Highlights
- 3.8litre V8 engine mated to smooth shifting auto
- Bodywork recently refurbished and in very good order
- Freshly refurbished wheels and new tyres
The Appeal
The ever-popular R107 Mercedes-Benz is an iconic convertible sports car that combines sleek styling, powerful performance, and luxurious comfort. Produced from 1980 to 1985, the 380SL embodied the best of Mercedes engineering and design from that era and provides wind in the hair motoring with a subtle V8 soundtrack.
This example was reportedly a restoration project for a retired vicar and, as such, spent the eight years prior to the current owner acquiring it in his garage. Our seller restarted the restoration a couple of years ago, having the bodywork refreshed, wheels refurbished and new tyres fitted.
With a recent tune up, it's now ready for the next owner to enjoy. For those seeking a stylish grand touring convertible that turns heads (and with the added practicality of a removable hard top), this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL could be just the ticket.
History and Paperwork
- Registered 23 Nov 1981
- Acquired two years ago from a retired vicar as a stalled restoration project
- The current owner has had the following work completed:
- New sills and rear valance professionally installed and painted
- Wheels refurbished and new tyres fitted
- Engine checked over, new points, distributor cap, leads, plugs and coil fitted
- Invoices for recent work are present, together with some older invoices and MOT certificates
- V5 in owner’s name
- MOT and tax exempt
- ULEZ compliant
The Interior
- Although originally specified with Palomino cloth seats, it now has cream leather seats with blue piping, which present very well
- The wood veneer dash is in generally good order with a little patina throughout
- Replacement wood and leather steering wheel
- Currently the radio is not connected to an aerial as the vendor did not want to drill a hole in the bodywork
- Electric windows, though passenger side window currently inoperative
- Tidy boot containing full size spare wheel
The Exterior
- Blue-green metallic paint
- Bodywork in very good condition following recent work
- Refurbished wheels are shod with a fresh set of tyres
- Fabric roof looks to be in good order; repair to the nearside plastic rear quarter light
- Matching hard top looks to be in great condition
- The chrome appears to have worn very well
- Underside showing some signs of corrosion
- Overall, it’s a fine looking car
The Mechanics
- 3.8 litre V8 engine
- Four speed automatic transmission
- The owner tells us that the engine runs well and the gearbox behaves just as it should
- This should make for a refined and comfortable cruiser
Summary
A recently refreshed example of the iconic convertible in an attractive and distinctive colour.
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:
✓ If the seller is registered as a private seller, consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not apply. Car & Classic’s return policy applies.
✓ A non-refundable deposit will be payable if you are the winning bidder at auction or if your offer is accepted, refer to FAQs and T&Cs for details.
✓ This vehicle is “Sold As Seen”, on an “As Is, Where Is’ basis and without warranty. A full inspection of the vehicle prior to purchase and bidding is highly recommended. Photos and descriptions are for guidance purposes only.
✓ VAT is included in the buyer's deposit. VAT may or may not be included in the final bid or offer price, as specified in the listing.
✓ UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check, to verify that they show no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and have no finance owing.
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