1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Convertible
The Mercedes SL sports car can trace its origins to 1954, with the famed Gullwing 300 SL. It was named the Gullwing for its doors that opened upward, similar to a bird spreading its wings. The 1983 380 SL was part of the third of five generations of SL-series sports cars produced from 1972 to 1989. SL-series engine displacements ranged from 3 liters in 1954 to 6 liters in 2010. Forget "Black" or "AMG" - the most storied letters in Mercedes history are "SL." Mercedes SL - Sport Leicht - models have been setting the benchmark for Silver Arrow performance for decades, and SL models continue to form the basis for the company's most awe-inspiring sports cars today. The 1985 380 might not have been the blisteringly fastest of the breed, but there's no denying that it held the torch for rear-drive, open-air, V-8 roadsters during an era largely devoid of such.
This consignor stated 3 owner car has been garaged its whole life and sports a 128,100 title verified actual miles on the odometer. An all original car that shows the passage of time, and use, with very little patina, blemishes, and a few dents and dings. Mechanically sound, and beautiful interior which is very clean. An undercarriage that looks rust free, this is the perfect car if you're one of those Daimler diehards who's looking for the ultimate in 'old school', it's a nice find!
Exterior
Bathed in Nautical Blue Metallic, straight heavy steel is used to fabricate this "Sport Light" convertible. A few inclusions and rust bubbles are seen in the blue finish with the worst of the damage being down low on the body and also appearing on the black painted rocker panels. Dark blue canvas provides the topper, and a fairly clear rear plastic window is within the top. Also, an optional body matching fiberglass hardtop is along with this consignment. A "Pagoda Style" car due to its roofline, all chrome and trimming exterior wise are looking great! The rear taillights are ribbed for self cleaning, did you know? A step up from the standard Mercedes wheels to 14-inch chrome wire spoke wheels are on all 4 corners and wrapped in medium wide whitewall, adding a touch of class to this already classy 2 seater.
Interior
Light Beige leather and MB Tex make up the front bucket "chairs" and these are looking slightly used and with all good and appropriately aged surfaces. In the center is a burl covered console which has the shift lever, power mirror, and power window switches. Moving upward in the center we note climate control buttons and a factory Becker Grand Prix AM/FM/Cassette player within more wood burl. The dash is beige molded vinyl with a black padded topper and all original in configuration with the deeply inset round gauges covered under a black arched eyebrow. Throughout the cabin is beige carpeting that presents in good condition but with some slight soiling, particularly in the storage area behind the seat. Rounding out our tour are beige vinyl door panels that are slightly wrinkled but present cleanly with padded armrests and ample sized map pockets.
Drivetrain
Under the hood plenty of patina is showing on the original 3.8 liter SOHC V8 complete with Bosch Jetronic EFI. An 4-speed automatic transmission is on back as well as a 2.47 rear axle.
Undercarriage
No invasive rust, nice aging, and a little road dirt show underneath. Independent suspension all around, as are power disc brakes on all 4 corners. Stock style dual exhaust with a single muffler is on for the exhale.
Drive-Ability
Top down, and a luxury German Sports car and what else do you need? It goes fast, handles like it's on rails and all functions were working save for the clock and a pesky antilock brake warning light being illuminated. Ausgezeichnet...god bless you!
German engineering, German built, German 3.8 Liter V8 and the quality goes on and on for these practically indestructible cars. Mercedes-Benz quality and innovation is second to none, and this early SL shows the way for things to come, but retains its classic looks. Schnell!
WDBBA45C8FA033264
W-West Germany
D-Daimler Benz
B-Passenger Car
B-SL
A-Roadster
45-380SL
C-Manual Belts
8-Check Digit
F-1985
A-Sindelfingen, GE Assy Plant
033264-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
