Despite its extremely long production period between 1971 and 1989, the Mercedes-Benz R107-generation SL-Class was never really offered with a powertrain and running gear to truly excite and engage the sports-car enthusiast.

Since inception, it was clear that the R107 series of convertibles was less the exhilarating “super leicht performance machine the original SL was and more a beautifully engineered luxury coupe.

Even the V-8 models were relatively underpowered, fitted almost exclusively with automatic transmissions, and rode upon a compliant suspension that emphasized luxurious cruising. In this regard, the independent tuning firm AMG, based in Affalterbach, Germany, saw a massive business opportunity.

For a privileged clientele with unbounded checkbooks, AMG would entirely transform the SL into a true sports roadster with greatly improved power, handling, aerodynamics, and a full suite of attention-grabbing cosmetic accoutrements. Each car specified by an AMG customer was bespoke, replete with à-la-carte options offered from the company’s wide-ranging catalogue.

This exciting German-market 500 SL 5.0 AMG is one of an extremely limited number of close-ratio five-speed Getrag manual gearbox conversions executed by AMG in period using a custom bellhousing configuration to mate the new gearbox (typically used on BMW products) with the Mercedes-Benz V-8 engine.

Converted at AMG in Affalterbach when new in September 1985, this car also received AMG’s sought-after “top-end power kit” which provided a pair of ported and polished cylinder heads, which house solid mechanical intake valve lifters, lightened exhaust valves, and a set of aggressive AMG camshafts to produce 300 horsepower. The engine’s distinctive growl and mechanical ticking (thanks to the intake lifters) are complemented by a full AMG sports exhaust system that terminates in a chrome-finished twin-exit muffler.

Finished in the elegant color combination of non-metallic Midnight Blue (DB 904) over light grey leather and a matching blue soft top, this incredible 500 SL 5.0 also bears a handsome suite of cosmetic and aerodynamic AMG upgrades highlighted by a complete ground effects kit (minus spoiler), 16-inch Penta alloy wheels with machined lips, and completely intact Bilstein for AMG sports suspension system.

Inside the cabin, an AMG gauge cluster with requisite 300 km/h speedometer is fronted by an Italvolanti Corsa steering wheel. The factory seats have been tastefully substituted in favor of power-adjustable Recaro Classic sport seats trimmed in matching light grey leather—a sure sign of eighties excess.

A rare and intriguing model with a passionate following, examples are fiercely sought after today for their incredible looks, wonderful driving dynamics, and equally impressive performance. With pre-merger AMG cars increasing steadily in cachet and collectability, this notable 500 SL 5.0 five-speed example is a rare find that will surely command attention