1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

Description

Here's a classic luxury convertible that has the perfect pedigree at a value price. This low-mileage 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is on its original V8 drivetrain, and it has all signs that it has been babied for the last 30+ years.

The design of the R107 series Mercedes SL was regal from day one, and now it has matured into a true symbol of an upper-crust classic. It only gets better when you see one like this that has always been treated with the respect it deserves. The shade of medium blue perfectly highlights the level of timeless sophistication an R107 Mercedes offers, and it shines up nicely every time you wax it on a Saturday morning. While this vehicle features a black folding soft top, we are partial to the removable hardtop that also comes with the sale. It matches the rest of the car's regal blue for a coupe-like appearance. Of course it also doesn't hurt that the body is exceptionally straight thanks to the Teutonic tightness of these legendary overbuilt cars. No other convertible from this era has the build quality you experience every time the solid door makes its reassuring 'thunk'. The unique baroque alloy wheels complete the package you expect from an iconic 1980s Mercedes.

Great color coordination is what you expect throughout a vehicle like this. That's why the gray interior coordinates so well with the exterior blue. Beyond just the perfect hues, this Mercedes is desirable because there's plenty of evidence it has lived a pampered life. The seats, carpets, and wood grain center console basically show no signs of sun damage – a near impossible find in a classic droptop. As expected with a luxury Mercedes, this vehicle comes loaded with features like power windows, cruise control, and the original Becker Grand Prix AM/FM/cassette stereo.

The 3.8-liter SOHC V8 under the hood has a bubbly, energetic idle, and it pulls the roadster around with real authority. This is the original motor with the car, and the engine bay looks like it has been the poster child for regular maintenance. In fact, the steering box, shifter bushings, and engine mounts replaced within the last couple of years. There's even new shocks and struts installed with the last few months. And when you know the reputation of a well-kept Mercedes, then you are confident that this SL can drive to the moon and back. The pampering of this car is so thorough, you can even tell just by looking at the tidy undercarriage. On the road, the four-speed automatic clicks through the gears in a businesslike fashion. The fully independent suspension soaks up bumps with a well-dampered feeling that somehow never isolates the sporting nature that's entertaining on a twisty country road. This is the perfect weekend getaway car as the miles are effortless thanks to features like power steering and four-wheel disc brakes.

This is an exceptionally affordable and reliable classic that provides enjoyable top-down motoring, and has only averaged about 1,500 miles annually. It has been perfectly pampered right down to its included original owner's manual, warranty card, and maintenance records. Call today!!!