There was a time when 5,500cc V8 engines were allowed without disapproving looks at the gas stations. A time when Mercedes-Benz created machines like this SL 55 AMG (R230), a convertible that didn't need to shout to be noticed, as the deep, refined sound of its engine was enough to remind us that German engineering knew what it was doing.
 
This 2004 model, with only 91,000 km, has something rare these days. It has a clean and transparent history. Imported, yes, but it arrived in Portugal new and has always belonged to the same owner (to date), who has religiously kept it at an official dealership, stamp by stamp, as is the tradition of those who treat cars as they should be treated.