NASCAR Legend Junior Johnson's S600 5.8L V12 5 Speed

As their advertising used to claim, life is far too short and roads far too long to drive anything less than a Mercedes-Benz. It's a hard ideology to argue against – especially when it comes to their high end S-Class models. Beautifully styled and well crafted, these executive-level cars offer amenities many homes can't compete against. With new S-Class models carrying stickers that soar well over six figures, comparing them to a house is probably more fair than it initially seems. If you fell for the lines of the W220 S-Class but simply couldn't part with $120k at the time, take a closer look at this 2002 S600. Previously owned by NASCAR legend Junior Johnson, it features a potent V12, luxurious interior and nearly $100k knocked off the original price tag, making this Benz a staggering amount of car for the money. Meticulously maintained and ready for many more years of faithful service, this is the perfect travel companion for anyone who demands the highest levels of comfort and power at once.

The W220 S-Class has a great presence with its coupe-like profile, highlighted by a lower nose and taller tail. The swept chrome grille mirrors the roofline's curves while allowing wind to pass over with as little resistance as possible. From the front, large headlights combined with chrome accent pieces give the fascia a scowl capable of forcing other cars off the road by shear intimidation. At nearly 17ft in length, this Mercedes has a large footprint and looks ready for business in its original coat of Obsidian Black Metallic. With just over 99,000 miles on the clock, the body is straight and the paint looks surprisingly good. Freshly buffed, the depth and mirror-like reflections the paintwork casts are a tribute to the quality of Mercedes finishes. Naturally, fitment is spectacular with nearly perfect gaps all around and the satisfying door-closing thud that high-end European cars are so often noted for.

Designed to walk the line between luxurious transportation executive assistant, the amount of technology featured on this car deserves its own moment in the spotlight. First off is the COMMAND navigation system which can be tailored to the driver's needs. Capable of downloading and displaying everything from directions and news to stock reports and weather, it was a cutting edge feature which Mercedes still features in their high-end cars. Next up is the Distronic cruise control system which allows drivers the convenience of standard cruise control with a three-beam radar gun mounted in the grille that detects and reacts to cars around it, braking when necessary. Following distance can be changed by a thumb wheel on the center console with a warning beep and icon even when the system is disengaged. Finally, the Tele Aid cell phone link allows the driver easy access to factory or emergency services. While telematics systems are fairly standard these days, Tele Aid raised the bar for factory-backed roadside services.

From early Cadillacs to Duesenbergs , many of the finest luxury cars have drawn their power from no less than twelve cylinders. Underneath the sleek black hood on this S600, that tradition is carried on through a 5.8L 36-valve V12 capable using only six cylinders when brute power isn't necessary. Used for only a brief period between 1998 and 2002, the engine is rated at 362hp and 391lb. Buried under a tidy black and silver engine cover, the powerplant is capable of propelling the 4,439lb. sedan from 0-60 in 5.4 seconds with quarter mile sprints in the low 13-second range. With symmetrical three-plane crankshafts and firing pulses every 60 degrees of rotation, this engine was designed for ultra-high speed cruising, with extreme reliability. Faithfully serviced by the team at Hendrick Motors of Charlotte, the engine is clean, strong and ready for many more years of executive-class service.

Underneath the car, a smooth underbody works in harmony with the car's sleek lines to create a low drag coefficient of just 0.27. In the center of that smooth undercarriage, a five-speed automatic transmission handles power application, channeling the V12's output to the rear wheels. An electronic stability program combines traction control and lateral skid control for maximum stability through the twisties while the standard Active Body Control suspension ensures occupants won't even notice how fast you're going. Steering is kept light thanks to a variable-assist setup that provides varying levels of feedback depending on how aggressively the car is driven and naturally, there are four-wheel disc brakes with vented rotors all around for when it's time to take it down a notch. In front of those brakes, a fresh set of AMG-spec 18-inch alloy wheels wrapped in Michelin Pilots connect the car the road while providing a great look.

With a refined aesthetic and quietly strong drivetrain, Mercedes pulled no stops in designing a first rate interior capable of pleasing even the most discerning clientele. The front row of seating consists of heated and cooled 14-way power adjustable seats wrapped in rich black leather with triple stitching while the back mirrors it with a power adjustable split bench. In the center, an attractive leather-wrapped console features rich wood grain around the gear selector. The same wood grain is found running the width of the dashboard as well as across the sculpted leather door panels. From the driver's seat, a leather and wood steering wheel mounted atop fully adjustable tilt column sits before the clean backlit gauge cluster which keeps tabs on the V12's output. The climate control system allows all four passengers to enjoy their own personal climate while an gray Alcantara headliner contrasts nicely against the otherwise dark interior. Behind the seats, a cavernous trunk provides room for golf clubs and about two months' worth of basic supplies while housing the original full size spare and Mercedes roadside kit.

While you can certainly find another S600 on the market, finding one this well maintained would be next to impossible. Finding another one owned by Junior Johnson? That would actually be impossible, so don't miss the chance to take home this incredible luxury car and hit the highway like NASCAR royalty.