Somewhere the owner of a recently-purchased used Mercedes-Benz stands in front of the mirror, practicing. “It’s a V12… I’ve got the V12.  Of course, I had to have the V12, darling.” This 1999 Mercedes-Benz SL600 may not be the smallest V12-powered car ever built, but it’s on the short list. The odometer shows fewer than 57,000 miles, and the seller overflows with praise for the Pacific Beach, California classic’s capabilities here on Craigslist. Its AMG Sport package may not add horsepower, but it adds another badge on the trunk lid and some sporty goodies elsewhere. Thanks to reader Rocco B. for submitting the tip on this tidy drop-top golf-buddy impresser.

Why build a 6.0L V12 instead of a 6.0L V8? Simply put, the V12 puts the V in Smoov. Just as a single inline six cylinder engine boasts better inherent balance and smoother operation than a V8, the V12 benefits from having two banks of six cylinders rather than the V8’s four per side. This one makes 389 HP without turbo or supercharging.

Anything “600” indicated V12 for some time in M-B parlance, and always represents a vehicle at or near the top of the luxury lineup. While the S600 sedans ferry heads of state and corporate kings, the SL600 might be what those same movers and shakers drive on the weekend. As long as there’s room for two golf bags or your lover’s weekend luggage in the boot, you’re good as gold.

Mercedes leather is known for wearing well over time, and nothing visible disputes the low mileage claim. Large round gauges and fluffy AMG seat belt protectors tell you this is a sporting person’s luxury car. I’m joking, of course.

According to the seller’s math, this SL sold for over $200,000 in today’s money, and if you were going to party like it was 1999, you did it in style with an array of rectangular buttons and real wood trim. Having owned a 2001 Mercedes-Benz, I can confirm that real wood lies beneath the finish on these posh polished panels. Removing them for maintenance reveals a plywood structure and hardwood veneer. Scratches can be gently removed using high-quality auto body swirl remover. As German cars of this time frame go, Porsche has the highest reliability, BMWs are guaranteed to keep you entertained with myriad dashboard lights popping up like bad weeds, and M-B is somewhere in the middle, often racking up 40 or 50 thousand miles before demanding an expensive sacrifice at the altar of Teutonic Gods. It may be hard to justify maintaining 50% more cylinders than a V8, but when you’re practicing your lines in front of the mirror, it will all be worth it. Would you make room in your garage for this tidy V12 gem?