The least expensive AMG versions of the SL are still £100,000 when new, while the V12 are around £150,000 before prospective owners indulge in the options list. Servicing will also be expensive, and while customers buying new might be wealthy enough not to worry about the cost of fuel, people considering buying a used model might be more worried.

Green issues don’t really come to the fore when designing a car like the SL AMG. Although there may be targets for carbon dioxide emissions within Mercedes-Benz, they would be pretty meaningless in terms of the UK’s CO2-based taxations system and fall into the highest tax brackets.

Some recent Mercedes-Benz models have drifted a bit in the quality stakes, but this SL largely meets expectations of peerless build quality and engineering. However, a few owners have reported problems with roof seals that can’t be fixed despite several visits to dealers.