1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

Description

The Mercedes-Benz SL line of sporting luxury convertibles was among the most successful ever to grace the pavement. Particularly beloved in the United States — with over 50 percent of sales going to the U.S. — the SL enjoyed a 19-year production run from 1971-89. 

Mercedes-Benz revamped its lineup with the introduction of the 380 SL in 1980. The model was a further development of the R107 chassis, which was first used 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. Offered as three cars in one — open roadster, convertible coupe, and hardtop grand touring closed coupe — Mercedes-Benz advertising asked, “What do you get when you blend a Mercedes-Benz with a sports car? The incomparable 380 SL.” 

This single-family-owned 1985 380 SL time capsule bears all the hallmarks of a well-loved “survivor” example, with only 10,658 miles on the odometer (confirmed by CARFAX). The air conditioning was converted from R-12 to R-134a in 2012, and it recently received a new fuel pump. This is a Mercedes-Benz that is truly incomparable. 

Highlights 

• This all-original 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is offered with the six-digit odometer showing 10,658 miles at the time of listing, an average of only 273 miles per year 

• Finished in Signal Red (568) paint over Black leather interior 

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

• Air conditioning was converted from R-12 to R-134a in 2012 

• New fuel pump 

• Offered with body-colored removable hardtop with heated rear window 

• The chassis number (WDBBA45C8FA017291) decodes as: 

  • W – Germany 

  • DB – Daimler-Benz 

  • B – 107 Series 

  • A – Roadster 

  • 45 – 380 SL 

  • C – Seat belts with emergency pretensioners 

  • 8 – Check digit 

  • F – 1985 model year 

  • A – Sindelfingen assembly plant 

  • 017291 – Sequential production number  

•  Clean CARFAX Vehicle History Report 

Features 

• Rear-wheel-drive, 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 

• Power mirrors 

• 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 

• Sumic GT70A P205/70R14 tires 

• Wheelbase: 96.9 inches 

• Curb weight: 3,638 pounds 

Known Imperfections 

• A few minor paint chips 

• A scratch on the chrome trim 

• Door hinges show minor use 

Included 

• Spare tire 

• Jack 

• Rollup tool kit 

• First-aid kit 

• Owner’s manual 

• Maintenance booklet 

• Operation and Care of 380 SL Tops booklet 

• Warranty information 

• Oil information 

Ownership History 

This 1986 Mercedes Benz 380 SL has been with the same Pennsylvania family since new; the consigner inherited it from her father, who was the original owner. The accompanying CARFAX Vehicle History Report does not show any history prior to 4 June 1996.