Mercedes began making SLs on its W107 platform in 1972, as an evolution from the pagoda style 280SL. “SL” stood for Sport Leicht, or Sport Light, which was a bit of a joke when the W107 came along since the car was neither sporty nor light; in fact its internal nickname was Panzerwagen. The first W107 SL sold in the North American market was the 450SL (ok, technically it was called the 350 in its first year, with the name changed to 450 by 1973). It was an elegant luxury convertible, selling with both a soft top and a hard top. The cockpit was replete with leather and wood, and the motor was adequate, generating about 180 bhp. By 1980, the Malaise Era was in full swing – a result of the gas crisis and US emissions and safety regulations. Mercedes was not caught flatfooted, however, as it had developed a lighter alloy engine to replace the 450’s cast iron block. The new motor was less powerful but ever so slightly more fuel efficient. This was the 380SL. Here on craigslist is a 1983 Mercedes 380SL with an asking price of $14,000. The car is located in Naples, Florida. The seller is careful to say the car has never seen water damage. The ever-prolific T.J. gave us this tip!
The first iteration of the 380SL motor had a single-row timing chain, which failed on occasion. This engine has been upgraded to double-row timing chains, something the factory did beginning in 1984. Other than that, this aluminum 3.8-liter V8 is robust if slow off the line; horsepower comes in at only 155. Despite Mercedes’ attempt at economy, driving a W107 SL will make you believe there’s a hole in its gas tank; the best you can hope for is about 15 mpg. North American SLs were equipped with automatics; manual transmissions could be had in Europe. The odometer indicates 70,000 miles. The car comes with original documents and receipts.
The interior is slightly worn, particularly the driver’s seat and the front footwell carpet. The seller says a couple of rubber seals need to be replaced; one of these is around the driver’s door. The original Becker radio is still with the car; no word on whether it works. A soft top should be behind a panel in the rear of the cockpit. Hardtop removal is a two-person job; like all things Mercedes, it’s really heavy. Cradles for storing the hardtop are available.
The Signal Red color is rare and the seller says the paint is original; looks like it could use a thorough polishing. I’d want to know the condition of the lenses, wheels, undercarriage, and trim, because one thing my 560SL has taught me is parts are wicked expensive. The 380 is unloved in the marketplace compared to its more powerful cousins, though prices have been creeping up. Other examples on offer with similar mileage are in the $10k to $13k area; what do you think is a fair price for this one?
Mercedes used the chassis designation of R107 for the convertible and C107 for the SLC coupe. The W chassis designation is used for the standard wheelbase sedan or 2 door models based on the same chassis. V designation was used for lengthened wheelbase sedans. Car is a nice color combination and lower mileage will bring top dollar with the 380 once it’s detailed and gone through. Problem with the R107 is parts are obscene for any interior or trim parts. Also these cars need more than the average in terms of maintenance. Lots of rubber mounts to perish, HVAC issues with heater valves, vacuum pods, refrigerant related issues. It’s definitely best if you have mechanical skills and are willing to get your hands dirty to offset the maintenance expense. And like just about any classic regular exercise is a must.
No kidding about ‘parts are obscene for any interior or trim’. A simple, tiny plastic clip for the sun visor of my elderly W124 was an eye watering US$18. Routine service parts are cheap though. Many factories in Germany make excellent copy parts as anti-competition laws there prevent car manufacturers hoarding their designs.
The R107 entered production in 1971. Since the SL designation was first used in 1952 it was usually assumed it meant Sport Light (Sport Leicht), based presumably on the SSKL of 1929-1931 (Super Sport Kurz (short) Leicht) but the factory documentation for decades used both Sport Leicht and Super Leicht. It was only in 2017 it published a 1952 paper discovered in the corporate archive confirming the correct name is Super Leicht.
I owned a ‘72 450 SL. I have been told that 450s didn’t appear until ‘73, but my car was titled and physically designated a 1972 450 SL. 🤷♂️
I apologize in advance to the purists- but when the prior owner of my car was faced with a prohibitively expensive engine replacement, he chose to install a 200 Ford 6, and a C4 automatic. I bought it cheap and enjoyed it as found. It was definitely underpowered, but was reliable, and fairly economical. My plan was to swap in a 5.0 Ford/AOD. Unfortunately, the car was lost in a fire- but it was fun while it lasted.
I have owned 12 Mercedes-Benz. I worked for mercedes for a period, and I have owned 2 280SLs. The best advice I could give anyone is “never own a Mercedes-Benz out of warranty”. Parts and service are needed often, and the parts are obscenely expensive. And like all old cars, they break often.
The 380 engine uses 12% less weight and 21% less fuel then its
predecessor 4.5 according to Daimler official advertising. Or was
it otherwise? I dont remember exactly. Anyway,
If you want a period correct upgrade drivetrain to a 450 SE use
the 3.8 engine with its newer drivetrain. According to Daimler
the 500 or 5.0 was the follower of the 6.9 According to the german
Benz club most imports from usa suffer from poor maintenance
and the weird emission regulations. The hardware is solid and
durable.
We sold our 1983 SL here on Barn Finds a while back. Without a local mechanic willing to work on it, and the others just wanting to throw money at the problems, we were happy to let it go to a new home. And it’s one car that I do not miss at all.
I currently own a 1981 380 SL that was inherited from my father-in-law, he purchased the car in 83 & was a very meticulous owner until his passing in 09. Unfortunately the car went to a grandson that drove it for a while then parked it in a storage lot & forgot about it, I’ve been trying to get it running for a while now but the CIS mechanical fuel injection has kicked my butt! Can’t find anyone to work on it & the car is too nice to give up on it so looks like it’s going to become a 380 LS!
Where do you live. Maybe there is someone on this forum that can direct you to a good shop.
Oklahoma City, I’ve talked to several guys that are considered Mercedes gurus but they just don’t want to mess with it!
Try Pelican Parts.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techarticles/Mercedes-R107/14-FUEL_Injector_Inspection_and_Replacement/14-FUEL_Injector_Inspection_and_Replacement.htm
These guys.
https://www.specialtauto.com/
Or Benzworld.
https://www.benzworld.org/threads/380sl-fuel-injector-replacement.1309186/
Or call Mercedes. They supposedly support through a “classics” program vintage cars. I called them once about a 560SL. Not much help but it’s worth a try.
Have you called Beck’s? Who knows, they show an old truck at least.
https://becksgarage.com/
Except for ugly bumpers, what a beauty!