Vehicle Description
1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Convertible
The Mercedes SL sports car can trace its origins to 1954, with the
famed Gullwing 300 SL. It was named the Gullwing for its doors that
opened upward, similar to a bird spreading its wings. The 1983 380
SL was part of the third of five generations of SL-series sports
cars produced from 1972 to 1989. SL-series engine displacements
ranged from 3 liters in 1954 to 6 liters in 2010. Forget "Black" or
"AMG" - the most storied letters in Mercedes history are "SL."
Mercedes SL - Sport Leicht - models have been setting the benchmark
for Silver Arrow performance for decades, and SL models continue to
form the basis for the company's most awe-inspiring sports cars
today. The 1985 380 might not have been the blisteringly fastest of
the breed, but there's no denying that it held the torch for
rear-drive, open-air, V-8 roadsters during an era largely devoid of
such.
This consignor stated all original car, savefor a new soft top and
regular maintenance items,has clearly been garaged its whole life
and sports a 71,090 title verified actual miles on the odometer. A
car that shows the passage of time and use, with very little
patina, blemishes, is mechanically sound, and has a beautiful
interior which is very clean. An undercarriage that looks rust
free, and more service records than you can shake a stick at. This
is the perfect car if you're one of those Daimler diehards who's
looking for the ultimate in 'old school', it's a nice find!
Exterior
Bathed in Dark Lapis Blue Metallic, straight heavy steel is used to
fabricate this "Sport Light" convertible. A few inclusions and rust
bubbles are seen in the blue finish with the worst of the damage
being down low on the body,below the chrome body side trim. New
dark blue canvas provides the topper, and a clear rear plastic
window is within the top. Also, an optional body matching
fiberglass hardtop is along with this consignment which the
consignor will provide at the time of the sale. A "Pagoda Style"
car due to its roofline, all chrome and trimming exterior wise are
looking great! The rear taillights are ribbed for self cleaning,
did you know? The standard Mercedes wheels to 14-inch alloy wheels
are on all 4 corners and wrapped in deeply treaded 205/70R14
radials, adding a touch of class to this already classy 2
seater.
Interior
Gray leather and MB Tex make up the front bucket "chairs" and these
are looking slightly used and with all good and appropriately aged
surfaces. In the center is a burl covered console which has the
shift lever, power mirror, and power window switches. Moving upward
in the center we note climate control buttons and a factory Becker
Grand Prix AM/FM/Cassette player within more wood burl. The dash is
beige molded vinyl with a black padded topper and all original in
configuration with the deeply inset round gauges covered under a
black arched eyebrow. Throughout the cabin is gray carpeting that
presents in good condition but with some slight soiling, and we
note a like new gray leather bench seat in the back that is best
suited for your bring alongs or very small children. Rounding out
our tour are gray vinyl door panels that are slightly wrinkled but
present cleanly with padded armrests and ample sized map
pockets.
Drivetrain
Under the hood plenty of patina is showing on the original 3.8
liter SOHC V8 complete with Bosch Jetronic EFI. Our consignor notes
that a recent tune up was performed along with a new fuel
accumulator being installed. A 4-speed automatic transmission is on
back as well as a 3.27 rear axle.
Undercarriage
No invasive rust, nice aging, and a little road dirt shows
underneath. Independent suspension all around, as are power disc
brakes on all 4 corners. We see newcalipers, pads, hoses, and new
front wheel bearings. Stock style dual exhaust with a single
muffler is on for the exhale.
Drive-Ability
Top down, and a luxury German Sports car and what else do you need?
It went fast, handled like it was on rails and all functions were
working save for the clock and a pesky passenger's side power
mirror that doesn't move. Our consignor noted to not use the AC, so
we can't confirm operation...Ausgezeichnet...god bless you!
German engineering, German built, German 3.8 Liter V8 and the
quality goes on and on for these practically indestructible cars.
Mercedes-Benz quality and innovation is second to none, and this
early SL shows the way for things to come, but retains its classic
looks. Schnell!
WDBBA45AXEA011439
WDB-Daimler Benz
B-C107
A-Roadster
45-380SL
A-Manual Belts
X-Check Digit
E-1984
A-Sindelfingen Assy Plant
011439-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special
interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale
with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle
barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our
showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just
1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The
website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888)
227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come
see the vehicle in person.
