Vehicle Description
As the longest-running passenger car model in Mercedes-Benz
history, the R107 series of SL-roadsters earned iconic status
throughout the 70s and 80s, blending performance, safety, and
unparalleled quality in an impeccably styled two-seat roadster.
Much like the R113 that preceded it, the R107 was a sophisticated,
grown-up sports car best suited to continental touring that could
handle whatever conditions the driver should encounter, thanks to
features including an optional removable hardtop, and highly
effective climate control. The SL was remarkably practical with a
generously sized boot and superb build quality that shrugged off
the notion that sports cars needed to be finicky, uncomfortable,
and rough around the edges. The R107 SL-series proved to be
tremendously successful for Mercedes-Benz, who continually evolved
and refined the line with increasingly powerful six- and
eight-cylinder engines, tuned handling dynamics, and more
sophisticated safety and luxury features. Enduring as Mercedes'
flagship sports car for seventeen years, the R107 looked as crisp
and sophisticated and the end of production in 1989 as it did when
it debuted in 1972. This superbly preserved Mercedes-Benz roadster
is a time-warp example showing an astonishing 1,600 miles from new.
According to the original window sticker and warranty booklet, this
car was sold new to a local business owner by the Crown Automobile
Co of Birmingham, Alabama. Finished in Silver-Blue Metallic (code
930) over blue leather upholstery (code 232) and a dark blue soft
top, the sticker price totaled nearly $41,000 - the equivalent of
$130,000 today. Equipment includes two tops, Bundt alloy wheels,
fog lamps, electric windows, Becker Grand Prix cassette stereo, and
automatic climate control. The accompanying service booklet shows
the car was serviced at the selling dealer, and it accrued just 500
miles in its first two years. As offered, this 380SL is in superb,
showroom-fresh condition benefitting from years of attentive indoor
storage. The paint, exterior trim, and brightwork are all in
outstanding order, as are both tops. The factory Bundt alloy wheels
are shod with pristine original Michelin XVS radials. The body is
straight and crisp as expected, with precise shut lines and the
typical Mercedes "bank vault" quality. Inside, blue leather seats
and blue carpets are in excellent condition. A minor imperfection
is noted on the driver's outer seat bolster, where the piping has
separated slightly from the side panel. Otherwise, the cabin is
excellent, with gorgeous Zebrano wood trim, the factory Becker
stereo, and like-new switchgear and controls. Accompanying items
include an original tool roll, vin-matched owner's manual set,
first aid kit, and window sticker. In 2019, the car was treated to
extensive servicing as part of a general recommissioning. Work
included a comprehensive overhaul of the fuel system, a complete
tune up, and much more. It now performs as expected, even down to
the functioning air conditioning. Amazingly well-preserved, it
would be a fine choice for the Antique Automobile Club of America's
prestigious Historic Preservation of Original Features (HPOF)
class. This beautiful 380SL represents a rare opportunity to
acquire an exceptional, collector-quality R107 with little more
than break-in miles on the odometer. Offers welcome and trades
considered For additional details please view this listing directly
on our website
https://hymanltd.com/vehicles/7343-1982-mercedes-benz-380sl/
