1985 Mercedes Benz 380 SL
The R107 Series Mercedes were known as the Tank when they were being developed. This 85 example is no exception. She is super solid, rust free and only 57,000 miles.
As an 85, she has the double roller timing chain so no need to worry about those issues typical of older versions.
The story of this Mercedes started out in Glen Cove, Long Island, NY where she was purchased new in 1985 by the owner of a mining operation out in California, as a gift for his wife. They would often summer up here in the Hamptons and winter down in Florida, where the 380 would travel with them to be enjoyed all year long. Surprisingly, she didn't put that many miles on the car. It was well serviced and loved by the lady of the house. Several years back her husband passed away and family conflict and contentions with the will sent the lady to CT, where she moved into Marlborough and a much smaller home. She kept the Mercedes with her though. Just 5-8 years ago, she realized that she wasn't getting out in the car as much and being friendly with a neighbor, offered the 380 SL to him... It may have also helped her get out of a financial bind. he and his new wife really enjoyed the car too, driving locally along the CT river and shoreline on nice days. However, in their years of ownership, figure they may have only put 5000+ miles on the car. The current owner changing the oil every spring non-dependent on mileage. With a new baby within the last year, use of the car has dropped significantly and he has decided it's time for this Tank to move on to a new home.
The car wears it's original Classic White color, although there is evidence of a repaint on at least a couple of panels if not the entire car. The paint is solid and still holds a pretty good shine. There is some light crazing on the hood. This car would pop with a nice color sanding and polishing. The royal blue leather is in solid shape with no tears or cracks in the leather, leather is still rather supple. The color has faded a bit but nothing some ColorPlus or Leatherique wouldn't cure. There a the dreaded dash pad cracks.
The options on this car include ABS, center arm rest, climate control (the AC still blows cold (not icy but enough to keep you from sweating profusely), power right side mirror, power windows, clutch fan, cruise control and the bumper guards.
The original Becker radio (with the optional cassette) still works beautifully as do all other electrics except for the blinkers. (the emergency flashers don't work either so this is probably just a flasher unit needing replacement). This current owner installed a brand new convertible top just two years ago.
The 3.8L aluminum engine puts out roughly 200HP and will propel the car in a sporting manner but this car is more of GT cruiser than a sports car.
The matching hard top comes off easily to expose a "bootless" convertible, with the soft top hidden beneath, ready to come into play with the twist of a handle.
This 380 SL runs and drives beautifully and is turn-key and ready to enjoy. Spend some time working the paint and the interior and she'd be show ready.
The 380 is arguably the least popular of the three American imported SL's (380, 450, 560) and as such, commands a much lower price line than an equivalent mileage 560 SL. (a 57K mile 560 SL in this condition would fetch easily over $10K). The asking price on this great driver is only $6000.
Any questions, to make an offer, for many more photos or to schedule a time to see her in person, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for the interest.
