-1993 MERCEDES-BENZ SL300/500 (R129) specifications

Finally ditching the classic looks of the SL roadsters, Mercedes-Benz came up with this more aggressive and almost chrome-free offering. Filled with toys like a power-operated roof, pop-up roll-over bar and dual-range four-speed automatic gearbox, some even came with suspension that lowers itself at speed. Six-cylinder 300 has either 190bhp or 231bhp in 24-valve twin-cam form; the 500 packs a 326bhp V8 and later ones could be had with a five-speed auto. Unlike earlier SLs, these have the performance to be considered proper sports cars.