Vehicle Description
1984 Mercedes Benz 380 SE Sedan
Mercedes-Benz is, and has been, the marque of quality and affluence
in the American marketplace for some time. Known for their solid
construction, reliable engines, and infamous German
"over-engineering," it remains one of the most desired makes...the
three-point star on the hood ornament doesn't make any noise but
speaks volumes to those in its path. Year models and mileage don't
matter much...if it's a Mercedes and has been well-maintained, you
can almost bet it's a good car.
For consignment, a garage-kept car with a low number of previous
owners and evidence that it's been taken care of as it was
originally purchased for use by a funeral home. As is commonplace
with Mercedes, this car does not show its age... the materials and
construction simply hold up to usage, providing caretaker after
caretaker the pleasurable experience of owning a quality driving
machine.
Exterior
Black paint covers this big car and features the familiar Mercedes
rocker panel treatment of gray, lined cladding topped by a chrome
strip. The rocker panel ties into the gray bumpers and gives the
Benz a distinct profile. The unmistakable chrome grille with the
emblem on top is in wonderful condition and flanked by the single
headlights of the era and yellow fog lamps. The side markers are
textured with horizontal grooves that seem to pick up on the grille
lines and wrap around the corners, subtle but distinct. These same
groves are found on the taillights...again, a Benz trait. While we
were back there we recognize the tall trunk lid with a large
3-point star and a sweeping, curved rear window. The side mirrors
seemed fused to the A-pillars and sweep rearward creating an
aerodynamic element to a rather square-ish car. Factory 14-inch
wheels provide the framework for the 205/70/R14 tires. A
period-accurate "pigtail" phone antenna is mounted center on the
trunk lid, a reminder of the days when the pigtail was a big deal!
In the flaw department; some scuffing on the bumpers, a ding on the
hood, some curb rash on a wheel, and various small scratches in the
paint. In general, the paint would benefit from a full detail,
though as a driver, it's in fine shape. A power moon roof is
noted.
Interior
There's not much better than saddle interiors and the warm fuzzies
grab you from the moment you open the doors. Multi-layered,
multi-textured, multi-functional door cards are a sight to behold
and of course, the heft of the door is almost as appealing as the
materials. Beautifully designed, all four of them! The bucket seats
in front are leather and MB Tex, a high quality vinyl material that
is as close to leather as humans can produce. The tuck and roll
design continues to the back bench where occupants can utilize a
center armrest. Various controls accompany the gear selector in the
center console which is surrounded by a striped wood veneer. A
thick, four-spoke steering wheel allows great grip and comfort as
well as visibility to the dash which has black-faced gauges with
white and orange lettering. The striped wood veneer makes an
appearance up here as well and continues along the dash. Simple
toggles and buttons make up the center stack and an original
equipment Becker radio is present although Bluetooth has been
added. Thick pile carpet and mats along with the carpet-lined
footwells make this a very pleasant place to sit. And the back seat
with equal levels of carpeting, is not too shabby either!
Drivetrain
The original 3.8 liter V8 is here and connected to a 4-speed
automatic transmission sending torque to the rear wheels and a 2.47
gear ratio. Electronic fuel injection by Bosch, (K-jetronic), feeds
the cylinders the atomized go-juice while power disc brakes on all
four bring the party to a stop.
Undercarriage
No complaints here as the underside is clean and dry. Just a hint
of oil on the oil pan are spots of surface rust almost not worth
mentioning. Independent suspension at both ends with MacPherson
struts up front and coil springs in the rear.
Drive-Ability
Sturdy, heavy, solid, tight, that's what comes to mind when you get
behind the wheel of a "vintage" Mercedes-Benz and this one did not
disappoint. That old familiar "thunk" as we shut the door and off
we go. The car started right up but it was almost inconceivable as
the solid construction and sound-deadening create a quiet
environment. On to the test loop where good acceleration and nice
turn-in for a car this big and high was noted. Independent
suspension really pays off over bumps in the road and the brakes
have no problem bringing the ol' girl to a stop. Comfortable seats,
great visibility, and a smooth ride. We note that the passenger's
front power window is a bit slow and requires help to move up and
down andwe heard a skipping noise from the motor.
For some of us, the idea that 1984 is "classic" or "vintage" is a
little hard to swallow. But there's something about 80's-era Benz's
that is just a bit different from those that would follow but with
just enough qualities from those that preceded them to make them
desirable cars. Here's a 380SE in very good condition poised to
give someone many years of quality experiences.
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and
collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate
controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8
acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic
and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown,
Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the
I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit
www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us
anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in
person.
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