1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL (R107)
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Highlights
• Incredibly low mileage
• Long previous ownership
• Build quality and performance
• Desirable sporting classic
The Background
The classic Mecedes-Benz SL (R107) range has always been one of the most stylish luxury cars of the 1970’s and ’80’s. Designed by Mercedes senior stylist Joseph Gallitzendorfer with a chassis borrowed from the W114 saloon combined with silky-smooth engines and a superior build quality, the flagship SL range soon became popular.
The 380SL followed on from the 350SL in 1980 with increased power and torque from the M116 engine and also featured an updated interior. Later cars benefited from a range of improvements such as better chassis protection with wax injected sills and just over 11,000 380SL roadsters were built in 1983.
The History
This particular 380SL was first registered on the 14th January 1983 and has only covered around 59,900 miles in the custody of a small handful of previous owners.
The last owner was director of an engineering company in Andover and purchased the car in 1992 and looked after it very well until 2006, when sadly, due to ill health, the SL subsequently sat still for three years. In August 2009 it was re-commissioned and put back on the road for a year or so (covering around 400 miles) and then stored again until recently.
This very original and unmodified example has suffered a little cosmetically speaking, from sitting around, but having been given a new lease of life by the vendor, should continue to offer an enjoyable driving experience.
The Paperwork
The V5 is present along with a recent new MOT, which is valid until 16th November 2022, and the vendor tells us he will tax the car.
Quite a few old MOT’s going back to 1987 also come with this SL which quantifies the low mileage. Service records highlight a list of re-commissioning work carried out in 2009 at 59,462 miles (see photo).
The Interior
The Blue cloth and MB tex interior is in remarkable condition for it’s age. The classic Mercedes layout has worn well, and despite a couple of tiny cracks on the dash and to the wood veneer, every aspect of this interior is indicative of the low mileage. In particular, the steering wheel, foot pedals and comfortable seats appear virtually new.
Central locking, electric windows, a passenger side electric mirror, drivers heated seat, air-conditioning and the original Blaupunkt radio/cassette feature in this SL model.
The switchgear all seems in good shape and the vendor assures us that all the electrical equipment operates as it should. The carpeting in the front footwells and rear has worn well and the chrome door trim and seat folding brackets are very presentable.
The boot is exceptionally clean and tidy and appears structurally sound. The original spare wheel, jack, a set of tools and emergency triangle are contained underneath and behind the dark blue carpeting which is also in great condition.
The Exterior
This beautifully styled galvanised body appears to be very straight and structurally sound and the sills and underside look solid upon first inspection. The Astral silver metallic paintwork has a good shine only marred by a few scratches mainly on the front nearside wing, drivers door and rear wings (see photos).
There are some signs of bubbling and small areas of loose paint and surface rust confined mainly to the lower valances and around the side trims. The rear valance (below the rear bumper) has some flakey paint but it is solid. The drivers door mirror has some chips to the black paint but the chrome is good. The lights, window glass, chrome grille and other fittings are very presentable, although there is a small amount of surface rust on the bumper chrome, and being picky, the rubber trim is a little wonky in places.
A tasteful blue mohair hood sits on top and is in fine condition despite a couple of small repairs to the nearside. The plastic rear windows are tip top. An original hard top also comes with this car but will require some restoration work including new rear window (see photos).
The Mercedes optional extra 14” ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels appear to be free from damage and corrosion and a set of Jinyu Gallopro tyres with a good level of tread complete the picture.
The Mechanics
The 380 is widely considered to be the best all round engine in the SL range giving the best displacement, weight, fuel consumption, reliability and performance. The all alloy V8 has a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and produces around 200bhp with an estimated top speed of 130mph.
One turn of the key, and this low mileage engine ticks over nicely and is very quiet as it should be.
Once warmed up there is no obvious excessive smoke and the vendor informs us that it retains good oil pressure and water temperature. The engine bay is clean and presentable and in accordance with it’s age. The all important I.D. plates sit on the front crossmember.
The vendor tells us that there is none of the usual play in the power steering and that this SL drives really smoothly with no nasty knocks or rattles. The auto-box is also said to change up and down as it should and the independent coil spring suspension and servo-assisted disc brakes also operate efficiently.
The vendor has checked over all the mechanical components and carried out an oil and filter change and reassuringly, as mentioned, a new MOT has recently been issued.
The Appeal
This is a great example of legendary German engineering and understated refinement. It has long been the choice of the rich, famous and indeed royalty alike.
This SL (or ‘Sport Lightweight’) roadster is ready to drive and could be cosmetically improved over time. With it’s exceptional ride quality, soft top and optional hard top, could also be a delight to drive all year round as a daily mode of luxury transportation or simply as an ‘occasional’ fun car.
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Vehicle specification
- Year 1983
- Make Mercedes
- Model 380 SL R107
- Colour Silver
- Odometer 59,884 Miles
- Engine size 3839
Auction Details
- Seller Type Trade
- Location Hampshire
- Country United Kingdom
9
bids
from 5
bidders
- jo•••• £15,000 22/12/21
- jo•••• £14,000 22/12/21
- sa•••• £13,000 22/12/21
- jo•••• £12,750 22/12/21
- jo•••• £12,500 22/12/21
- Oh•••• £12,000 20/12/21
- ni•••• £9,700 18/12/21
- Do•••• £7,500 18/12/21
- Do•••• £5,000 18/12/21
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