1993 Mercedes-Benz R129 | Crawley, West Sussex

This is a 1993 Mercedes-Benz R129, the SL roadster of the 1990s, liked for its long bonnet, steeply raked windscreen and smooth, uncluttered flanks. It was built as a relaxed grand tourer, with a hydraulically operated fabric roof that folds away beneath a tonneau cover. This car is finished in silver with a black interior, a restrained pairing that lets the shape do the work. Its 3.0-litre petrol engine suits unhurried, smooth driving. The long bonnet and low screen line give a roof-down shot plenty of length, and the dark cabin reads cleanly against the paintwork. With the roof folded, it gives advertising, fashion and editorial shoots a polished 1990s luxury setting. The folding-roof outline also places a period film, television or music video scene firmly in that decade. At events it makes a smart arrival car, and it suits a wedding or a special day out too. The car is based in London, West Sussex.