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When it comes to a tingle factor, many feel that no Mercedes-Benz does it quite like a classic SL. And to make sure we don't short change you, this issue serves up no less than six of them, from a 300SL Gullwing to a 500SL from the R129 era. My part in it was to do the 190SL W121, our cover story, and what a joy it was, especially one this pristine.

Starting life with a five-cylinder turbodiesel engine, this 123-series coupe soon found itself on the receiving end of a five-litre M117 V8 conversion. The 123-series Mercedes-Benz arguably represents the pinnacle of Mercedes' over-engineering, and bridges the gap between classic and modern. That explains, at least in part, why so many enthusiasts covet good ones - especially the coupes. Here in North America, the vast majority of C123s came to us in diesel form - first as the naturally aspirated OM617 and subsequently the OM617 turbodiesel. We got a handful of M110 powered 280CEs, but those came in a lethargic, detuned US specification that made the diesels the more Appealing proposition. And that’s how this car started life, as an OM617 turbodiesel powered, US spec C123. Needless to say, it's come a long way since.