1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

On sale here is a 1982 380SL, resplendent in gold, a striking colour we think you will agree. This nearly 40-year-old car has covered just 121,000 miles in the careful hands of 4 owners. So just run in then and that’s Mercedes-Benz build quality for you!

The last owner enjoyed the car over many years but has now decided to get his automotive fix elsewhere. His loss may be your gain.

What else can we tell you about the car? Well, the hard top is present and correct and is painted in a contrasting shade of brown. It turns a sleek summer convertible into a cool winter coupe. Just don’t expect to be able to take the top off singlehandedly. It’s definitely a two-person job and many owners fit a hoist in their garage to simplify the process.

There is also plenty of history with the car, and the latest MoT was carried out just a few weeks ago.

She drives well, the lazy V8 endowing the car with a surprising turn of speed.

We would also mention that in a year’s time the SL will be road tax and MoT exempt, which is nice.

We note from the paperwork with the car that it was professionally resprayed in 2004. Since then, the SL has covered a modest mileage, no doubt being garaged when not in use. The paintwork is in generally fair condition but look closely and there are a few signs commensurate with the car’s age.

There are some marks around the wheelarches and we note a small area of surface corrosion under the front nearside indicator – a relatively easy fix. There is a similar issue around the lift up cover for the soft top. You will also spot some stone chips here and there.

The brown soft top has clearly been replaced at some point in the car’s life and is in good condition, though there are some of the usual creases in the Perspex rear window, the result of it being folded away for long periods of time. The two release handles are present and correct.

The hard top is not in bad nick either, with just a few marks on the leading edge. Correct storage is the key with this heavy item.

The alloy wheels, distinctly Mercedes, have doubtless been painted in their lifetime and there are some marks here and there. Premium Goodyear tyres are fitted all round, a good sign as care taken with tyres usually equates to a careful and considered classic car owner.

We would ask you to inspect the panel gaps and shut lines on the SL. Many modern manufacturers would be pleased to be able to emulate them today, but nearly 40 years on and still looking good is deeply impressive.

The seats, a mixture of check cloth and Mercedes Tex, look in remarkably good condition with very little wear and tear. It’s that Mercedes-Benz build quality again. Built to last and they did.

The car doesn’t boast the rear seats, fitted to some cars. They won’t be missed as they were only really suitable for small children. Instead, the space provides additional luggage space.

Lovely clear instrumentation is a joy to behold, with gauges for fuel level, oil pressure and coolant temperature.

The wood veneer on the dash looks fine, the car no doubt always being garaged when not in use and kept out of bright sunshine.

There is a modern CD player fitted, though we would be tempted to source an original Blaupunkt unit to replace it.

The driving position is excellent, the view down the bonnet imperious. Fire up the V8, slip the gear lever into drive and waft down the road.

The boot is a good size on the SL, ideal for shopping trips and weekends away. There are some marks here and there, not unexpected after all these years of luggage sloshing around. There is a proper full-sized alloy spare wheel too.

The headlining is a little grubby in places and the door jam areas are a little jaded.

Carpets are a tad grubby, but nothing a good steam clean wouldn’t sort out on a Sunday morning. Lift up those in the front, and the rubber beneath is a little perished.

We always include plenty of photographs of a car’s undersides, a notoriously difficult area to inspect properly. Take some time to inspect them. It all looks to be ok as far as we can tell, with plenty of underseal there to offer maximum protection.

At the last MoT, it was noticed that the front anti-roll bar attachment bracket was corroded, and this was dealt with at the time. Otherwise, all appears to have been well over the last decade or so.

Lift that sculptured bonnet at that powerful and refined V8 is revealed in all its glory. It all looks very presentable, a good sign that careful maintenance has been the order of the day.

The SL comes complete with its original owner’s manual and service book. There are plenty of service stamps from the car’s early years when it covered most of its mileage.

The car has led a quieter life this millennium with extended periods laid up. We can see it rested between 2006 and 2010 and then again from 2013 to 2018. In fact, the car has travelled just a little over 2,000 miles in the last decade. A lady of leisure.

Recent work done included a refurbished alternator in 2017 and early in 2019 some minor electrical issues were addressed.

Also in 2019 the valve guide oil seals were replaced, new plugs etc were fitted and some exhaust sections were replaced along with a heat shield – cost £1,226.16.

As mentioned, the MoT is valid for almost a year and there is a raft of old certificates with the car, together with some old tax discs.

We are big fans of the R107 generation SL. Although most definitely a classic car in terms of age, they drive so well as to be most suitable for everyday driving. Comfortable, refined and oozing class.

This example is presented in an unusual, yet appealing colour combination and bar a few minor cosmetic issues, looks set fair to bring its lucky new owner an immense amount of pleasure. It could be you, so all that remains is to get bidding right away.

We estimate the car will sell for between £14,500 and £20,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; to arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.