In the 70's and 80's the Mercedes-benz SL's were the car to have... seemed anyone with $$ back then was driving an SL. Manufactured between late 1972 and 1989, the cars basic design stayed the same. Between 1973 and 1980 the car was powered by the bullet proof 4.5 cast iron lump. In 1981 Merc introduced the all alloy 3.8 liter V8. For the first two years of production the engine was produced with a single cam chain and soon after Mercedes figured out that a double row chain was in order. Mercedes even paid for the conversion on some of the early production cars. In 1983 the double row timing chain became standard.
This 1983 380SL is in extremely nice original condition. The cars champagne paint is original and virtually flawless. The car has never been damaged. The interior is cocoa brown and unlike most SL interiors is actually leather. Nearly all 380SL's were manufactured with MB text or vinyl interiors. The cocoa leather, door cards, dash, wood trim, etc are all completely original (down to its old analog cell phone) and in very nice condition, showing minimal wear. Chrome, stainless and glass are all excellent, inclusive of the bumper covers which are normally badly scratched. The factory alloys were chrome plated (like most, by dealers) and the chrome has started to pit. The chrome wheel arch "eyebrows" worked with some colors in my opinion, this being one. The car obviously comes with both tops. The car runs and dives perfectly, there are no leaks and the AC blows cold. The original radio works as well.... not so sure about that old phone :)
Though the 107 bodied cars enjoyed the longest production run of any Mercedes-Benz and many were produced, finding a nice original and unmolested car, is now a rarity. Offered at just $11.350 - get me close. Seriously nice SL !
Classic Car Holdings, llc is a small boutique, licensed and bonded dealer in the State of Washington, specializing in collectible and contemporary motorcars. You will communicate only with the dealerships owner directly. I started in the automotive industry working for Porsche in 1978, spending many years with Mercedes-Benz and BMW as well. I look very much forward to assisting you. - Klaus
