Vehicle Description
Where else are you going to find an A-list German 2-seat roadster
with V8 power for so little cash? Let your neighbors think you hit
it big with this pretty 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL that still drives
like the ultimate piece of German engineering from the '80s.
Clearly built to last, the R107 SLs were called "der Panzerwagon"
by their creators, and now, more than three decades later, it's
easy to see why. With all its original bodywork and paint, this
34-year-old 380SL looks pretty darned good, like catching a glimpse
of the still-lovely Raquel Welch and realizing that she hasn't lost
a step. The well-proportioned body still looks like a million bucks
and the three-pointed star on the nose commands respect from
virtually everyone on the road. As I said, there's no major rust or
rot thanks to a lifetime in the warm south, and someone obviously
loved this car, because the finish has a soft luster that only
comes from frequent baths and regular applications of wax. It also
helps to start with high-quality paint, and there's no question
that Mercedes-Benz quality during this era was second to none. Even
the brightwork on the bumpers and around the windows of the hardtop
remains bright and shiny. It shows signs of use but also signs of
love. That's the car you want.
If you need any additional proof that the famous MB-Tex vinyl
upholstery in these cars is virtually indestructible, look no
further than the tan buckets in this roadster. We have every reason
to believe the upholstery is original, and there's not a split seam
or a worn corner anywhere to be found. Equally nice door panels
show no evidence of even a driver's elbow leaning on the armrest
and the carpets show only mild wear that's quite in line with the
car's age and mileage. As a convertible, a little discoloration
from the sun isn't unexpected, but everything has an all-of-a-piece
look that suggests a well-maintained original rather than a
piecemeal restoration. Woodgrain appliques on the center stack and
console warm it up a bit and are showing their age, but they're
some of the only indicators that this car is now more than thirty
years old. A newer AM/FM/CD stereo is the lone upgrade inside,
because everything else was standard equipment. All SLs included
two tops, and with the hardtop in place, this car seals up as well
as a modern sedan. And true to form, the trunk is as beautifully
upholstered as the rest of the interior.
The 3.8 liter V8 was designed to help improve fuel economy but
still delivers the kind of effortless performance that made these
cars famous as high-speed cruisers. The bubbly SOHC V8 makes
wonderful sounds and is remarkably flexible, equally content to
burble through traffic or hammer down the autobahn at triple-digit
speeds. The clean engine bay has been properly maintained from new,
including converting the A/C to R134a refrigerant, so the system is
working properly. It starts easily and drives smoothly, although it
likes to be warmed up before you really push it, and the 3-speed
automatic transmission is a willing partner. The all-independent
suspension soaks up bumps but doesn't give up much in terms of
handling, and 4-wheel discs were standard so you never feel like
you're in over your head. Looks like those chrome wheels were
installed in the '90s, but they're flashy enough for the sporty
yellow convertible and carry slightly larger than stock 205/65/15
Michelin radials.
Enjoy the performance and luxury of this lovely SL roadster, which
will make you feel like a movie star every time you drive it.. Call
now!
