BF Exclusive: 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Roadster

• Seller: David B rill (Contact)
• Location: Moodus, Connecticut
• Mileage: 167,000 Shown
• Chassis #: WDBBA45AXBB001855
• Title Status: Clean
• Engine: 3.8-Liter V8
• Transmission: 3-Speed Automatic

There are few feelings as enjoyable as slipping behind the wheel of a classic Convertible on a sunny day for a spot of top-down touring. Mother Nature is ready to provide the sun; all that remains is to find an appropriate vehicle to complete the puzzle. This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Roadster is a strong contender. It presents extremely well, is rust-free, and features a sweet V8 under the hood. It runs and drives beautifully, and is a turnkey proposition with no mechanical needs or shortcomings. The owner feels the time is right to send the Roadster to a new home. Listing it exclusively with us at Barn Finds with an asking price of $8,500.

Mercedes-Benz released its R107 sports car series in 1971, with the final cars leaving the line in 1989. The secret to its longevity was excellent engineering, with cars requiring only minor updates throughout their impressively long production life. The company unveiled the 380 SL in 1981, and this first-year example is a gem. The current owner has been its custodian for approximately twenty-five years. He purchased the car for weekend outings to the beach or on scenic drives. However, his wife wasn’t a fan of wind-in-the-hair motoring, so the vehicle saw less active service than originally intended. The seller states that the Roadster’s previous owner had the car repainted, with the Trim Tag showing the code for Marine Blue. Interestingly, in the sunlight, the color looks closer to China Blue. The Dark Blue soft-top provides a striking contrast, and not only is it pristine, but it folds away easily as all good tops should. The paint holds a wonderful shine, with only a few small imperfections. The panels are as straight as an arrow, and the overall presentation is consistent with a high-end survivor that its owners treated respectfully. The beauty is more than skin-deep because the underside shots reveal that the factory underseal is intact, ensuring that this classic remains rust-free. The trim and tinted glass are excellent, and the elegant alloy wheels provide the perfect finishing touch.

The model designation indicates that this Mercedes features an engine with a capacity of 3.8-liters. It is the company’s silky-smooth V8, which generates 155hp and 196 ft/lbs of torque. A four-speed automatic transmission, a new addition to the “107” range in 1980, handles shifting duties. Power steering lightens the driver’s load, while the power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes ensure that the car stops on a dime. The 380 SL has no genuine weaknesses. It is equally comfortable cruising for hours at freeway speed or rolling along a beachside boulevard at walking pace. The previous owner claimed that the V8 was freshly rebuilt before they passed the car to its current owner. There is no documentary evidence, but when the seller lifted the valve covers, the lack of wear on the camshafts and timing chains supports that claim. The seller states that the Roadster received a new set of Continental Conti-Trac tires in 2007 and has been appropriately maintained under the current owner’s care. The motor springs to life when the key is turned, providing the smooth rumble that is a V8’s defining feature. There are no signs of smoke or rattles, and the oil pressure is spot-on. The vehicle has 167,000 miles showing on its odometer, but it runs and drives perfectly. The steering is precise, and the brakes feel strong and safe. In fact, the seller describes it as a joy to drive.

If the Roadster’s exterior makes a positive impression, its interior continues that theme. Trimmed in Shell, it features MB-Tex upholstery, one of the most robust materials in automotive history. It withstands wear exceptionally well and, as the seller states, MB-Tex is even impervious to nuclear attack. The rest of the interior is equally tidy, with the dash and pad crack-free, and the timber trim showing no evidence of deterioration. Driving this classic with the top down won’t embarrass the new owner. Popping the trunk reveals the same Shell trim, which shows no evidence of abuse or neglect. There are no aftermarket additions to an interior that is equipped with air conditioning, power windows, and its original Blaupunkt AM/FM radio/cassette player with a power antenna. The owner’s son confirms that the A/C blew ice-cold until a few years ago, but it sounds like it may require a recharge. It uses R12 refrigerant, but if the buyer can’t locate a specialist willing to use that refrigerant, the system will handle R134a with an appropriate lubricant. Otherwise, every feature works as it should, allowing the new owner to slip behind the wheel, slot the Engelbert Humperdinck cassette that is in the car into the player, and hit the road for some top-down touring.

There is much to like about this 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL Roadster, particularly for enthusiasts seeking a turnkey European classic drop-top. It presents extremely well, carrying the hallmarks of a vehicle that has enjoyed a sheltered life. It is in excellent mechanical condition, and with the marque enjoying a well-earned reputation for its robust mechanical components, it should serve reliably for many more years. The price makes it undeniably affordable, and when you combine that with the positive impression the image gallery leaves, it is easy to see why taking this Mercedes home makes perfect sense.