2001 Mercedes-Benz CL 500

Lot details
Registration No: Y496YRV
Chassis No: WDB2153752A018041
Mot Expiry: T.B.A.

Mercedes launched the CL500 late in 2000 as a 2001 model, proclaiming it their most sophisticated car ever - and it was one of the most expensive, fully-loaded coupes on the market, with an impressive combination of power, comfort, handling, and style, and enough gadgetry to equip a spaceship: four-wheel discs with ABS, electrically adjustable memory seats with both heating and air cooling, that crawl forward to allow easier access to the rear.

Even the windows stay slightly open until the doors are shut, to make closing them slightly easier. Though the CL is a coupe, it's a large car, but its size doesn't get in the way of its handling. The CL500 combines an amazingly smooth ride with rock-solid cornering, soaking up bumps and maintaining a flat ride using its sophisticated, computer-controlled Active Body Control which has hydraulic servos at each wheel, allied to Mercedes' ESP electronic stability control.

The five-litre V8 punches out 302bhp at 5600rpm, allied to a fast-shifting five-speed automatic transmission, making it seriously quick, with instant up- and downshift over-rides available. Even more impressive is the constant 330lb ft of torque available from 2700-4250rpm. The CL500 was eclipsed only by the rocketship V12 CL600 from the same stable. This car is described by the vendor as being in "excellent overall" condition, and he says it will have a new MOT before the sale. A technical tour de force available for a fraction of its new price.