
- 1983 Model Year Mercedes Benz 380 SL
- 3.8L V8
- Owner Reports Number matching Motor and Transmission
- Owner Reports New Soft Top
- Owner Reports New Tires
- Owner Reports New Muffler
Few cars from the past reach legendary status, as the R107 generation of the Mercedes-Benz SL has done. With an eighteen year production run between 1971 and 1989, the R107 quickly became a Hollywood favorite, featuring in countless films, being driven by stars on, and off screen as well. Its timeless lines and Mercedes-Benz badge alone mark it out as a highly desirable car, especially if its in good condition as this 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster is. With just 37,787 miles on the clock, this example is a low-miler that’s ready to be driven and enjoyed by an enthusiast. It’s also got a numbers-matching motor and transmission as a further draw to a discerning buyer.
Exterior and Interior
The lines of the R107 are the work of Joseph Gallitzendorfer and Friedrich Geiger, and they’ve created an icon of Mercedes-Benz timelessness. Those lines on this Anthracite Gray 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster are slightly diluted by the US-regulated quad sealed beam headlamps and elongated front bumper for crash regulation compliance. Thankfully, that’s only at the front; the sides and rear remain the same as on European market cars, and this example is said to have new tires and a new soft top as well. Badging and chrome detailing appear to be in decent shape. The interior is in gray, with seating for two and an upholstered luggage storage area behind that hosts the first aid kit, and augments the trunk storage on offer. As Mercedes-Benz’ pinnacle two-door offering, the car comes with climate control, power windows and mirrors, power antenna, a Technics radio cassette player. The interior is in decent condition, with some light wear and tear visible on the seats and trim pieces.
Engine
While the most potent engine one could have in a R107SL was a 5.6L V8 that put out a healthy 237hp in Euro trim, North American cars were somewhat down on power due to the emissions regulations in force. This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster packs a smaller 3.8L V8 that will be friendlier on the wallet at the pumps, and it puts out 155hp and 196lb-ft to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission. With a car like this, you want to go slower so that everyone can enjoy watching it go by, rather than whizz past in a gray blur. The seller reports a new exhaust muffler has been installed as well.
Inspection
Now here’s a lovely cruiser for someone to enjoy, whether they’re sixteen or sixty years old. This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster hails from the hallowed R107 generation of Mercedes-Benz’s SL-Class luxury grand tourer. This generation was made between 1971 and 1989, and of the 300,000 plus cars that were made, over two thirds came to North America. The car was a cult classic with the rich and famous, or even infamous. Now, cars like this are becoming fantastic classics to own and drive, as well as the perfect way to experience a classic Mercedes-Benz drive without giving up too many comfort features. For example, this 91,112-mile machine rocks a 4-speed automatic transmission, which was one of the key upgrades for the 1981 model year. It’s also got a Blaupunkt San Francisco SQR 28 cassette radio player, a 3.8-liter naturally aspirated V8, and is up for grabs in Montclair, New Jersey.
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