1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

Description

Here's a classic luxury convertible that has the perfect pedigree at a value price. This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL has all the proper maintenance, fresh leather, and plenty of other 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 an example like this that has always been treated with the respect it deserves. The deep, dark 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. 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.

Whether people see you on sunny days with the optional blue leather, or even when the blue fabric top is up, the color adds a real sophisticated attitude to the complementary blue exterior. Beyond just the perfect hues, this Mercedes is desirable because there's plenty of evidence it has lived a pampered life. For example, those leather seats look so pristine for a reason. They have been replaced with the proper materials within the last five years. That means decades of entry and exit have been erased from this car. There are plenty more great luxury features, including power windows, cruise control, and even heated seats. The original air conditioning is even still blowing ice cold, so you can keep the top down and get a good cool breeze deep into the summertime. But when the weather turns chilly, or you just like a little extra style, the hard top matches the rest of the car's regal blue for a coupe-like appearance. One good upgrade is the AM/FM/CD stereo that fits in nicely to the glossy wood center section. Now you can listen to modern tunes in your classic Benz.

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 – we have the records to prove it. 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, four-wheel disc brakes, and the modern grip of Michelin tires.

It's easy to understand why these SLs remain so popular. It's an affordable and reliable classic that provides enjoyable top-down motoring. And this one has been perfectly pampered right down to its included original owner's manual. Call today!!!