1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Mercedes-Benz R107 SL-Class, produced from 1971 to 1989, marked a pivotal era in the brand’s grand touring legacy. Known for its robust engineering, elegant styling, and advanced safety features—including crumple zones and a reinforced passenger cell—the R107 became a symbol of luxury and reliability. By 1981, the 380 SL variant had replaced the earlier 450 SL, introducing a lighter 3.8-liter M116 V8 engine paired with Bosch K-Jetronic fuel injection. Though rated at 155 hp, the 380 SL emphasized smoothness and refinement over outright performance and came equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, improved fuel economy, and subtle styling updates that kept the model fresh.

This particular 1981 380 SL is a beautifully preserved triple black example—featuring black paint, black leather interior, and a black soft top—has been in the same family since 1997. Originally based in Florida, the car was relocated to Colorado and is claimed to have been garage-kept and meticulously maintained ever since.

Tasteful upgrades include BBS wheels, a Momo wood and leather steering wheel, sheepskin seat covers over reupholstered leather buckets, Coco mats, and a JVC six-disc stereo with custom speakers in the jump seat area. Mechanical care includes rebuilt suspension with replacement bushings, electric servo conversion, blower motor replacement, and regular fluid and filter changes. The soft top has been replaced and the seller states it’s been regularly treated with Porsche care products. The car comes with a hardtop, carrier, and cover. With 87,055 miles on the odometer and a long history of attentive ownership, this SL is a well-sorted driver that’s ready to be enjoyed.

Highlights 

• 3.8-liter V8 (M116 E38) rated at 155 hp and 232 lb-ft of torque 

• Triple Black finish (black paint, black leather, black soft-top) 

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Single-family owned since 1997 

• The chassis number (WDBBA45A5BB008177) decodes as: 

  • WDB – Mercedes-Benz, built in Germany 

  • BA – SL-Class (R107 chassis) 

  • 45 – 3.8-liter V8 (M116) paired with an automatic transmission 

  • A – Check digit used to validate the VIN 

  • B – 1981 

  • B – Bremen, Germany, assembly plant 

  • 008177 – Production number 

  • Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• JVC 6-disc stereo system with custom speaker setup in jump seat area 

• Soft top replaced and maintained with Porsche soft top care products 

• Sheepskin seat covers over leather seats (reupholstered in 2000) 

• Rubber body seals replaced in 2019 (except on hardtop) 

• Suspension and bushings redone on all four corners 

• Wiper arms replaced with OEM Mercedes parts 

• Bosch mechanical fuel injection system 

• Momo wood/leather steering wheel 

• Servo replaced with electric unit 

• Fuel pump and filter replaced 

• Battery replaced (2023) 

• Four wheel disc brakes 

• Blower motor replaced 

• Cocomats throughout 

• Rear-wheel drive 

 Known Imperfections 

• Paint imperfections congruent with age and mileage from regular use 

• Crack in rubber corner of rear bumper (passenger side)  

• Dimple on top of front bumper 

Included 

• OEM hardtop, carrier, and cover 

• Original “Bundt” wheels 

• Original steering wheel 

• Two sets of keys 

Ownership History

The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report places this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL in Colorado. This 380 SL has been in the same family since 1997, who are believed to be the third owners. The second owner reportedly had the car from 1992 to 1997. The consignor states, “This SL has been a beloved part of our family for nearly 30 years. It’s a lovely driver that wants to run. We’ve taken great care of it, and it’s ready for someone new to enjoy.”

This 380 SL is offered in Colorado by the seller on behalf of their parent. The Florida title is marked as a "Duplicate" and in the name of the seller’s parent.