Mercedes-Benz SL320

AMENDMENT: This car now has an MOT until May 2014. The oil was not changed because it is still so clean from the recent SL Shop service. 

Faster, harder-edged and more driver-orientated than its W107 predecessor, the Mercedes-Benz W129-series SL was launched at the 1989 Geneva Motor Show. 

Brimful of cutting-edge technology, its impressively rigid two-door monocoque shell featured an integral roll over bar that deployed in less than a third of a second (if the car ever sensed an impending flip) and an electric soft top roof. Known for its sure-footed handling, the W129 featured all-round independent suspension, ABS brakes and power assisted steering. Powered by a variety of six- and eight-cylinder engines all allied to automatic transmission, it was the sportscar of choice for many contemporary F1 drivers.

This particular example has the silky smooth 231bhp 3.2-litre V6 engine that replaced the old straight-six in 1998 with 147mph performance and up to 35mpg economy. It is believed that the car was originally owned by a British army officer stationed in Germany and was first registered in the UK in May 1999 when it was a few months old.

Silver with a blue leather interior and a desirable Panoramic glass hardtop, it has covered some 82,500 miles to date and is in very good condition throughout. Unfortunately the early service history of the car has been lost but a duplicate service book shows that it has been serviced seven times from 32,800 miles to date, with many supporting invoices, all at MB main agents or specialists. The current vendor had the car fully serviced and checked over by the SL Shop in February 2012 when any faults were attended to, including replacing the windows in the soft-top, refurbishing the wheels and replacing one front spring at a total cost of over £2,000.

Equipment includes cruise control, air conditioning, rear seats, Xenon headlights, Rosewood interior trim and steering wheel plus a wind deflector. A modern CD player is fitted but the original Becker radio also comes with the car as does a stand for the hardtop when not in use. Due to have an oil service before the auction, the car is taxed and tested until the end of June and is said to drive superbly. It is only reluctantly being sold due to loss of storage.