1985 MERCEDES-BENZ (R107) 380 SL

This Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is an appealing example of the stylish classic cruiser, presented in its factory body and interior colours, and remaining highly original. Under the bonnet is the 201bhp 3.8-litre M116 V8, coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission. The odometer indicates 80,754 miles, with less than 10,000 miles added in the past decade.

Leaving the factory in 1985 in the clean Classic White hue, this UK-market car was also specified with the optional leather trim in Royal Blue. First registered in August 1985, this 380 SL has just two previous keepers on the V5C - the second of which is understood to have kept the car for 20 years - and it was acquired by the vendor nearly five years ago.

The bodywork of this R107 is reported to be in good order. Areas around the wheel arches and the lower doors present well, though there are a few small patches of bubbling in the paint, including underneath both headlight units where the front bumper attaches to the wings, and around the boot lid closure. Other than some small touched-in chips and dings, its Classic White paint finish is believed to be original

Its dark blue soft top roof matches the interior very well, and was replaced by a specialist Mercedes-Benz garage very recently, so it remains in pristine condition. The car rides on the original 14-inch ‘Baroque’ alloy wheels, which do have some minor chips and grazes around the rims, but which are generally in good condition.

Stepping inside, the blue leather upholstery looks remarkably smart for its age. While there are no rips or tears in the trim, the seat covers do have some wear, on the driver’s side outer bolsters in particular, which could be improved by a professional re-connolising treatment. The luggage shelf area behind the seats is in great shape, and the door cards also present very well. While there is some wear to the wood veneers, there is none of the heavy delamination or splitting that can afflict many SLs of this era. The original radio has been upgraded to a more contemporary CD radio head unit with Bluetooth and aux-in connectivity, and there are no known electrical faults with any of the switchgear.

The last scheduled maintenance was in March 2021 at 80,722 miles, carried out by MB Motor Specialist in Suffolk. This comprised an engine oil and filter change, along with a new battery. The vendor notes that the exhaust has been replaced with a stainless steel item from Demand Engineering in Stowmarket, enhancing the aural character of the naturally aspirated V8.

The most recent MOT test was on 10 March 2021 at 80,722 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with one advisory regarding grease on all of the brake lines. All four 205/70 R14 Nankang tyres are in good order, fitted approximately five years ago and which have covered less than 2,000 miles.

Accompanying the car is an original pre-sales book, a reproduction handbook, and a folder of service history dating back to the 1980s. Early maintenance is stamped, while more recent work is evidenced by various invoices. Lots of old tax discs are present, and the vendor states that every previous MOT certificate is also included. There is also a printed guide to the R107 generation model, a bespoke full-body rain cover, and even the original body-coloured hardtop and hardtop standard if required.

This Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is a sound example of the iconic R107 model, which would now benefit from some cosmetic ‘TLC’, but which is reported to be in very good mechanical condition. Having been driven sparingly over the last 15 years, this is a classic that always draws a smile from onlookers, and one which deserves to be enjoyed on the open road as much as possible.

Summary of early service history:

• 01-10-85 - 1113 miles

• 03-03-86 - 2267 miles

• 21-11-86 - 2483 miles

• 04-05-87 - 7889 miles

• 10-11-87 - 10281 miles

• 15-05-88 - 13167 miles

• 12-12-88 - 15007 miles

• 06-06-89 - 16211 miles

• 03-01-90 - 17488 miles

• 18-10-90 - 18601 miles

• 18-02-91 - 27326 miles

• 26-08-91 - 31002 miles

• 04-01-92 - 33468 miles

• 09-09-92 - 40127 miles

• 06-01-93 - 45877 miles

• 20-08-93 - 50113 miles

• 1993 to present: Various documents and invoices for works

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