Highlights

USA specification car that remained in Virginia until 2026
Reliable 3.8L 200bhp V8 with tough 4spd auto box
Champagne Gold metallic with brown leather interior
Supplied with matching hard top
EU customs duties and VAT already paid

The Appeal

It’s a testament to the durability of Mercedes’ R107 engineering that these are cars you can comfortably jump in and contemplate long trips, despite it being 40 years since the last ones left the factory. Here is a chance to discover all that with a usable 200bhp 380SL that is said to run and drive well.

The car is a recent USA import that spent its life in Virginia. The car is finished in Champagne Gold with a matching hardtop and brown leather cabin. The interior is in fair condition, but the paintwork could benefit from a repaint. For full transparency, the vehicle's previous US auction history records side damage before its current ownership.

The car is sold with a clean US title, and European import duties and taxes have been paid. We are told that service history is available.

The vendor says:

“This 380 SL offers a combination that is becoming increasingly difficult to find: a genuine classic Mercedes roadster with the iconic R107 styling, V8 engine, automatic transmission, removable hardtop and a very well-preserved underside.

“It is mechanically strong, drives well, starts properly both cold and warm, shifts correctly and provides the smooth, comfortable driving experience for which these Mercedes-Benz SL models are known.”

Key Information

Mileage: 187,172 miles (301,227 km) indicated
Country of origin: Virginia, USA; EU import documentation included
Technical inspection status: not provided
Technical specs: 3.8-litre V8 petrol, automatic transmission, rear-wheel drive
Paperwork: clean US title, EU import documentation, service history available, buyer is responsible for EU registration

The Detail

3.8-litre V8 starts well from cold and warm we are told
The engine is said to idle correctly and runs smoothly
The vendor reports good power and acceleration from the engine
Automatic transmission shifts at the correct times with no reported hesitation, slipping or harsh engagement
Braking system reported to be functioning properly
Suspension functions well we are told and said to be stable and comfortable on road
Tyres reported to be in good condition and appear fresh we are told
Fitted with later alloy wheels showing some marks
Non-matching ‘Mexican Hat’ spare
Champagne Gold metallic paintwork shows age such as delamination to bonnet and wings
Age to note to rear wing paintwork and other areas
Body presents well for a 1981 vehicle with some areas of corrosion to note
Chromework as shown with some age to fittings
Previous US auction history records side damage before current ownership
Black fabric convertible soft top said to be in good overall condition
Soft top shows some age to note in photos
Removable hardtop supplied with age to paintwork to note
Brown leather interior in fair condition for age with some age to note
Dashboard shows cracks and staining to top as shown
Veneers to dashboard and console show cracks and age
Period radio fitted and period audio amplifier installed in the glovebox
Fitted with a/c and cruise control (not tested)
Age to note to carpets with Mercedes branded over mats fitted
Service history available with the vehicle
Delivery may be possible

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

✓ We request that a non-refundable fee be paid if you are the lucky winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted Please refer to our helpful FAQs and T&Cs for specific rates.

✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is Where Is’ basis and without warranty. Photos and descriptions are solely for guidance purposes and it's customary to carry out a full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase for your own peace of mind.

✓ VAT is included in the buyer's fee. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.

✓ We want a smooth transaction just as much as you do and as such we run all UK-registered cars and motorbikes for sale on Car & Classic through an online HPI check to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing, allowing you to bid with confidence.

✓ We also check whether vehicles are recorded as being written off as part of an insurance total loss claim at the time an advert is placed on Car & Classic and we helpfully provide write-off category labels (Cat C/D/S/N) for your assistance. However, the presence or absence of a label does not guarantee the vehicle’s status and it is always worthwhile carrying out your own full vehicle history check before making an offer on a vehicle.

✓ Buyers are responsible for vehicle collection

or delivery. Importing vehicles may result in additional customs duties and import taxes so it's worth checking beforehand. It is the bidders responsibility to confirm import eligibility prior to purchase.

✓ Unless stated otherwise, you must assume that any cherished, personalised, or heritage vehicle registration is not included in the sale of a vehicle.