NO RESERVE! - 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL
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Highlights
• Freshly serviced with a long MoT
• Floors repaired including new carpets at a cost of over £800
• Extensive history
• Very attractive example ready to use and enjoy
The Background
The Mercedes-Benz R107 range was the latest in Stuttgart’s line of chic SL-badged models when it was introduced in 1971, still bearing a close resemblance to the W113 range of 1963.
After the W113 proved popular in America, the R107 was refined with the American market in mind, and it boasted a range of specialised engines, bumper designs, headlights and emissions management systems in order to comply with the inconsistent and ever-changing federal regulations which existed across America.
After the W113 proved popular in America, the R107 was refined with the American market in mind, and it boasted a range of specialised engines, bumper designs, headlights and emissions management systems in order to comply with the inconsistent and ever-changing federal regulations which existed across America.
This proved to be a canny tactic as the Mercedes SL won a large section of the market previously occupied by British sports cars and American ‘personal luxury’ cars. The R107 appealed very much to a kind of moneyed, high-society client who would buy one as a second car for leisure use, a characterisation which was demonstrated frequently in American media, with the SL playing major rôles in the 1973 film The Long Goodbye and the 1980s television series Hart to Hart, among many other appearances.
Accordingly, there were many different examples of the R107 available and the 380SL was offered on the European market between 1980 and 1985. It featured a 3.8-litre V8 producing 215bhp, making it good for 134mph. The introduction of the 380SL coincided with a subtle facelift. The R107 sold well in Europe as well as America, and production eventually ended in 1989 after 300,000 had been made.
The History
Having acquired one SL, the vendor fell in love with the model and started to collect different variants. However, he has now decided it would be sensible to downsize his collection slightly.
During his ownership, the car has benefitted from much work, including to the floors and regular servicing. The most recent service being done week of 13th September 2021.
During his ownership, the car has benefitted from much work, including to the floors and regular servicing. The most recent service being done week of 13th September 2021.
The Paperwork
In addition to its V5, this Mercedes comes with a valid MoT, various invoices and an extensive service history.
The Interior
The interior of the Mercedes is tasteful and luxurious, as befits a car of its status. The passenger compartment is attractively upholstered with cream leather, and the restrained application of walnut dresses up the centre console nicely.
While the interior does sport some light cosmetic wear, it is all in generally good condition besides some splits in the stitching of the driver’s seat and a hole which has appeared in the backrest.
While the interior does sport some light cosmetic wear, it is all in generally good condition besides some splits in the stitching of the driver’s seat and a hole which has appeared in the backrest.
The Exterior
Again, the Mercedes presents very nicely from the outside, with the deep black paint complementing the cream interior especially well. There are some blemishes in the paint, perhaps most obviously behind the passenger compartment where the detachable hardtop meets the rear deck. The car is bright, presentable and 37 years old, and should be viewed as such.
Elsewhere, there is some bubbling starting to appear under the paint. This is by no means advanced, but it probably wants remedying without too much delay. The chrome is mostly very good and will polish to a nice shine, although there is some light pitting on the boot handle and some small patches on the front bumper where it has bubbled and peeled. Similarly, the alloy wheels are very good with just some extremely mild scuff marks.
As can be seen, the soft-top is excellent with no tears, and the vendor advises that it is perfectly water-tight. There is a detachable hardtop and is included, although it should be noted the rear glass is cracked and will need replacing.
Underneath, we are satisfied that the car is solid, especially after all the work has been completed on the floors. As useful, it is worth keeping an eye on the sills of any car this age, but at 37 years old, this car looks extremely good.
The Mechanics
We have seen that this car runs and drives well, with a smooth automatic gearbox and lightweight power steering. It has a valid MoT until 23rd May, 2022, and has been regularly serviced so we are not surprised that the vendor says it ‘drives well for its age’.
It benefits from a new battery and stainless steel exhaust. The only mechanical flaw which appears to have manifested itself is the driver’s door lock, which is described as ‘temperamental’.
It benefits from a new battery and stainless steel exhaust. The only mechanical flaw which appears to have manifested itself is the driver’s door lock, which is described as ‘temperamental’.
The Appeal
Mercedes SLs were a symbol of a high-society when new, marking the owner out as the sort of person who could enjoy some time at leisure and who appreciated objects of quality, and that is as true now as it was then.
Due to the large numbers originally made, there was a time when R107s could be picked up for relatively little money, but those days are past now and they are becoming increasingly collectible with each passing day.
Even so, Mercedes of the 1980s were famously well-engineered, and it is for that reason that some owners still keep them in regular use, because they can be relied upon. Most appreciating assets end up mothballed as their owners fear the toll that regular use in traffic might take on them, but this 380SL is one classic that will take all that in its stride.
Due to the large numbers originally made, there was a time when R107s could be picked up for relatively little money, but those days are past now and they are becoming increasingly collectible with each passing day.
Even so, Mercedes of the 1980s were famously well-engineered, and it is for that reason that some owners still keep them in regular use, because they can be relied upon. Most appreciating assets end up mothballed as their owners fear the toll that regular use in traffic might take on them, but this 380SL is one classic that will take all that in its stride.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1984
- Make Mercedes
- Model 380SL
- Colour Black
- Odometer 152,353 Miles
- Engine size 3839
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Kent
- Country United Kingdom
108
bids
- Ri•••• £11,500 01/10/21
- ca•••• £11,250 01/10/21
- Ra•••• £11,000 01/10/21
- Ra•••• £10,750 01/10/21
- ca•••• £10,500 01/10/21
- ca•••• £10,250 01/10/21
- mi•••• £10,000 30/09/21
- Ra•••• £9,900 30/09/21
- mi•••• £9,800 30/09/21
- Ra•••• £9,700 30/09/21
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