Mercedes SLK (R171) SLK 55 AMG 2008

Limited to 186 mph, spare stickers included! 577 ft lb of torque and 577 bhp when last measured. Flat torque curve from 2000 to 6000 revs so it pulls like a train in any gear. Estimated 0-60 in 3 seconds. Top speed could easily exceed 200 mph if it wasn't factory hard wired by Mercedes to 300 kph. Arguably the world's fastest SLK - see youtu.be/ee3xiEfjHow

Mercedes build quality. Do not be put off by the mileage. With routine maintenance it just eats miles for breakfast. I am the 2nd owner and I enjoyed 90,000 miles in 9 years. It is both a daily driver and a compact supercar, it just doesn't look it on the outside, apart from the LIMITED TO 186 MPH sticker.

I get 45 mpg (normal SLK 55 AMGs get 23.5 mpg) on long journeys due to the supercharger by keeping the revs around 2000 which is easy because of the huge low down torque - just switch to Comfort mode which starts off in 2nd gear and shifts early. You have the convenience of the 7 speed auto box, or switch to manual and use the paddle shifts for full control, best of both worlds. The air scarf and the heated leather seats are very good for autumn and spring open top driving, and even for dry sunny winter days. The analogue clock is synced to the GPS so it always shows accurate time. The private number plate will be removed and the car will revert to it's original 08 number plate.

Upgraded by Kleemann in Denmark (£50,000 worth around 2010) to the highest level S8 including Swedish designed Lysholm supercharger, bigger Brembo brakes, stainless steel headers, coilovers, differential, sports camshafts, sports exhaust. It has wider classic AMG wheels and tyres are 265 rear and 235 front in order to lay down the extra power. Original cost of car £70,000 so this is £120,000 worth of car for less than 10%. Other upgrades include roof operation with one touch and while moving, or with the engine off with the remote - very convenient.

At under 1500 kg, the phenomenal power to weight ratio means you are getting supercar performance for a tiny fraction of the cost of a Ferrari 488 Spider, the only viable upgrade to this car.

A couple of issues, reflected in the price. There is a squeak probably bushings. The radio keeps cutting off but choice of new head unit is left to the new owner, there are some good matching modern options with bluetooth, Android Auto or Apple Carplay.

On the plus side I have only used Super Unleaded petrol, and Mobil One New Life or now FS fully synthetic engine oil which my Ferrari mechanic said would keep the car running for hundreds of thousands of miles.