For sale here we have a very nice example of one of the finest machines to come out of Stuttgart, a 1991 Mercedes Benz 300SL R129 in stunning polar white with contrasting navy blue interior.

This particular example has belonged to my father for the last three years, during which time it has been cherished and looked after with a no expense spared approach. That coupled with the comprehensive service history from new, must make it one of the finest and most honest examples available today.
On the outside the bodywork is in superb condition, with no evidence of any corrosion and only one or two minor marks as you might expect on a 20 year old car. In fact the paint appears to be original throughout, a testament to how the car has been looked after and the original build quality. The factory spun alloy wheels are in very good condition, as are all the lights and trim. The electrically operated hood is in very good condition, is fully functional and is a feat of engineering to watch as it tucks itself away under the padded rear deck. For the colder times of year there is also a factory hardtop, again in excellent condition which comes complete with its own stand if required.
On the inside, again the car is in stunning condition, with the original cloth seats, which have stood the test of time far better than their leather counterparts do, and are a much more comfortable place to be on a hot sunny day with the hood down! The factory navy blue suits the white car perfectly and in addition to the spacious and comfortable front cabin, there are also a couple of folding rear seats suitable for children or small adults. The seats are electrically operated, as too are the windows.
Driving the car you can see where Mercedes built its reputation, as the car is solid, smooth and comfortable, its easy to see why this generation of Mercedes are seen as the last "proper" Mercedes. The engine is the bullet proof 300 straight six, and feels very lively pulling very well through the auto box, which also functions perfectly. The brakes are very effective and the power steering is weighted just right to suit this style of car.
In summary this is a superb Grand Tourer, with 12 months MOT and tax, which has proved to be wonderfully reliable whilst in our ownership. Its condition is far superior to most, and with the price of the earlier SLs rocketing, these are tipped to increase in value over coming years, so it is surely a wise investment. Why have money sat in the bank, when you could be enjoying it!

Coming soon to Victoria Sportscars, we have the pleasure of offering this lovely 1954 Rolls Royce Silver Dawn, finished in its original Burgundy with Biscuit coloured leather trim.
This example comes to us from the motor house of a private collector and Rolls Royce enthusiast, who tells us that when searching for this car his particular requirements were a car with exceptional bodywork and a touch of originality. What he didn't want was an over restored car which although shiny, was full of filler and missing its period charm! I can report that he was successful in his quest and the car before you is one of the most honest, original and unmolested Silver Dawn I have seen in some years.
Starting on the outside, the bodywork is in very good condition with little evidence of previous repairs, the paintwork, most of which dates back to a re-spray in the 1970's, is also in very good condition and its pleasing to see particular attention has been paid to finish in the door shuts and panel gaps, areas which are often overlooked. The sliding sunshine roof is in full working order, a rarity on these cars as often they do not open due to a poorly repaired and twisted body, and I'm pleased to say that even in the most torrential of downpours that we have recently experienced, the sunroof has remained leak free!
All the brightwork is in very good order throughout, there are new door seals, the glass and seals are also good and the screen itself shows little marking, evidence of its low 80k miles and careful use. Also worth noting  the car has fully functional semaphores, but has also been treated to additional indicators to keep other motorists aware. These have been sensitively added, on the front being hidden within the spot lamps.
Moving inside the car, its nice to see a largely original and unmolested, yet well maintained interior. The seats are finished in a lovely biscuit coloured leather, the fronts having been retrimmed some years ago and the rear being original. They do however, still match perfectly and are complimented by Wilton carpet throughout and the original unmarked wool cloth headliner. The veneered woodwork is in very good condition throughout, including the rear picnic tables and the dash with its original unrestored clocks presents very well indeed, in fact all the gauges are in full working order including the often forgotten "oil level test"!
Although excellent on the shiny side, its the mechanical underpinnings where the car really shines, the current owner having paid great attention to making the car a nice thing to drive, and also having taken care of all the common issues. Briefly these include new engine and gearbox mounts, body mounts, new dynamo, new water pump, fuel tank, fuel sender, working central oil system, new brake cylinders, new clutch and new kingpins. The engine has been recently serviced and runs as sweetly and quietly as you would expect, as well as happily running at the correct temperature.
Driving the Royce is a pleasure, its is smooth and quiet and everything you would expect a luxury car of this period to be. One of only 720 built, this example being manual is extremely rare and is a little more "Bentley like" to drive than the slushy automatic, making it more rewarding and involving to use. The car turns heads wherever it goes and petrol stations become places to revel in the nice comments given by passers by! It makes a fine weekend cruiser and dare I say the ideal occasional wedding car too!