1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

This eye catching 380SL is a UK specification car, originally supplied in 1981 via Mercedes Dealers J R Neyland of Swansea, South Wales. The car left the Welsh showroom as a Signal Red SL, however, and the under-bonnet ID plate still shows the Signal Red, 568H paint code.

The car went on to be enjoyed by two owners before being acquired by the previous owner in 2017. The previous owner retained the car for many years and even exported the car to Spain where he used it in the Iberian sunshine for around 10 years. The warm dry, climate almost certainly helped keep corrosion at bay during this period. However, it also helped turn the Signal Red into a dull shade of deep pink.

For this reason, on returning to the UK, the previous owner decided to repaint the car in its current Silver Metallic colourway. The colour appears close to Mercedes Benz Anthracite Grey Metallic, but the current owner believes it to be a Range Rover colour in reality. It is also thought that the current US style quad headlight conversion was fitted at some point during the car’s export from and re-import to the UK.

The current owner, David, acquired the car in 2020 after a protracted search for the right car. “I almost bought one previously, but it fell through” confesses David. His Brother-in-Law acquiring a 380SL finally re-energised David’s search and this car came up.

During his tenure David replaced some large, later AMG alloy wheels with the original, period-correct steel wheels and signature, body coloured and chrome hub caps. He also cured a persistent tick over issue. After much investigation and trial and error he fastidiously compared the engine bay to that of his Brother-in-Law’s 380SL. This comparison revealed that David’s car had the vacuum hoses to the distributor affixed the wrong way around. With them fitted correctly, the car now runs faultlessly.

David’s imminent loss of storage for the 380SL is the main motivation for the sale. “I will be sad to see the car go” says David, “but it doesn’t deserve to be kept out in the elements.”

The previous owner was a car spray painter and undertook the painting of the car on its return from Spain. The car really suits its grey hue, and the metallic finish adds a level of sophistication and sparkle that really lifts the presentation of the car.

The combination of the bright and lustrous paintwork, the shiny chrome accents to the bumpers, rub strip and wheel arch extensions and the signature, body coloured hub caps give this car road presence and head-turning character to spare.

Current owner, David, fitted the correct and period-correct steel wheels which he had powder coated. He then added the familiar body-coloured and chrome domed hub caps. The Galaxy tyres were also fitted at that time, with care taken to use the correct depth of side wall for the car’s period. The tyres have covered less than 1,000 miles since then.

Our photographic package will reveal that the retractable soft top is without its fabric cover currently. All the frame and associated webbing are present, and David has decided to let the new owner decide on the colour of hood they prefer, with several options readily available. David has factored in the cost of a new hood into his acceptable sale price.

A removeable hard top is included with the 380SL helping to make the lack of hood fabric a less pressing issue. The hardtop fits snugly and is complete with its original cabin glass in a great, used condition. The photographs highlight that there is some unexpected texture to the paint of the offside three-quarter panel of the hardtop. This section is encompassed by chrome trim making it an easy repair that should cost no more than a few hundred pound to remedy if the new owner deems it necessary.

The interior presents as an entirely original SL interior of the period. The box pleated seats are complete with the familiar “eared” headrests and are finished in a supple, black leather. They look great and no areas of significant wear is noted or reported.

Door cards are finished predominantly in black and feature inset panels of Mercedes Benz sports check fabric in grey. Generous side pockets provide ample storage for your Aviators and period music collection.

The carpets have been replaced and there are receipts for over £400 in the gallery to confirm this. A lift of the carpets exhibits solid floor panels and just a hint of the car’s original Signal Red colourway.

The dash is topped with black, deformable safety foam, which is in good original condition and the large, four-spoke Mercedes Benz steering wheel presents equally well. A panel of wood veneer dissects the dash from side to side. The large, clear instrument binnacle houses a central speedometer, a clock, and a multi-function dial. All are understood to be in good working order with only the mileometer currently not recording the advancing miles but the seller estimates he has only covered around 1500 miles in his ownerhip. The car is fitted with a more modern Sony head unit with Bluetooth connectivity. This is understood to be wired into the speakers in the rear luggage compartment but is not currently wired into a power source so will need attending to.

The hard top is lined in light vinyl headlining to the uprights and dark vinyl to the roof panel. The overall condition is very good indeed and delightfully period correct.

Being a post-1980 facelift car, this 380SL features the sought-after 3.8L V8 engine and four speed gearbox combination. These enhancements provided useful improvements in economy and driveability over the earlier 350SL and is a drivetrain that suits the relaxed yet powerful ambiance of the car very well indeed.

Originally rated at 215bhp and 221 Ib-ft of torque, this powerplant gives the SL a good turn of speed with a top speed in excess of 130mph where conditions allow. The torquey and tuneful V8 is probably best suited, however, to comfortable cruising with the top down and the sun shining.

The engine bay exhibits the original Mercedes Benz data plates, detailing the various specification codes, the VIN and the permitted vehicle weights. Whilst in good overall condition the engine bay does present the new owner with the opportunity to spend a little time and money to bring this aspect of the car up to an even higher standard.

The underside of the car appears to be well undersealed to preserve and promote its longevity. This gives it a presentation and condition which belies the age and mileage of the car and should prove a reassurance for the new owner. As should the fitment of a quality and long-lasting Powerflow exhaust system.

This 380SL comes with a good amount of provenance providing paperwork covering the car’s life. The current V5 and hard copy MoT are included together with many previous MoTs. Despite being registered as a historic vehicle and hence MoT and VED exempt, the SL holds a current MoT to April 2023. No advisories are noted. Recent MoT history is:

• 13/04/22 102672 miles - Pass
• 20/10/22 102671 miles - Pass
• 19/12/17 102676 miles - Pass (16/12/17 102,671 miles - Fail)
• 16/09/16 102679 miles - Pass (22/08/16 102671 miles - Fail)
• 06/08/08 11697 miles - Pass
• 06/06/06 100054 miles - Pass

The original owner’s manual and service booklet are also present. The service book contains a number of stamps, validating maintenance from main dealers and independents. The last service was noted at 100,817 miles with a slightly more recent oil and filter service detailed too.

The Mercedes Benz SL cars have long been sought-after staples of the classic car market. Their hard to match combination of style, efficiency and engineering integrity appealing to the enthusiast who listens to both heart and head. That’s a rare commodity and has helped launch earlier SL model prices into the stratosphere.

The R107 offers the same rare blend of attributes but with the significant advantage of being available at a much more attainable price point. This predominantly being a product of being a younger car produced in higher volumes rather than being any less appealing or able than its illustrious forebears.

This example looks great, offers a high degree of originality, and offers the new owner the opportunity to put their own stamp on areas of the car if they see fit. A great opportunity not to be missed to get behind the wheel of a V8 SL.

Our estimate for this car is £12,000 - £16,000.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located with us at The Market HQ near Abingdon; we are open weekdays 9am-5pm, 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’.