1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE  

In 1980, Mercedes-Benz revamped its SL lineup of sporting luxury convertibles with the introduction of the 380 SL. The 380 was a further development of the R107 chassis, which was first used in 1972 by the 350 SL and later by the 450 SL. Like its predecessors, the 380 SL (so-named for its 3.8-liter engine) was a heady mix of V8 power, refined luxury, and sporty underpinnings, and it was as a very popular model during its run in the U.S. 

In the 1983 Mercedes-Benz brochure, the German automaker referred to the 380 SL as three cars in one: Open roadster, convertible coupe, and hardtop grand touring closed coupe, which “leavens its sporting nature with qualities seldom stressed in two-passenger, top-down machines.” 

With classic Teutonic styling, these cars have gracefully aged into their role as beloved and wonderfully versatile classics of the Mercedes-Benz range. 

Highlights 

• Powered by a 3.8-liter “M116” fuel-injected V8 producing 155 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque 

• Engine was recently serviced and received new fuel injectors 

• New power steering pump 

• Originally ordered in Signal Red over Black leather interior

• Cosmetic modifications include: 

  • Black repaint 

  • 560 SL-style front air dam 

  • Small third brake light 

  • 15 inch “Gullideckel” light alloy wheels 

  • Chrome wheel arch moldings  

• Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report  

• This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is offered with the six-digit odometer showing 80,640 miles at the time of listing, however the odometer has recently stopped working, and as a result, the true mileage is unknown

Features 

• Two-door roadster 

• All-steel welded unit body 

• Four-speed automatic transmission with torque converter 

• Four-wheel power disc brakes 

• Power steering 

• Front suspension: Fully independent with unequal length A-arms, coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, anti-sway bar 

• Rear suspension: Fully independent diagonal pivot axle with four parallel constant-velocity couplings, coil springs, gas-pressurized shock absorbers, anti-sway bars 

• Electronic cruise control 

• Power windows in front, manual windows in rear 

• Automatic climate control 

• Folding armrest in front 

• Heat insulating glass 

• Reclining bucket seats with adjustable headrests 

• Chrome-edged rubber inserts at the body's widest points 

• 6.6 cubic feet of luggage space in trunk 

• Yokohama Avid Scend P205/65 R15 92H tires 

• Wheelbase: 96.9 inches 

• Curb weight: 3,638 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• Original AM/FM stereo radio with cassette is missing 

• Odometer is broken (per consigner: Driven approximately 300 miles since it stopped working) 

• The consignor notes that first gear will not engage and will likely require servicing to rectify the issue 

• Passenger seat upholstery torn 

• Inside of driver’s seat (between headrest and hinge) is torn 

• Some of the wood trim has been replaced with burl instead of the standard zebrano 

• Multiple paint chips, scratches, bubbling, and rust areas (as shown in images) 

• Rear bumper has separated from the fender on both sides 

• Corrosion and some rust holes on underside 

• Underside of doors shows rust 

• Rust under floor mat behind passenger seat 

• Corrosion under driver’s side floor mat 

• Large piece of floor covering missing under passenger side mat 

• Piece of electrical tape on upholstery near rear window 

• Upholstery on driver’s side rear is torn and taped 

• Tires were new in 2007 and showing signs of aging 

Included 

• Body-colored removable hardtop with heated rear window

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Recent maintenance records 

Ownership History 

According to the accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report, this 1983 Mercedes Benz 380SL has been titled in Michigan since at least 1996. He was out of the country during many of those years, so the car was stored in a warehouse.