Highlights
- Fabulous black-over-black specification
- Undergone a recent, thorough overhaul
- In superb condition
- Registered in Italy
The Appeal
It’s fair to say that the R107 is one of the great all-time classics and practically a fixture in the current market. It’s easy to see why - balancing glamorous looks, reliability and - thanks to their longevity - easy-to-come-by parts, the R107 is one of the best-regarded and most numerous classics, and perhaps one of the best ambassadors for top-down motoring in history.
It’s an icon for that glory age of the 70s and 80s before the wider industry started to standardise and lose a lot of its designer roots. The 380SL was introduced slap-bang in the centre, in 1980. It was, cosmetically, hardly a reinvention - but boasted slight refinements to the interior and a new variant of the well-regarded Mercedes V8.
While it’s by no means a rare type, there’s no doubt in our minds that this example is of a rare standard. With beautifully kept paintwork, a stunning interior, and a full overhaul undertaken since it was imported in 2015, this is a true top-quality example from tyres to hard-top.
The History and Paperwork
- Imported to Italy in 2015 with all paperwork included
- Undertaken full overhaul in 2015
- Valid Revisione until October 2023
- Seller informs us the car comes with full specialist service history
- Manual and maintenance booklet will be included for sale
The Interior
- Very well-appointed interior in leather
- Walnut trim and centre console
- Highly original with replacement Kenwood Bluetooth Stereo
The 380SL came with a well-to-do interior, which is very well-represented here. Black leather seating and an attractive burr walnut trim are all on display, with the original instruments and textured steering wheel all present and correct.
This centre console is showing some signs of wear to its finish, with a visible crack and some peeling.
The seats carry a gently aged texture but show no major signs of damage, tearing or cracks. Elsewhere, the carpets are clean and well-kept, and the rest of the walnut trim appears to be superb throughout. The door cards, too, appear to be in excellent condition, while the carpeted boot shows no major signs of wear or damage.
Ultimately, this is a very well-kept example of a later-stage R107, and is sure to make for a very comfortable driving experience for the car’s lucky future owner.
The Exterior
- Black paintwork with chrome accents
- Fabric soft-top replaced and in excellent order
- Hard top included
- Recently replaced tyres
- Rare AMG Alloy wheels fitted
This is where this 380 SL really shines. Finished in black, this car’s exterior is beautifully kept with very few signs of its age. The finish on both the paint and chromework is sublime, with no major chips, signs of paint loss or corrosion. The only real signs of wear are on the sills - which remain corrosion free to our eyes - and the inner wheel arches, making for a truly spectacular external appearance.
The door seals, hard top and soft top fittings both appear to be very clean and well kept. The soft-top in particular was purchased as part of the 2015 overhaul undertaken by the current owner.
The wheels look to be in excellent order, and are proudly sporting tyres purchased in January 2022 - having only travelled 2,000km since installation.
The underside shows some minor signs of wear and the odd spot of surface corrosion, but none of these appear to be of any concern.
The Mechanics
- Very comprehensive set of works undertaken including:
- All four shock absorbers replaced
- Front and rear brake discs and hoses replaced
- Black callipers overhauled
- Gearbox oil and filter replaced, with a thorough clean
- Replacement of brake cylinder
- Steering box and pump overhauled
- Air conditioning overhauled
- Engine disassembled and overhauled
- Engine mounts, gearbox mounts and propeller shaft mounts replaced
- Mechanical injection system renewed
- Fuel pressure storage tank replaced
- Fuel filters replaced
- Exhaust system completely replaced
As the above should indicate, this car’s mechanical history is second-to-none. The 380SL’s powerful V8 engine has been completely stripped and overhauled to a superb standard. As a direct result, no doubt, the vendor informs us that the car is running to a superb standard.
The vendor is very confident that there are no leaks, no smoke nor any suspect noises to report, and the automatic gearbox is performing admirably following its cleanout. With the same level of impressive work taken on the steering equipment and brakes, it’s fair to expect this modern classic to give an utterly top-notch performance.
Summary
The R107 is a classic that every enthusiast wants to get their hands on at least once. There’s a reason these cars were such long-standing parts of pop culture, appearing across film and television and widely recognised as a high-quality, reliable roadster.
This example’s impeccable paintwork, bright chrome and thorough overhaul have left it in fine stead, ready and waiting to take to the road for its next owner.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only*.** Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.*
A non-refundable buyer’s deposit is payable on this item, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for the applicable percentage.
All bidding, buying and offers are subject to our Terms and Conditions.
