For Sale: 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 in Morgantown, Pennsylvania

1985 Mercedes Benz 380 SL Convertible

If you don't like stares, questions, and thumb ups pointed your way, this car may not be for you. The Mercedes SL class has an enduring design in the R107 generation which lasted nearly 20 years virtually unchanged. It was that good and associated with a level of affluence once reserved for top earners, now an affordable and iconic car with the engineering and comfort Mercedes is renowned for.

For consignment, a 1985 Mercedes Benz 380 SL convertible with a title verified 36,590 actual miles. This is a two top car with a color that like the car, exudes class and affluence. Of the dozens of SL's we've represented over the years, this one stands out with mileage that translates to less than 1,000 miles per year.

Exterior
Mercedes calls this Champagne Metallic which may be commonly referred to as gold, and would be at home in the Napa Valley, Beverly Hills, Oskaloosa Iowa, Elizabethton Tennessee, or anywhere in between. In other words, the iconic exterior design of this car is fantastic and would look great in your garage no matter where you reside! The matching hardtop provides all weather coverage while the brown canvas top, which is newer, allows for some quick decisions based on changing weather. Yes, this car and its foldable top is the antidote for climate change! SL's have narrow body lines and flat horizontal surfaces that lower the center of gravity create the great handling they're known for. Long nose, low rear wheel opening, square tails, and classic Mercedes lights are instantly recognizable. Imperfections include a scuff, a chip in the paint on an upper surface, a scratch on the hard tonneau, a drip pattern stain on the front apron, and some random chips.

Interior
When we open the door, we note some cracks in the plastic door sill cover. But, in general, Mercedes is known for their well done interiors and tan MB Tex, covers our door panels with elegant simplicity and this spills onto the robust bucket seats is a pleated pattern below a handsome headrest and based in a highly polished metal frame with adjustments. The package shelf on the back is carpeted and houses a first aid kit. A textured and rubberized black steering wheel presents to the driver and an all business triple gauge package is in their sightline. No fancy graphics or electronics here as the gauges relay nine bits of information including the time, all in analog goodness. Burl wood, always a welcome sight, occupies the dash horizontal strip and back the center stack where climate controls and a Becker AM/FM/Cassette player is mounted. The wood continues onto the center console where we find the stout shifter and armrest, all in very nice shape. The low pile plush gold carpet looks great and is topped with carpeted mats. The headliner of the accessory hardtop presents cleanly and the trunk is lined with plush tan carpet.

Drivetrain
Clean conditions are found under the hood where the 3.8 liter SOHC V8 is housed, fuel injected, and rated at 155 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 2.47 gears.

Undercarriage
Clean too underneath where rust free and dry conditions prevail. Components are robust on classic Mercedes and this one includes coil springs front and rear and a single exhaust that flows through the original muffler before exiting through twin tips before the bumper. Power disc brakes are provided to all four corners.

Drive-Ability
The 3.8 starts right up and we row the shifter into Drive and roll this classy personal luxury car onto the test loop where it provides good power, very nice handling, and braking on demand. We'll never complain about a well maintained SL and this one is on par with some of the best we've seen. The power antenna is not working but all other functions on this aptly engineered Sindelfingen native operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.

If you're not impressed with the SL's, you may have never driven one. There is something quite attractive about the style, balance, and cabin that is instantly gratifying but if you're lukewarm about the long lived exterior design, you may have never sampled the cockpit. As the old commercial used to goad, "Try it, you'll like it!" If you're already into these, this low mileage example is one to consider.

W-West Germany
D-Daimler Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL
A-Roadster
45-380SL
C-Manual Belts
8-Check Digit
F-1985
A-Sindelfingen, GE Assy Plant
033264-Sequential Unit Number

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. There is no guarantee of mileage. A $299 Dealer Administrative fee is not included in the advertised price.

With so many great cars, you know we have a lot to talk about, and we do that each week on the Classic Auto Mall Podcast with host Stewart Howden. Stewart discusses new inventory as well as trends in consignments and car prices, while interviewing celebrities and automotive professionals about amazing cars and their history. Tune in each week to the Classic Auto Mall Podcast wherever you enjoy listening. You can also watch on YouTube!