Mercedes-Benz : SL-Class 380SL Convertible

Golden 380SL An investment that you can actually enjoy! 1983 Mercedes Benz 380SL Roadster in Memphis. n only 81k miles since new

I am proudly offering this 1983 380SL roadster without reserve. This is the this is the forty fifth R107 body roadster. and the 516th vehicle that I have sold here on Ebay in this forum since 1998.

The R107 is the chassis number given by Mercedes to the roadster model produced between 1972-1989. The R107 was comprised of the 350SL. 450SL. 380SL . 420SL. 500SL. 00SL. and lastly the 560SL of 1986-1989. All of the cars from 1972-1989 are virtually the same in appearance.

Mercedes Benz nomenclature is easily deciphered.

Generally the model number was a direct relation to the displacement of the engine. IE. 380SL =3. 8L (3800CC) SL =Super Leicht "super light" or "sports light".

The 380SL was produced between 1981 and 1985. It was an improvement of the 1972-1980 450SL.

In late fall 1983. a 380SL would set you back $45. 30. 00 plus luxury tax. A Mercedes roadster is an excellent investment because classic roadsters never depreciate.

All the 107s are on the rise.

I have added well over 35 photographs to this auction. Please allow time for the photographs to load. I apologize in advance to dial-up users. but I assure you that it will be worth the wait. You may have to use the "reload" button on your browser for all of the pictures to display correctly. Please scan down to view all of the pictures.

The car that I am offering today is a very nice two owner car that was traded to my dealership. The vehicle is finished in #473 Champagne Metallic clear coat with chestnut interior. This is a low production and one of the most sought after color combination for the R107 series.

You may have seen my advertisements here on Ebaymotors. com . I have been a frequent advertiser here since May of 1999. I sold my first car here on Ebay in 1998. I live. breathe . and sleep cars. I love them. I hate them. and I own many of them. I try to do my best to accurately convey the condition of my merchandise to my audience. This will be tricky. but I think I can explain it.

MB chestnut interior presents itself beautifully after nearly three decades. Interior details are still crisp. color contrast is still good. though difficult to portray with digital cameras and lcd screens.

MB-Tex upholstery wears like iron and defies time!

Interior details are still very nice. Air conditioning is quite cold . and the heat/defrost work well.

As you can see. the interior is in very nice condition. The original Becker Grand-Prix AM/FM/Cassette stereo included. but was replaced in favor of a modern Alpine CD unit. Original carpet is also excellent.

The hard top headliner is excellent . no stains or worries. Visors are still very good.

The champagne metallic color really stands out on Fall days with all the contrasting colors of the season. This is a great color for a classic roadster. I think I almost prefer it to the signal red.

I have been around this star for my entire life. I grew up with both of my parents driving Mercedes-Benz automobiles. I was driven to school in one. At age 3. I even had the privilege of driving my parents 220SE through the kitchen of our home. I feel quite comfortable with these cars. and you will too!

For those of you that are not familiar with the star. this represents MB's pursuit of excellence on Air. Land and Sea.

You are looking at one very well kept 380SL.

I purchased this car from a Memphis car dealership where it was a trade. The prior owner was a friend of the service manager. The car has always been serviced by certified MB technicians. and it shows.

This was a pleasure car all of its life. The car has been garaged. and only driven in warm weather. The prior owner was a doctor who lived near Memphis. ennessee. He took great care of the car and always had recommended services performed on time. The prior owner spent nearly $8k in routine and preventative maintenece in the last 10k miles.

 

The maintenence records show all services complete and to date.

This vehicle has very low mileage for its age.

Only 81. 81 miles since new (as of 11-17-14). This equates to 2. 28 miles per year! Most examples have double. or triple this amount of mileage at this age.

Everything works on this car as it should. including the cruise control! The car runs and drives wonderfully and it is ready to use.

I just had a complete pre-sale inspection completed by my Mercedes Benz mechanic. He has given the car a clean bill of health.

The vehicle has just been fully serviced. all fluids have been checked. and the oil was changed last week.

