Drivetrain
Chassis
Body
In 1980, Mercedes-Benz revamped its SL lineup of sporting, luxuryconvertibles with the introduction of the 380SL. The 380SL was afurther development of the R107 chassis, which was first used in1972 by the 350SL, and then later by the 450SL. Like its forebearsthe 380SL was a heady mix of V-8 power, refined luxury, and sportyunderpinnings, and it was as a very popular model with the bulk ofits sales being in the U.S. The 380SL, was named for its3.8-liter V-8 engine which produced 155 horsepower. The new enginewas designed with emission controls and weighed 120 pounds lessthan the former 450SL engine. The lighter engine helped to improvehandling characteristics since there was less weight on the frontend. In addition to the upgraded engine, the 380SL also received anew four-speed automatic transmission, which further enhanced longdistance driving. The chassis had four- wheel, independentsuspension and four-wheel disc brakes. The 380SL ended productionin 1985, when was replaced by the 560SL. This 1985 Mercedes Benz380SL roadster is owned by a well-known, St. Louis collector ofvintage automobiles. Being built at the end of the 380SL'sproduction run, it is fitted with updates and refinements not seenon earlier models. This example has been seasonally driven on aregular basis, always maintained, and properly stored. Uponclose inspection, the body appears to be in very good overallcondition. It should be noted, however, that there are some veryminor dings and a slight crease on the passenger side door. Otherthan these small issues, which are only noticeable upon very closeexamination, the body is straight and solid. The doors fit the bodywell with even gaps and margins, the fenders are clean with crispbodylines, the hood and trunk lid align properly. The car isfinished in its original dark blue paint, which remains inexcellent condition. Dark blue is a rarely seen color on this modeland really accentuates the classic bodylines. The paint has astrong overall gloss and does not exhibit any signs of excessivewear or deterioration. All of the chrome and stainless steel trimitems are very clean and free from corrosion. On the inside, thematching dark blue leather interior has been well preserved. Theseats, door panels, carpets, and rear storage area appear to be invery good overall condition. The interior is accented with polishedwood inlays, which are also in good condition. Accompanying thiscar is both the convertible top as well as the matching hard top,which are in fine condition. On the dashboard, all of the gaugeshave clear faces and operate properly. The side glass andwindshield are clean and clear, as is the rear window on thehardtop. Inside the trunk, the original mat appears to be ingood condition. There is the original, matching cast aluminum sparewheel, a jack and a tool roll with tools. This car is beingsold with various books and manuals as well as a clean CarFaxreport, which we will gladly send to perspective buyers. Mechanically, the car runs and drives excellent. It starts easilywhether hot or cold. The engine does not smoke and has never shownsigns of overheating. The chassis and suspension components aretight and rattle free. Driving the car is a pleasure with itsaccurate and responsive brakes and steering. The four- speed,automatic transmission shifts through the gears smoothly. The castwheels are clean and the tires have many miles remaining. This carhas been driven about 87,000 careful miles and has never beenabused. This Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a fine choice for a sportyyet luxurious, 1980s roadster. It is a contemporary collectiblethat is fun to drive and affordable to own. This example is likelyto continue to increase in value while providing reliable fun toits next owner.
1985 Mercedes-Benz
380SL Roadster
Quick Specs
Description
In 1980, Mercedes-Benz revamped its SL lineup of sporting, luxuryconvertibles with the introduction of the 380SL. The 380SL was afurther development of the R107 chassis, which was first used in1972 by the 350SL, and then later by the 450SL. Like its forebearsthe 380SL was a heady mix of V-8 power, refined luxury, and sportyunderpinnings, and it was as a very popular model with the bulk ofits sales being in the U.S. The 380SL, was named for its3.8-liter V-8 engine which produced 155 horsepower. The new enginewas designed with emission controls and weighed 120 pounds lessthan the former 450SL engine. The lighter engine helped to improvehandling characteristics since there was less weight on the frontend. In addition to the upgraded engine, the 380SL also received anew four-speed automatic transmission, which further enhanced longdistance driving. The chassis had four- wheel, independentsuspension and four-wheel disc brakes. The 380SL ended productionin 1985, when was replaced by the 560SL. This 1985 Mercedes Benz380SL roadster is owned by a well-known, St. Louis collector ofvintage automobiles. Being built at the end of the 380SL'sproduction run, it is fitted with updates and refinements not seenon earlier models. This example has been seasonally driven on aregular basis, always maintained, and properly stored. Uponclose inspection, the body appears to be in very good overallcondition. It should be noted, however, that there are some veryminor dings and a slight crease on the passenger side door. Otherthan these small issues, which are only noticeable upon very closeexamination, the body is straight and solid. The doors fit the bodywell with even gaps and margins, the fenders are clean with crispbodylines, the hood and trunk lid align properly. The car isfinished in its original dark blue paint, which remains inexcellent condition. Dark blue is a rarely seen color on this modeland really accentuates the classic bodylines. The paint has astrong overall gloss and does not exhibit any signs of excessivewear or deterioration. All of the chrome and stainless steel trimitems are very clean and free from corrosion. On the inside, thematching dark blue leather interior has been well preserved. Theseats, door panels, carpets, and rear storage area appear to be invery good overall condition. The interior is accented with polishedwood inlays, which are also in good condition. Accompanying thiscar is both the convertible top as well as the matching hard top,which are in fine condition. On the dashboard, all of the gaugeshave clear faces and operate properly. The side glass andwindshield are clean and clear, as is the rear window on thehardtop. Inside the trunk, the original mat appears to be ingood condition. There is the original, matching cast aluminum sparewheel, a jack and a tool roll with tools. This car is beingsold with various books and manuals as well as a clean CarFaxreport, which we will gladly send to perspective buyers. Mechanically, the car runs and drives excellent. It starts easilywhether hot or cold. The engine does not smoke and has never shownsigns of overheating. The chassis and suspension components aretight and rattle free. Driving the car is a pleasure with itsaccurate and responsive brakes and steering. The four- speed,automatic transmission shifts through the gears smoothly. The castwheels are clean and the tires have many miles remaining. This carhas been driven about 87,000 careful miles and has never beenabused. This Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a fine choice for a sportyyet luxurious, 1980s roadster. It is a contemporary collectiblethat is fun to drive and affordable to own. This example is likelyto continue to increase in value while providing reliable fun toits next owner.