Unveiled at the March 1989 Geneva Motor Show, the new Mercedes-Benz R129 Series SL range was beautifully engineered. Based around a two-door monocoque bodyshell, its sophisticated, all-round independent suspension (double-wishbone front/five-link rear) was augmented by a host of active and passive safety features including electronic stability control, ventilated ABS disc brakes, adaptive-damping shock absorbers, front airbags and an integral rollover bar that deployed in less than a third of a second if the car ever sensed an impending flip. Suitably cosseting, the convertible's impeccably built cabin consisted of a fully automated power hood and featured such advancements as memory seats, electric windows and mirrors and an adjustable steering column. Yet lurking beneath all the luxury and refinement was a performance orientated sports car.

This example comes to auction presented in exceptional condition and in a very attractive colour scheme of dark metallic blue and matching hardtop with grey leather interior. The car comes with a comprehensive service record, with evidence of regular servicing and new brake discs and pads in 2021, less than 2,000 miles ago. The car has been given an oil change ready for the sale, as well as a fresh MoT. The SL320 is a very attractive proposition compared with its bigger SL500 sibling, it offers perfectly adequate power and refinement without the added running costs of the V8, for the typical relaxed cruising an SL tends to do, the V6 powered SL320 is ideal. The car is supplied to auction with a V5C registration document and MoT test certificate. Consigned by Fraser Smith