Mercedes-Benz SL55 AMG (R230)

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“The engine is amazing,” said AutoExpress. “Even at idle, it reverberates through your ears and makes the ground tremble. Crack the throttle open and the full-blooded roar is nothing short of phenomenal. However, it takes a while to notice the sound – to begin with, you're too busy concentrating on the speed. Despite weighing the best part of two tons, AMG's flagship will pass 60mph in 4.5 seconds”.

Costing £89,000 at launch before any options were added, ownership was always going to be restricted to a privileged few and only around 1,500 SL55 AMGs were sold in the UK, so seeing one on the road today is always quite an event and makes it a sure-fire classic of the future.

First registered in September 2002, this particular AMG has covered 97,700 miles from new and is finished in Obsidian Black with light grey perforated leather, a refreshing change to the usual boring silver! Other features include electric heated memory seats with massage ‘pulse’ mode for both driver and passenger; PDC; cruise control, Comand navigation; automatic transmission with Tiptronic mode allowing gear changes from the steering wheel; a superb BOSE sound system; ‘debit card’ key for your wallet allowing key-less entry and go with only a tap of the starter button atop the gear stick to fire up the beast under the sculpted bonnet.

Lower the automated folding metal roof and you’ll hear the bass baritone of the blown V8 even better; pop the electronic wind deflector up for ‘wind above the hair’ motoring and at least your passenger won’t complain about their hair getting messed up as they scream at you to slow down!

The history file contains the V5C, owner’s pack and service book showing an impressive 11 stamps, the last service in March this year at 96,000 miles. A file of invoices show regular maintenance including the ABC pump (Active Body Control) which was renewed in 2011, along with a new hydraulic roof pump this summer. The MOT runs until February 2019 with only one minor advisory (‘n/s/f lower suspension arm ball joint dust cover damaged but preventing the ingress of dirt’).

With 476bhp and 531lb/ft, these supercharged luxury roadsters offer Ferrari performance for a Fiesta price. We can’t see them getting much cheaper any time soon so bag this one while you can and enjoy seeing the horizon blur as it thunders towards you when you bury your right foot!