Vehicle Description
Streetside Classics probably sells more R107 Mercedes-Benz SLs than
anyone else, and we've developed a pretty good eye for these cars.
This 1984 380SL is a great balance of performance, style, price,
and preservation, and for open-air motoring, the SL is still pretty
tough to beat.
In the mid-80s, wild colors were in fashion, but ever-conservative
Mercedes-Benz always got it right. In this car's case, it's
beautiful silver-blue bodywork with dark blue hides inside, a
combination that has looked great for decades, if not centuries.
The light blue respray gives the SL a big car look despite its
rather diminutive size, and in a Mercedes, elegance is never an
option but mandatory. The light color also emphasizes how straight
and clean this one is, thanks to a lifetime in a warm climate and
only 94,539 miles showing on the odometer (that's not many at all
on a 30-year-old Mercedes-Benz). A dark blue pinstripe offers a bit
of contrast and the light colors like this do a much better job of
disguising the heavy federally-mandated bumpers, so it looks sleek
and trim compared to many of its siblings. There's plenty of shine,
but a dedicated hobbyist could really take it up a notch with a
professional buff so that the car can live up to the legacy of the
three-pointed star on its nose. Someone added a '560SL' emblem to
the tail, as well as a center stop lamp, but that's an innocent
upgrade that most folks won't notice.
Most R107 SLs received MB-Tex vinyl, but this lovely roadster wears
genuine leather, which makes a big difference in the way it feels.
The design is familiar, of course, but that's part of the SL's
appeal, and with everything so sensibly arranged and logical, is
there really any other way to do it? The upholstery's condition is
very good all around, particularly for an open car, and aside from
a split in the dash pad, it looks great. Big, easy-to-read gauges
were a Mercedes-Benz hallmark for decades and the giant steering
wheel makes this car feel substantial when you're at the helm.
Features like automatic climate control, power windows, and cruise
control mean it's one of the most user-friendly 2-seaters you can
own and the lovely carpeted package shelf behind the seats offers
good storage space when you're in a hurry. A convertible top stows
neatly under the hard boot in back and looks almost new and like
all SLs, it includes a removable hardtop.
In 1980, the SL switched to a 3.8 liter V8, which still delivers
the kind of effortless performance for which these cars are famous.
They're also quite reliable and easy to maintain, so don't be
afraid of owning this one. It starts easily with a familiar V8
thrum from the exhaust and the bubbly idle and smooth torque make
it feel beautifully polished from behind the wheel. The engine bay
has been maintained over the years and remains clean, and it's full
of correct parts, so no worries about deferred maintenance here.
The 3-speed automatic transmission has a knack for always being in
the right gear, and as always, it's impeccably smooth. The
all-independent suspension is supple yet athletic, and while this
is no sports car, it doesn't mind hustling a bit on your favorite
roads. 4-wheel discs live behind those familiar Mercedes-Benz alloy
wheels and carry right-sized 205/65/15 blackwall radials.
This is a clean, tidy SL in great colors that we can heartily
recommend for warm weather fun. Just don't tell your friends and
neighbors how affordable it really is! Call now!
