1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

Description

OFFERED WITHOUT RESERVE

The Mercedes SL line has a long tradition of being among the most successful convertibles ever to grace the pavement. The R107 became the most popular SL ever to hit American shores, with over 50 percent of its sales coming from the US-market and it’s easy to see why. Despite an oil crisis, Mercedes developed the new 380 SL to accommodate a 3.8-liter version of the Mercedes M116, a masterpiece of reliability that enabled the rallying versions to win some of the most arduous cross-continent endurance races in the world. The rugged M116 is complemented by one of the most reliable transmissions built by Mercedes-Benz and features the unique ability to be push started when switching from neutral to the second drive position. This 1985 example of a 380 SL features Mercedes’ iconic Smoke Silver Metallic on a stylish Mittelrot Medium Red MB-Tex interior. This striking combination is complemented by a completely removable hardtop top, allowing for an enjoyable, sun-kissed weekend drive. This exceptionally maintained 380 SL, retained by its original owner until 2021, bears all of the hallmarks of a well-loved, “survivor” example.

Highlights 

• Long-term, 36 year original ownership (1985-2021)

• Highly documented with maintenance records since new

• Finished in Smoke Silver Metallic with Mittelrot interior

• Offered with Smoke Silver Metallic hardtop-heated rear window

• Optioned from the factory with a folding top fabric 8023, Dark Brown

• Accompanied by its original window sticker and toolkit

• Powered by Mercedes’ “M116” 3.8-liter V8 engine with 156 horsepower

• First place in General Greene (AACA) 47th Annual Car Show 

• Offered with 137,740 miles, consistent with the CARFAX Vehicle History Report

• Hailing from the final year of production

Features 

Well equipped, the window sticker shows the car as being delivered with the following standard equipment:

• Four-speed automatic transmission with torque converter

• Power-assisted steering

• Electronic cruise control

• Automatic climate control

• Central locking system

• Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

• Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS)

• Steel belted radial ply tires 

• Fully independent suspension

• Forged light alloy wheels

• Electrically heating rear window on hardtop

• Electric window lifters (front doors)

• Tinted glass

• Breakerless transistorized ignition

• Electronic AM/FM stereo radio with cassette player

• Automatic antenna with selective height adjustment 

• Two-speed window wipers with five-second interval mist control

• Tachometer

• Electrically operated right outside mirror

• Adjustable front bucket seats 

• Front center folding armrest 

• Halogen headlamps

• Halogen fog lamps

• Front seat belt emergency tensioning retractors

Known Imperfections

• Faded wood trim surrounding the climate controls

• Stained trunk liner

• The included CARFAX Vehicle History Report contains a note in 2019 listing “very minor damage” to the right rear. Additionally, CARFAX notes that “Minor damage is usually cosmetic, including dents or scratches to the vehicle body.”

• Cracked dash above the instrument cluster

Included 

• Owner’s manual

• Becker radio “An Introduction” instructional cassette

• Convertible top and hardtop instruction manual 

• Spare keys 

• Jack

• Original spare

• First aid kit 

• Receipts and service records

• Factory hardtop stand 

• Hirschmann wipes (antenna cleaner)

• Owner’s service and warranty policy

Ownership History

A single-owner example until 2021, this 380 SL was originally purchased in High Point, North Carolina, with delivery noted on 27 February 1985. The car’s maintenance records show a consistent inspection history leading up to its sale in 2021 to the consignor based in High Point, North Carolina.