SL Mercedes-Benz - a dream car

Why you will want one...

When it comes to real-world affordable cars, none are better engineered than a Seventies or Eighties Mercedes. While standards have been allowed to slip in recent years, the Classic Mercedes Benz R107 was produced at a time when build quality was all. Engineers ruled instead of "bean counters". However, while everyone clamours for its predecessor (the 'Pagoda-roofed' W113) and its successor (the R129 launched in 1989), the second-generation Merc SL offers everything its siblings can - and much better value besides.

Although these cars were built up to a standard rather than down to a price, you don't need the wealth of Bill Gates to buy or run one. Indeed, many of the mechanical components are surprisingly cheap as they're shared with contemporary Mercedes saloons. Simple enough for home maintenance, there's also a raft of specialists out there, ready to help you keep an SL in fine fettle if you're not so handy with the spanners.

The second-generation SL (third if you count the 190SL and 300SL 'Gullwing) survived an incredible 18 years - it holds the record for being Mercedes' longest production span of any car. Despite being introduced at the start of the 1970s, the car still looked fresh the day the last example rolled off the production lines at the end of the 1980’s. Few other designs could stand such a test of time. Indeed, even now the car looks great; classy and understated with no hint of ostentation.

Insurance can be surprisingly low

The SL shop obtained some sample quotes for a 300SL with the following criteria: -

• A local postcode
• Vehicle kept in a garage
• Alarmed
• Limited mileage
• Vehicle used for social, domestic and pleasure

These were the rates for a driver:

• 35 year old £192.27
• 45 year old £189.33
• 55 year old £187.32

So, with relatively low values, peerless build quality, superb reputation, strong performance and surprising practicality, there must be a catch, surely? Well, no - even the smallest engine offers strong performance, there's unrivalled parts support from the factory and the SL is fabulously discreet, while timelessly stylish. So what are you waiting for?