We are excited to have a 1981 Mercedes 380SL available in our
Louisville store. The Tan exterior and Brown 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. This fine
example has an aftermarket stereo added. Options for this 1981
Mercedes 380SL are: AM/FM radio, CD player, power windows, A/C,
Heat, Manual top, power brakes, power steering, seat belts, and
power seats. To view this 1981 Mercedes 380SL in greater detail,
including HD pictures and an HD video, visit
www.GatewayClassicCars.com or call at 812-294-1555 or email
[email protected] for more information.
