** WITHDRAWN** 1984 Mercedes-Benz 500SL

It's affordable, has high build quality, a superb reputation, strong performance and surprising practicality - it all makes a compelling case for buying an SLWhen it comes to real-world affordable cars, few are better engineered than a Sevenl brown leather strap and deployment clasp all in fine condition. The watch has its original box and paperwork dated 2015.

ties or Eighties Mercedes. One of the best on offer was the R107 SL, which was produced at a time when build quality was king: engineers ruled, rather than bean counters. However, while everyone clamours for its predecessor (the 'Pagoda-roofed' W113), the second-generation SL offers everything the older car does - and much better value besides. Production ran for 18 years and 237,287 cars were built (including SLCs) making it the second longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, after the G-Class.

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 to help you keep your SL in fine fettle.

Finished in Thistle Green Metallic with contrasting green cloth interior we are informed by the vendor that this particular pre-facelift car has led a very pampered existence having only covered a warranted 66000 miles from new and is in outstanding cosmetic and mechanical condition. First registered on the 01/10/84 the bodywork still has an impeccable finish, all the panel fits are perfect with absolutely no corrosion to be seen anywhere, likewise all chrome work is in first class condition and sets the whole exterior of the car off beautifully.

The 15 hole 'Mexican hat' alloys are unmarked and all 4 tyres retain plenty of tread at each corner to provide sure footed grip at all times. The underside of the car looks as good as the topside with no corrosion or chips to be found anywhere. The engine bay is also in fine fettle with absolutely no signs of leaks. All fluids are clean and to the correct level, all pipes appear supple and also in good condition. The big heavy doors close with a lovely bank vault like "thunk', and their shut lines are perfect. Inside everything is literally as good as the day it left the factory including the original folding hood. The vendor informs us of the fitting of a modern MP3 player however the original Blaupunkt unit has been retained should the next owner prefer to refit it.

The V8 fires instantly with more of an American style roar but settles to a refined burble once out on the open road. It drives as you would expect, taut and precise, the brakes pull up straight and without drama, sustained cruising is this cars forte.

The service history checks out as well as the rest of the car with 12 stamps in the service book with the last one only being done 1000 miles ago. It is sold with its original dealer handover pack, a fresh MOT and matching Thistle Green factory hard top. This has to represent one of the best classic cars money can buy.