1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Convertible
If you don't like stares, questions, and thumb ups pointed your way, this car may not be for you. The Mercedes SL class has an enduring design in the R107 generation which lasted nearly 20 years virtually unchanged. It was that good and associated with a level of affluence once reserved for top earners, now an affordable and iconic car with the engineering and comfort Mercedes is renowned for.
For consignment, a 1981 Mercedes Benz 380 SL convertible, a two top car in a stunning shade of dark red that contrasts beautifully with the tan interior in a classic design configuration. In 2023, this car had a thorough servicing, and many new parts provide a well sorted, vintage Mercedes.
Exterior
Mercedes calls this Orient Red which may be commonly referred to as maroon, and would be at home in the Napa Valley, Beverly Hills, Oskaloosa Iowa, Elizabethton Tennessee, or anywhere in between. In other words, the iconic exterior design of this car is fantastic and would look great in your garage no matter where you reside! The matching hardtop provides all weather coverage while the black canvas top, which is newer, allows for some quick decisions based on changing weather. Yes, this car and its foldable top is the antidote for climate change! SL's have narrow body lines and flat horizontal surfaces that lower the center of gravity create the great handling they're known for. Long nose, low rear wheel opening, square tails, and classic Mercedes lights are instantly recognizable. Newer 14-inch alloy wheels wear 205/70R14 tires with a mid 2021 date code. Imperfections include some chips on the door edge, deglazing on the glass, a small scratch on the C-pillar of the hardtop along with some staining on the top side, and some flaky rust under the rocker panel trim.
Interior
Another thing Mercedes is known for is their well done interiors. Tan leather covers our redone door panels with elegant simplicity and this spills onto the robust front redone bucket seats is a pleated pattern below a substantial headrest and surrounded by a polished metal frame with adjustments. The package shelf on the back is beautifully carpeted and now houses a Menace Audio sound box. A textured and rubberized black steering wheel presents to the driver and an all business triple gauge package is in their sightline. No fancy graphics or electronics here as the gauges relay nine bits of information including the time, all in analog goodness. Zebrano striped wood, always a welcome sight, occupies the dash horizontal strip and back the center stack where climate controls and an AM/FM/CD player with AUX is mounted. The stripes continue onto the center console where we find the stout shifter and armrest. The low pile plush carpet is newer and looks great and is topped by weather mats. The trunk is lined with plush tan carpet.
Drivetrain
Driver quality conditions are found under the hood where the 3.8 liter V8 is housed, fuel injected, and rated at 155 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 2.47 gears while power disc brakes are employed to slow and stop the car. Our consignor states, and accompanying receipts confirm, the plugs, wires, distributor, and injectors were recently replaced.
Undercarriage
More driver quality prevails underneath with typical surface rust on an otherwise very clean underside. There are no visible active oil leaks but some residual oil on the transmission pan and rear differential. Components are robust on classic Mercedes and this one includes coil springs front and rear and a single exhaust that flows through a stock style muffler before exiting via an oval tip under the rear bumper.
Drive-Ability
The comfort and position of the cabin may be one of the all time greats and we never get tired of taking SL's out for a spin. It's simply well done and the reason the platform lasted 20 years. The car starts, runs, handles and stops with positive results and all gauges, lights, audio, and the horn function as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive, we cannot guarantee these functions will be working at the time of your purchase.
Here's a well sorted SL with many newer parts and a full, recent mechanical go through, all documented in accompanying receipts. They remain some of the most affordable classics for some weekend fun that you can park anywhere and still enjoy the specialness of the platform. This was the car du jour in 1980's Hollywood, a true statement car that continues to expound greatness.
WDBBA45A4BB004993
WDB-Daimler Benz
B-SL
A-Roadster
45-380SL
A-3.8 Liter V8
4-Check Digit
B-1981
B-Sindelfingen, GE Assy Plant
004993-Sequential Unit Number
Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.
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