1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL

Lot details
Registration No: ACM567X
Chassis No: 10704522008043
Mot Expiry: April 2012

Mercedes have been producing an SL (Sport Leicht) model or range of models since 1954 when the landmark 300SL was unveiled. The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars. The second generation SLs began with the 230 of 1963. It was distinguished by its lower waistline, big curved screens and a distinctive optional hardtop that earned the model its nickname of `pagoda top'. Over its nine years of production, the second generation SL's engine grew in capacity from 2.3 litres (230SL) to 2.5 litres (250SL) and finally to 2.8 litres (280SL). The larger, third generation SL (R107) was launched in 1971, initially with just a 3.5-litre engine (350SL) mated to four-speed automatic transmission. The car featured a two-door monocoque bodyshell with independent suspension all round - double wishbone, coil springs and anti-roll bar at the front and semi-trailing arms, coil springs and anti-roll bar at the rear. The power assisted steering was Daimler-Benz's own recirculating ball system. Braking was by discs all round - ventilated on the front. Over its seventeen year reign, the R107 range was powered by no less than eight different engines - two sizes of straight-six unit and six versions of Mercedes-Benz's silky smooth 90-degree V8. The 380SL option was available from 1980 to 1985. It produced some 215bhp at 5500rpm and 221lbft of torque at 4000rpm. This was sufficient to endow the model with swift, effortless acceleration and a top speed of a whisker under 135mph.

The right-hand drive 380SL being sold is a 1981 example equipped with four-speed automatic transmission. It sports Silver coachwork and is trimmed in a combination of leather and cloth. The vendor believes but does not warrant the indicated mileage of 60,250 to be correct and considers the bodywork, paintwork, interior, engine and transmission to all be "very good". The Merc comes complete with a fresh MOT and both hard and soft tops, and is ready to put a smile on a new keeper's face. Properly serviced, these R107 models will run and run and, when endowed with both hard and soft tops, can provide effortless, enjoyable motoring all the year round.