1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

1981 Mercedes Benz 380 SL

This 1981 Mercedes 380 SL was purchased by the current owner approximately 23-25 years ago .. maybe more, for he and his wife to use for drives to the beach, out for scenic cruises, out for ice cream, etc. Ended up his wife didn't really like the roadster experience and so the car was hardly driven. Being a car guy, he knew the importance of keeping a car running and moving, so he'd take it out whenever he could, even if just to get it up to temp and drive around the lake they live on. He figures that he put less than 500 miles a year on the car on average. The car currently has 167000 miles.

Aside from oil changes and a set of new Continental Conti-Trac's (back in 2007), the car has needed nothing. When he purchased the car he was told that the engine had been rebuilt but was offered no proof of that.

Hop into the Shell MB Tex seats (which are in perfect condition), turn the key and the 3.8 L V8 fires right up and has a low rumble like a good V8 should. There is no ticking or tapping that would show a worn timing chain. My inspection shows that a single row timing chain is still in place and the overhead cams look clean and hardly worn .. The claim of a rebuilt engine could be true.

Also, just before the car was sold, the previous owner had the car painted. The code shows Marine Blue and by all evidence, under the hood, door hinge jambs, that is the original color, but in the sunlight, it appears more like China Blue. Despite the name given to this particular shade, the paint is in great condition with only a very few small scratches /chips.

The interior is near perfect, as MB Tex has proven impervious to even nuclear attack.

All the electrics work, the power steering feels great, power 4 wheel disc brakes are sure and firm, the gauges all work and the 167,000 mile V8 shows awesome oil pressure.

The son reports that the AC was blowing cold a couple of years ago, but now not. Very probably in need of a recharge, but R12 is difficult to come by and/or find someone willing to charge an AC system from the 80's with, however, R134 can be used if a proper lubricant is also introduced to the compressor. The Blaupunkt radio works as it should and the cassette player even plays the Englebert Humperdink cassette that is still inserted. This also had a power antenna and that still works correctly too. Tinted windows finish off the option list.

The dark blue fabric top also appears as new and folds down and into it's stow behind the cabin easily. The trunk is carpeted in the same Shell colored carpet as the interior and is also in very good condition. There is no hard top with this car.

The underside is solid and void of rust or rot. The extra thick Mercedes undercoat has done it's job as the car has been stored in a garage for it's entire life.

Turn the key and the 380 rumbles to life, head out on the road and it accelerates strongly, with a very nice exhaust burble. Brakes work well and steering is tight .. as tight as an 80's car would be.

Really a joy to drive.

While the current owner didn't get out in it as he had hoped, it's still ready for that person or couple to use it as a a grand touring car, to roll through the corners out in the country or along the coast. The only need would be to replace the 20 year old tires (due to being stored inside, they're still in good condition and show no cracks or other issues however, new tires will really wake up the handling.)

Any questions, for several hundred additional photos and 3 videos, to schedule a time to see her in person, or simply to make an offer, please don't hesitate to contact me.

Thanks for the interest!