Barn Resident: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

Thinking about the SL class of Mercedes-Benz is a “forest versus trees” exercise. The roots of the entire series began in 1954 with the spectacular Gullwing coupe. The 190 was next – thanks to Max Hoffman’s vision; then the Pagoda cars arrived. Mercedes-Benz modernized the SL in 1971 with the introduction of the R107, bringing us to our subject car – this 1981 380SL. The common thread? A commitment to producing an elegant grand tourer, with safety top of mind – albeit at a premium price. Each car, no matter its position along this spectrum – which now stretches into its seventh generation – fulfills that imperative. To some extent, a buyer can choose any of these “trees” – calibrated to his budget – and receive a similar experience, early cars excepted thanks to their rarity and race breeding. Let’s find out whether this Independence, Oregon barn resident has what it takes to attract interest.

Once the early 300s were in the rear-view mirror, the timeline of SL appearance in the US generally synched with displacement. The 190 came along; then the 230/250/280 from 1963 to 1970; then the 350 and 450 (both with a 4.5-liter engine) during the 1972-1980 span…. and then we get a hitch in the ol’ git-along. The 380 was a child of US emissions regulations, with a reduction in displacement to 3.8 liters and downrated output of 155 hp. Slightly offsetting these disappointments was M-B’s new four-speed automatic, an improvement over the old three-speed. Nothing wrong with these Bosch-injected V8 engines – Mercedes, like many other automakers, was simply caught flatfooted by regulatory crosswinds. By 1986, all was well again, as the 560SL hit showrooms, with almost 50% more horsepower. This example will start when fed fuel but even a spark plug change couldn’t keep it running. If the issue lies with the injection system, prepare to break open the piggy bank.

The seat upholstery appears to have been repaired with a slightly darker tan color on the driver’s side. The seat cushion is deflated, and the armrests are worn. The trunk carpet is moth-eaten. But more expensive-to-fix items, such as the instrument panel, are undamaged. These cars were all roadsters, supplied with both a hardtop and a soft top.

After 1974, US safety regulations mandated 5 mph bumpers. Mercedes bestowed its SL with veritable ledges at the front and rear of its otherwise pretty car. The new look didn’t dent sales one iota. Speaking of sales, this Sun Yellow example is listed here on facebook Marketplace for $2250. I prefer almost any SL to this Malaise Era version, and so does the market. Nice 380s will sell for mid-20s, whereas that’s about the base price for a 560. Still, R107s have seen considerable appreciation recently. As some Barn Find readers have pointed out, no longer can we assume that stick-shift cars will be bid for over automatics; we have to consider the SL’s transmission as contributing to its appeal.