: 1998 Mercedes SL600 Sport
: "VW Golf GT Tdi, BMW 330ci, Audi S5."
That's a whole lot of engine right there!
"Madness? A yearning for a big-engined soft-top for the summer for sensible money? Peer pressure from friends with rag top TVRs and Triumphs? A shameless desire to have a car that, in the touch of a button, allows one to look like a total prat and get a tan at the same time? No, not really it's never sunny in the UK but it's a two-seat, convertible, classic wedge-shaped Silver Arrow with a six-litre V12 under the bonnet. What's not to like? The Audi S5 was a really 'good car' but little more than that - infinitely capable but not enough 'x factor' so it had to go. And since I have no need for four seats the Merc was the replacement."
What I wish I'd known:
"That a replacement plastic AMG toe hook cover costs £300 and a replacement radiator grille is £700 (titanium apparently!). Ouch, should have hit the vendor for those."
Laser alignment among the tweaks
"The effortless wafting, V12 torque, V12 refinement. When the sun comes out the practicality of the boot hood up or down, the comments from people who know what's under the bonnet and the total blanking from those who don't, 1990s Merc build quality, machine polished dished alloy wheels, the single windscreen wiper (odd but it has an LMP car feel to it!), the endless performance in spite of its age, exclusivity - I havent seen another like it since purchasing, the panoramic hard top and that it hasn't been abused or modded in any way ... oh, and filling up with petrol."
Things I hate:
"The rear seats - totally pointless and and invitation for a brainless idiot to stand on the interior/trim/seats trying to get in."
New wood trim spruced up interior
"Spent circa £4,000 in parts and countless hours since purchasing making the car 'right'. Including - but not limited to - replacement of all control/tie arms and bushes, replacement of all four wheel bearings, correct Michelin PS2 tyres all round, new discs and pads all round, laser wheel alignment at WIM, wheel refurbishment and polishing at Lepsons, gearbox oil and filter change, new belt tensioners, throttle cable, sump gasket, numberplates, walnut trims inside, overmats, badges. Average about 16mpg which I do not think is too bad. 2,000 miles onto the speedo and as yet it has not gone wrong ... yet. I will probably service it myself from now on so I know it has been done correctly."
Where I've been:
"Nowhere of note just yet, European jaunt planned for the summer. Every journey is fun though, especially when the sun is out."
What next?
"It's a keeper for now unless someone makes me an offer I cannot refuse. SL55s have been tempting me for a while but I prefer the low-key nature of the R129 shape. Values seem to be holding if not increasing which is an added benefit. I'll probably continue working on it, bumpers need a re-spray and a few other little things need sorting to get it perfect. Time to enjoy it now over the summer and take a break from scanning the classifieds on Pistonheads for hours each day!"
Want to share your car with PHers on Carpool? Email us at carpool@pistonheads.com!