Classics
Mercedes SL 320 (R129)
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Engine: 3.2 litre V6
Power: 225BHP
0-60: 8 seconds
Top Speed: 150mph
Transmission: Automatic
Band: 4
Seats: 2
The Mercedes SL is one of motoring's most illustrious range of convertibles. From the original 1960s pagoda to the club's example, a monstrously elegant SL320 (codename R129), they have been driven by movie stars, formula 1 champions and even a certain People's Princess. In this incarnation we have what many consider to be the pinnacle of the type with the last example of over-engineering you'll see at Mercedes Benz, matched with a real luxury feel to the interior and timeless styling that turns heads now as much as it did when it rolled off the production line. Especially in this colour - we call ours Ruby.
The straight-six engine is bomb-proof and has been shoved in more German luxury cars than we could shake a bratwurst at, but in Ruby it's perfect match. There's over 220bhp to drive the 5-speed auto and, in a motor that's no fattie, it makes for a brilliantly balanced car with oodles of oomph (with a very addictive grrrrrowl) and respectable economy. We know of few cars, let alone convertibles that can entertain you with hours of fun on twisty roads but be able to gobble down miles on an epic scale and even turn in 30mpg on a motorway.
The electric roof just ices the cake beautifully - you wanna feel what it's like to sit inside a transformer? Just push the big red button!
