Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Convertible, 1982
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class III (R107, C107)
Mercedes-Benz SL-Class III (R107, C107)•
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Chassis No.: 10704522017272
Estimate: £28,000 - £35,000 GBP
- Extensive recent restoration with bills on file totalling over £42,000
- Mercedes-Benz original parts sourced where available
- Original and desirable colour combination
- Excellent history file
Launched in 1980, the 380 SL convertible and 380 SLC coupé retained the Type 107 bodyshell first introduced in 1971/72 in virtually unchanged form apart from the addition of a front spoiler. The newcomers supplanted the outgoing '350' models and were produced alongside the outwardly similar 280 and 500 SL/SLCs. Power unit was an enlarged (to 3,818cc) and improved version of the existing 3.5-litre overhead-cam V8, though after little more than a year the 380 SL was re-engined with a longer-stroke, 3,839cc V8 in the interests of better fuel economy and reduced emissions.
The running gear followed Mercedes-Benz's established pattern, comprising all-independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, while the new four-speed automatic transmission was standard equipment. Top speed was in excess of 130mph.
Superbly constructed, elegantly styled and supremely well equipped, Mercedes-Benz's top-of-the range 'SL' coupés and cabriolets have long been recognised as symbols of wealth and prestige, attracting a distinguished and discerning clientele.
The 380SL convertible offered here was purchased in 2018 by the current vendor, who has undertaken an extensive restoration documented by over 800 photographs. The body restoration cost over £42,000 and the invoices are on file. During the in-depth restoration the car was repainted in its original factory colour Lapis Blue Metallic, while the original chromework was refreshed. At the same time, the car had a complete factory-specification interior fitted by the world-renowned D:Class Automotive. Works included new carpets, a new soft-top and all the cables and wires associated with its operation.
The car comes complete with two hardtops: the original rusty one and a brand new one plus two hardtop stands, a lifting kit for the garage, and a new blue soft-top including all the cables and wires. All five wheels have been refurbished (new bolts and wheel centres) and shod with new Dunlop tyres. All four brake callipers are new, as are the discs, pads and hoses. Also new are the shock absorbers, the complete Mercedes -Benz exhaust, and many other parts, which are listed in the file.
The 380 SL comes complete with its original unused tool kit, unused 1st aid kit, jack, radio blanking plate (very rare), two keys with original fobs from the dealer, and the leather book pack with all books including the original service book with 35 Mercedes-Benz dealer stamps. This has to be one of the finest examples of the 380 SL currently on the market.
