Lot 013: Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG Saloon

Mercedes' answer to the BMW M3, the C32 AMG was launched in 2001 and remained in production until 2004. A masterpiece of understated muscle, it was powered by a supercharged 3.2-litre V6 producing a mighty 354bhp and 332lb/ft of torque (comfortably eclipsing the 343bhp and 269lb/ft of the M3).

This was mated to a specially developed 'Speedshift' 5-speed automatic gearbox with changes 35% quicker than a standard C-Class. Electronically limited to 155mph (a speed it could hold all day on the autobahn), when tested by Autocar in June 2001 it could streak to 60mph in a neck-snapping 4.5 seconds beating not just the M3 but also the Porsche 911. And all this to a wonderful sound track from the snarling exhaust.

Handling was also well up to the job with outstanding body control: where the M3 demands constant attention as it hops and skips its way along the blacktop, the AMG simply gallops on, inspiring an equal mixture of confidence and awe, wrote one road tester. Massive brakes gave phenomenal stopping power  60mph to a standstill in just 112 feet.

This 2001 example was a dealer demonstrator for the first six months of its life and has had just two private owners since. Now with just 40,200 miles on the clock it has a full MB service history with five stamps to date, the last immediately prior to the auction. Just fitted with four new tyres, it is said to drive like new and to be in truly exceptional condition inside and out.

It comes in classic Mercedes silver with a black Nappa leather interior and is packed with luxuries such as a Bose sound system which cost over �2,000 as an extra, Command navigation system, CD multichanger, air conditioning, electric heated seats and much more besides. One of several cars owned by the vendor (including a Ferrari 550 Maranello) it has only covered around 3,000 miles in the last year. Taxed until October and with a fresh MOT, it offers an intoxicating blend of supercar performance and saloon car practicality at a very modest guide price.