1992-2002 Mercedes-Benz SL

The Mercedes SL has always been a stylish conveyance for the well-heeled, but its role as Richard Gere's ride in the 1980 film "American Gigolo" certainly enhanced the SL's reputation as a sexy car. While evolving from the original racebred 300SL Gullwing of the 1950s, the SL grew in size and luxury, but continued to deliver sports-car levels of performance.

The fourth-generation car (1990-2002) cuts a more aerodynamic figure than the car it replaced and still has some of the most advanced safety features of any open car on the road. The 300SL and 500SLs arrived with six- and eight-cylinder engines, respectively, and each came with a power softtop and a removable aluminum hardtop. During the 1990s, the V-12 600SL was added, the 300SL became the 320SL, and the numbers and letters eventually swapped places in the model names. Side airbags were a standard feature by 1996, the SL320 disappeared after 1997, and a new 5.0-liter V-8 bowed in 1999.

Of this 12-year production run, the final four model years have the best of what this car has to offer: Brake Assist, Electronic Stability Program, and 17-inch tires became standard on every 1999 SL, plus the new, cleaner-running V-8 was a better performer. For 2000, the Tele Aid emergency-contact system was added, and free scheduled maintenance was included with the basic warranty. Two designo Editions--with special paint, upholstery, and trim treatments--were offered in 2000 and 2001. Updated aerodynamics for the lower body-trim areas appeared in 2001, and 18-inch tires also became standard. For the final year, a limited-run Silver Arrow Collector's Edition was offered.

In contrast to more recent Mercedes-Benz service woes, there are no safety recalls or repair bulletins to indicate that these SLs are anything but reliable. The 2001-2002 models may have a portion of the factory four-year/50,000-mile warranty remaining, and Mercedes' Starmark Pre-Owned certification will provide another year of warranty coverage to qualified cars purchased from an authorized dealer. Given the high price of these cars when new (SL500: $82,000-plus; SL600: $128,000-plus), many have led coddled lives. Stick with examples that show preferential treatment and have complete service records. Then, tell your neighbors you could've bought the latest SL retractable hardtop, but that you prefer softtops on your Mercedes roadsters.