We are excited to have a 1981 Mercedes 380SL available in our
Philly store. The Brown exterior and tan interior on this car are a
classic combination and it wears them well. In 1980, Mercedes-Benz
revamped its SL lineup of sporting luxury convertibles with the
introduction of the 380SL. The 380 was a further development of the
R107 chassis, which was first used in 1972 by the 350SL, and then
later by the 450SL. Like its forebears the 380SL was a heady mix of
V-8 power, refined luxury, and sporty underpinnings, and it was as
a very popular model during its run in the U.S. The 380SL, so-named
for its 3.8-liter V-8, had a smaller engine than the 450SL and was
consequently 120 pounds lighter. The two engines were very similar
in performance despite the difference in their displacements.
Outside of the engine, the 380SL also received a new four-speed
automatic transmission, which further enhanced distance driving.
Suspension, meanwhile, continued to be the same fully independent
setup as in the earlier cars, and four-wheel disc brakes remained
standard. The 380SL ended production in 1985, at which point it was
replaced by the 560SL. With the prices of the 380SL's being less
than the 450SL's mainly because of the difference in displacement
but with similar performance. The Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a fine
choice as a collectible 1980s convertible at an affordable price.
To view this 1981 Mercedes 380SL in greater detail, including HD
pictures and an HD video, visit www.GatewayClassicCars.com or our
Philadelphia showroom located in West Deptford, NJ. For more
information, please call 856-599-4100 or email
[email protected]
