500 SEC

One of the finest cars ever made

I bought one of these as a second car, and more of a hobby than everyday transport. Have to say I loved it, and felt like every time I drove it was a special occasion. Immensely powerful V8 engine, which thrusts the car forward in an effortless manner. Smooth suspension and ride quality, and fantastic spec (for the time) as standard. These cars were not so common as SL's, and a lot of people do not know what they are at all. Owned by lots of celebrities throughout the 80s. Build quality that puts modern Mercedes to shame.

Negatives: not a lot goes wrong, but everything which does works out expensive. Tend to spring leaks, so best kept in a garage. Quite rust-prone underneath rear parcel shelf, underside of doors, and wings: but nothing compared to the late 1990s Mercedes. Quite thirsty, with a best figure of around 25mpg on a run, but as low as 8-12mpg urban. Difficult to squeeze into a multi-storey parking space.

Good alternative to an SL, and more exclusive.

Report as offensive