You will see plenty of R107 SL's for sale here in this forum. Not many sellers make mention of the timing chain issues that have plagued the 107 series.

When the 380SL was introduced in 1981. MB went to a single-row timing chain. The timing chain is fashioned rather like a bicycle chain. The single row chain was fine . except that if not frequently inspected or replaced. it was prone to snap. When this happens. the valves collide with the pistons. and consequently the engine must be replaced. In the early 80's . Mercedes released an upgrade kit that included a double -row chain to be retrofitted to the early cars. The double row chain did not snap. and solved the timing chain issue. except for general wear issues.

Mercedes performed the update on the timing chain for many customers free of charge as part of their goodwill policy.

By 1985. the 380SL's came with double-row chains from the factory. In 1986 the 560SL was also introduced with the improved chain. The only requirements of the newer 560SL and SEL sedan are that the chain . and tensioner. and rails . be replaced at 100k ( some say 90k others 120k). This repair can be rather costly. I have seen prices range from a low of $900 to a high of $3700 depending on how honest or greedy the mechanic.

Provided that the chain and related components have been properly replaced. you can expect your MB V8 to perform reliably well past the 200k mark with relative ease. The life expectancy of the chain is 120k miles or better by inspection. Without exception. this is the most important preventive maintence that can be performed on an older V8 Mercedes. Make absolutely certain that this service has been recently performed on any MB that you are considering to purchase. This is applicable to ALL V8 powered Mercedes from 1981-1991.

This particular vehicle has had the double row chain conversion performed by Mercedes-Benz as a goodwill campaign item.

 

I have been buying . selling. and collecting Mercedes roadsters for twenty three years now. I have owned countless examples and I own seven open air Mercedes at present and am contemplating the purchase of a 1969 280SL at the time of this writing.

I also own the following other models at present-

(1) 450 SL

(3) 380 SL's

(1) 560 SL

(1) 190SL

This 380SL will make for a wonderful toy for someone. With only having logged 81k miles since new. it will deliver good service for some years to come. The color combination is one of the best ever produced by MB. This is a very fine car . and it will make for a fantastic mode of transport this Fall.

You will absolutely love this car. It runs and drives quite well. Acceleration is quite brisk. and the car commands attention wherever it goes. The car has excellent alignment. and the front end components still feels "crisp". The paint finish is still very nice as the pictures portray. The finish is well above average for a 31 year old vehicle. it looks amazing!

 

The automobile has a recent German stayfast (G) canvas soft top from GAHH Inc. of Hollywood. California . From my experience. these are the best fitting tops availible.

Correct german crows-feet pattern on the headliner.

This is the preferred method of operation for this car.

Because of the factory hard top and canvas convertible top. the 380SL is a car for all seasons. though spring. summer. and fall are the most enjoyable.

The 3. 8 liter V8 engine uses Bosch CIS fuel injection and produces 155hp and 196 lb. -ft of torque respectively.

The engine runs as an MB engine should. Engine shows no signs of oxidation and the aluminium looks great! The oil pressure is quite high. usually 2 bar at idle. The engine runs cool and does not overheat on warm days with the a/c on in bumper to bumper traffic. The transmission shifts properly and on time.

Original data plate and original vin-stamped core support.

 

Trunk detail is quite nice. Carpets are VGC. That's the original spare uniroyal from 1983.

Original spare. jack. and tool kit are present. Tires have approximately 90% tread. Light alloy MB wheels are excellent and without curb damage. and have an original mat finish.

No. my thirty one year old car isn't perfect. There's a hairline scratch on the driver's door and a small blemish in the paint on the rear driver's quarter.

Here is the vin# for anyone who should need it. For your convenience I have added a link below to the carfax history report. Feel free to follow the link to view the report.

You will note that the vehicle has an excellent history and qualifies for the carfax guarantee.

1983 Mercedes 380SL Roadster carfax history report

Did you know?

