The silver bodywork of this imposing Bi-Turbo SL600 contrasts perfectly with its black leather interior trim and black five-spoke alloy wheels. It is a five-keeper example that’s been its current ownership for the last three years. The vendor presently classes the mighty V12 powerplant as ‘excellent’ and the automatic transmission, coupe bodywork, paintwork and upholstery as ‘good’. This rare righthand drive car is now being offered complete with a comprehensive history file containing the service book and other paperwork that supports its indicated total mileage to date of 81,200. An enormous amount of car per pound in today’s second-hand market.

The landmark 300 of 1954 and the ensuing 190 comprised the first generation of Mercedes-Benz’s iconic SL models. The much-loved second generation (W113) began with the 230 of 1963 and was distinguished by a distinctive optional hardtop that earned the model its nickname of ‘Pagoda top’. The apparently everlasting, larger, third model (R107) was followed by the R129 Series. Launched at the Geneva Salon of 1989, it was based on a shortened version of the W124 floorpan and bristled with technical refinement and innovative safety features. Next up was the R230 Series that was in production from 2001 to 2011 with a range of engines from a 3.7-litre 245bhp V6 to a thumping 6-litre AMG V12 of no less than 604bhp, and most notable for its retractable hardtop and active body control. The standard Bi-Turbo SL600 offered between 2003 and 2006 was powered by a V12 engine of 5,513cc which had a healthy output of 493bhp at 5,000rpm – sufficient to propel the big Benz to 60mph in under five seconds.

In summary:

• A rare V12 version of Mercedes’ much-vaunted R230 SL
• A seven-keeper, 81,200-mile example
• Comes complete with history in support of the indicated mileage