Mercedes SL500, White, for sale in Charlotte, North Carolina, for $12,995.

As a company relentlessly driven by engineering, even Mercedes-Benz had to admit that the R107 series of SL roadsters were a tough act to follow. Fortunately, Mercedes engineers were at the top of their game when this 1994 500SL was built, offering the same rock-solid construction, cutting-edge technology, and quite frankly, stunning performance.

Presented in all-original condition with a new convertible top, this white over silver 500SL represented the pinnacle of open air V8 motoring in the mid-90s. The body is timeless, yet a perfect update of the famous SL 2-seater, muscular and sleek with a very clear upscale appearance. In the 16 years that have passed since this car was new, that vibe hasn't diminished one iota, and showing up in this car is still a great experience even today. High-quality materials, like the bright white paint ensure that these cars truly do look great for years and year, and this one shows only modest signs of being driven. The two-tone effect given by the gray body cladding is subtle, and the lone pinstripe that runs from head light to tail lamp emphasizes the car's wedge shape. Other details like the wipers on the headlights, the door handles that are strong enough to serve as cleats on a steamship, and the famous 3-pointed star are all proof that this is a car like no other.

Contrasting blue buckets ensure that there are first-class accommodations for two, but only two, as all SLs have traditionally been 2-seaters. The high-quality leather shows only a few signs of use, testament to both the quality of the hides and the care with which they've been maintained. Burled walnut on the center console warms up the Teutonic interior, and every luxury feature you could imagine in 1995 was standard equipment. Power windows, climate control, and a new Kenwood AM/FM/CD stereo unit that sounds awesome. And, of course, the SL offers a power convertible top with fresh dark blue canvas to match the interior.

A thundering 5.0 liter 322 horsepower DOHC V8 gives this heavyweight the moves of a sports car, and even today the acceleration and torque will bring a wild grin to your face. With an incredible baritone howl that sounds like Richard Wagner himself composed the soundtrack, you'll love dipping into the engine's seemingly endless reserves of torque. Correctly maintained, it starts and runs like a Mercedes should, and the 4-speed automatic transmission is the perfect luxury car companion-quick witted when you're driving hard, but unobtrusive during light driving. The complex intake casting is hidden under a plastic vanity cover, but there's no mistaking those dual intake snorkels that feed the big V8. An all-independent suspension manages to perfectly balance ride and handling, and big 225/50/16 Michelins ensure competence under all conditions.

This is one of those opportunities to pick up a great car for less than the cost of a used Honda, and everyone will think you've spent a small fortune.