This vehicle. as well all other Mercedes Benz vehicles produced. is still covered by the MB roadside assistance program-

If you ever have difficulties with your MB vehicle. you can simply call 800-4-Mercedes . and MB will send a technician to repair your vehicle roadside. or in your driveway. etc.

Mercedes will give you a jump start. change a flat tire. or provide you with five gallons of fuel. free of charge. Any other services will be priced to you by the technician. in advance. This service is available to any MB owner in the USA or Canada.

I operate my Ebaymotors. com business much like that of a mail order business. I send my cars all over the country. I deal only with 2 shippers and can efficiently send your vehicle ANYWHERE to you at minimal cost and hassle. My customers enjoy the convenience of buying from me. When you get your vehicle. it is ready to go. I change the oil and check all fluids before it leaves my office . You will receive a full tank of fuel and a temporary operation permit good for 30 days.

Should you have any questions regarding this vehicle. please do not hesitate to call me.

Herbert Phillips
800. 310. 8767

 

This is a well above average. time-warp type car. If you are fussy and want something out of the ordinary. this might be for you. It has low miles. and a beautful body. I have been buying and selling these cars for the last 20 years. and this car stands out in my memory as being one of the best examples that I have driven in the last ten years.

Every aspect of this car points to it being wonderfully cared for throughout its life. The interior and exterior are really in amazing condition. All of the mechanical aspects appear well sorted and very well maintained.

Don't forget the addage. "you get what you pay for". I learned this the hard way.

Look elsewhere on Ebay. you will find plenty of these cars with well over 300k miles on them. Life is just beginning for this car.

As for the operation of the car. it runs and drives well. The engine starts briskly and responds as any proper Mercedes would. The alignment is good. brakes are firm . suspension firm. Overall this is a wonderful car. Not absolutely perfect. or concours d'elegance. but quite nice and very presentable.

If you want a very nice commuter car. this will surely fit the bill. This car is absolutely GREAT around town. It gets respectable gas mileage and is very dependable.

Price

I am offering this as a "no reserve" sale. The CPI guide lists this vehicle with the miles and options at a suggested retail price of $28. 00 .

NADA values are as follows. average retail of $21. 00 and high retail of $31. 00

Follow this link to view the nada values.

Please review the retail pricing information . and decide what this car is worth to you. Please bid whatever you feel is a fair price.

Based on asking prices in Hemmings Motor News and other sources. I believe this vehicle to be worth approximately $24. 00 .

Bidding shall start at $19. 83

TERMS

By bidding in this auction or by purchasing this vehicle. you the bidder agree and are bound by the following terms-

 

In addition to your winning bid. you will pay my dealership a $395 document processing fee. The winning bidder shall send 30% of the purchase price within 48 hours of auction close. This shall be in the form of certified funds via federal express or bank wire transfer. The balance is due within ten days or whenever the vehicle leaves my hands. I do not ship c. o. d. am a licensed automobile dealer in Memphis. Tennessee. TN residents shall add 7% sales tax. All others are exempt from TN sales tax. I reserve the right to end this auction at any time at my discretion. as I see fit. The alert will contact me.

You must resolve all questions prior to bidding. My vehicles are sold as is. with out warranty. Please remember that this is a thirty one year old USED car . This vehicle will not be perfect . Please expect the vehicle to have defects. and or wear and tear appropriate from eighteen years of use and age. This sale shall be governed by the state of Tennessee. The venue of sale is Memphis. Tn. I am always happy to discuss unusual cars. ence my biddername. please feel free to contact me at 800-310-8767. my name is Herbert Phillips. I do not allow bid retractions whatsoever. those violating this rule will be met with negative feedback. Make sure you are fully qualified to purchase. You are entering a legally binding contract. I will persue any non performing bidder to the fullest extent of the law. Once you are the winning high bidder at close of sale. You OWN the car! Just send the funds. No STALLING and NO QUESTIONS. Winning this auction is NOT an opportunity to come and inspect this vehicle. With that out of the way. good luck and happy bidding!!! PS- Shipping is available anywhere. for a nominal fee.

Call me at 800-310-8767 for a quote.

 

Also published at eBay.ca

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