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Spotless 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

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.

Comments

  1. Avatar Dave

    OMG! Beautiful!

    Like 6
  2. Avatar Joe Haska

    Remember proof read! Nice car, even though I know what the seller meant, Its hard to believe that rust free and Chicago could go to gather in the same sentence.

    Like 2
  3. Avatar TheOldRanger

    I do like this Mercedes, and thought it was beautiful even back then… it is classy, yet looks fun to drive.

    Like 5
  4. Avatar Jack Quantrill

    These 380’s had timing chain troubles.

    Like 2
  5. Avatar Ray

    You were tires?
    What could that mean?

    Like 0
    • Avatar drew

      Newer tires.

      Like 1
  6. Avatar Reg Grover

    The guy was likely using talk software rather than actually typing the description. Even better reason to proofread

    Like 1
  7. Avatar Lando

    Please note that this car does not have the driver’s side airbag. It’s got a big steering wheel, but it’s the standard steering wheel installed on these cars at the time. I believe the airbag became standard when MB released the 560 SL in ‘86.

    Like 0
    • Avatar TinCanSailor

      I have a 75 450SL and you are dead on about the steering wheel. It is 17 inches in diameter and is not telescoping or tilting. As an aged-American, it is a bit of a challenge to get in and out of!

      Like 1
  8. Avatar Bruce Fournier Member

    had a ‘76. fun, got lots of attention but omg the expense of mercedes parts was through the roof 20 yrs ago.

    Like 3
  9. Avatar Billy B.

    I had a 76 450SL as a demo driver back in 79. I turned it back in to the dealership owner 1 week after I got it.
    If you like supporting big oil companies get yourself one of these. Mercedes doesn’t build cars to be economical. They are gorgeous nice to drive cars but they achieve the nice ride from being so darned heavy.
    Thanks for the enjoyable time I have with all of you guys. Thanks for the site!

    Like 0
  10. Avatar Bunky

    Beautiful car! Wow. That color combo is stunning. I had a ‘72 450 SL- with a Ford 6- Gutless, but no timing chain issues. Planned to upgrade to a Ford 5.0, but the car was lost in a fire. 🙁

    Like 1
  11. Avatar Donald Porochonski

    Nice, but that color interior does not go with that color paint. Black yes, neutral, white even better.

    Like 0

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