Mercedes-Benz SL500

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Some five years in development, the R230 Series SL Roadster was a replacement for the tank-like R129 Series which had won so many fans for its superb build quality, performance and refinement.

Painstakingly modelled on a state-of-the-art supercomputer which enabled the designers to analyse every curve and line, it looked utterly sensational with an air of barely contained aggression that gave it huge road presence. Packed full of sophisticated electronic driver aids which made it immensely safe but also fun to drive, it was an instant hit with press and public alike and is widely considered to be the best-looking Mercedes since the legendary 300SL Roadster of the late 1950s.

The power-operated aluminium folding roof was particularly admired and would disappear into the top of the boot at the press of a button in just 16 seconds, yet still leave enough room underneath for 206 litres of luggage space.

Launched in March 2003, the range opened with a 245bhp 3.7-litre V6 and was topped off with the 493bhp 6-litre V12 SL600, a banzai 600bhp + AMG model being available as a side order. Pick of the bunch was undoubtedly the SL500, whose beefy 4,966cc V8 delivered 302bhp, enough to make light work of the car’s near two tonne bulk. Finely balanced and with a sound-track to die for, it was extremely popular despite the eye-watering £70,000 price tag.

This beautifully presented two owner car has covered just 68,300 miles from new. It has seven stamps in the service book, the last major service taking place in February 2013 when the mileage read 61,822 miles. The vendor has subsequently presented it for a further ‘fluids only’ service as recently as January 2015 - less than 300 miles ago. Complete with two keys and MOTd until February 2016, it retains its book pack and navigation disc and is being offered with the personalised number F8 ORO.

What incredible value for money these big SLs offer, delivering an astonishing level of performance, superb build quality and the opportunity to take advantage of a break in the weather at a flick of a switch, before reverting back to a cosy coupe when those pesky clouds reappear.