Vehicle Description
For those of you just joining the old car hobby, you can scarcely
do better than an R107 Mercedes-Benz SL of any kind. Handsome,
durable, fun to drive, and with great parts availability, they are
easy cars to own. Even better, most folks still think they cost a
fortune, so showing up in one of these makes you look like an
A-lister. Don't worry, we won't tell anyone how little this elegant
1985 380SL really costs now, but be sure to remember that it
originally listed for $44k plus.
Almost everyone in the world can draw one of these from memory, and
throughout the '80s, you couldn't go out in the sun without seeing
one. Today, however, finding a good one isn't so easy, because
they, like most cars of the period, were susceptible to the dreaded
tin worm just like everything else. Fortunately, this one has led
an easy lifelong Tennessee life with only three owners and shows
none of the issues that you see on cars that were used for daily
transport. The Colorado Beige paint is original and remains in fine
order and the sheetmetal underneath is quite straight, further
proof that was always a weekend cruiser that never had to work
hard. Fantastic build quality is a big part of these car's appeal
and a key to their longevity, and you can feel it just by closing
one of the doors. The light beige paint gives it a sleek, subtle
finish that ideally suits the 2-seater, a grown-up look that
doesn't need to resort to flash to make a statement. You'll also
note that the rubber bumpers are in very good shape and not cooked
by the sun and the chrome remains shiny to give the Merc a little
flash.
The tan seats are in good shape thanks to the durable MB-Tex
upholstery that wears like iron. The natural wood on the dash adds
a luxurious warmth to the interior and remains in fantastic
condition with minimal wear and none of the expected signs of age.
The seats are firm and comfortable for all-day cruising, and
supportive enough for the spirited driving for which this car is
intended. By 1985, most of these came loaded with every available
convenience feature, including automatic climate control, power
windows and locks, cruise control, and even a rear defroster for
the removable hardtop. Heck, even the original Becker
AM/FM/cassette stereo is still in the dash! It's also worth noting
that the convertible top is in excellent shape and the hardtop
seals it up as well as a coupe.
The 3.8 liter V8 was downsized from the earlier 4.5 liter unit, but
gives up only 7 horsepower (215 vs. 222). As a result, the 380
feels more agile thanks to a lighter front end, yet still zips
around town with ease and hammers down the interstate at
supra-legal speeds. The car has always been properly maintained and
serviced from the looks of things, and as a result, this is an SL
will last practically forever if you keep that regular care up. The
4-speed automatic transmission shifts properly and the car has that
same firm but supple feel in the suspension that makes it feel
confident under almost any conditions. Power steering and power
four-wheel disc brakes are standard for the SL in this year and
very welcomed additions for drivers of any experience level.
Familiar Mercedes-Benz "pie crust" alloys are quintessential SL
roadster, and carry reliable 205/70/14 Michelin blackwall radials
at all four corners.
Nicely preserved and always loved by its three Tennessee owners,
this is the SL that you can buy without worries. Enjoy one of the
smartest buys in the hobby today. Call now!