An argument for proofreading can be made from this ad for a very nice 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL here on eBay in Chicago. I’m sure the seller didn’t mean to include this sentence, “Car is rust.” No, it’s not rust, it’s actually rust-free, with 90,000 miles and owners who apparently took care of it.

The SL, in Signal Red, includes its original hardtop “in great shape,” which has an uncracked dashboard and a no-rip interior. It’s mechanically sound with newer tires (it actually says “you were tires”) and its original books and manuals. The black soft top is German canvas, and the floor mats Benz branded.

As to demerits, we learn only that the power antenna doesn’t work, and the AC blows cool but not cold. It’s been garage-kept and used only in the summers. While that’s great for body/interior preservation, these SLs don’t really like to sit for long periods.

The SL of this vintage were very good sellers, and consequently, they’re not rare now. Many of them have expensive needs, though, but very little is required to enjoy this one over the summer. You do need the power antenna for tunes, and AC might come in handy.

The long-lived R107 Mercedes-Benz succeeded the famous “Pagoda” models (ending with the 280SL) in 1971, and stayed extant until 1989. These were the first V8-powered SLs, though there was a 280SL variant (not sold in the U.S.) that used the older six. There’s a 3.8-liter aluminum V8 under the hood of this one, producing 155 horsepower and 196 pound-feet of torque.

Not a barn burner, it took 11.5 seconds to reach 60 mph. This SL was more of a boulevardier than a racer. If you wanted more power, you bought a 560SL, which was sold only in the U.S., Canada, Japan, and Australia. Since this is an ’85, it benefits from the upgrade that year, with better brakes (larger discs and four-piston calipers), a driver’s side airbag, and a deeper front air dam. But the third brake light wasn’t added until ’86.

Sports Car Market enthuses, “With proper maintenance, these cars are extremely durable. Rust is seldom a problem on a 380SL unless it results from shoddy accident repairs. If the tin worm does show up, it will generally be in the front fender area around the headlights and the rear quarter panels near the fender lip. Of course, cars with improper accident repairs should be avoided altogether.”

The company was happy with the 53,200 380SLs it sold between 1980 and 1985. The big year was 1983, with 11,198 built. By comparison, 1985 was lackluster, with 8,144. In recent sales, the 380SL averaged $16,347, says Classic.com. The top price paid for one was $84,000. This one is at just $7,100, with 23 bids, but sure to go higher.