Featured on AutoHunter, the online auction platform driven by ClassicCars.com, is this 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL roadster.
One of the marketing taglines for the 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL said, “What do you get when you blend a Mercedes-Benz with a sports car? The incomparable 380SL.”
The ad copy goes on to describe the “sporting pleasures” that the car delivers, courtesy of a welded monocoque structure, a fully independent suspension, a four-wheel disc brakes system, and contoured bucket seats. Such driving satisfaction can be yours to enjoy this summer if you place a bid on the 380SL currently live on AutoHunter. The car is being listed by a private seller, and the auction will end on Monday, so time is of the essence.
By way of background, the “R107” chassis was a long-lived platform for the Mercedes-Benz brand – running all the way from model years 1971 through 1989. It was classified as a two-seat grand-touring roadster, although it could be optioned with a small rear bench. Design influence for the R107 was attributed in large part to Friedrich Geiger, the same individual who penned the famous gullwinged 300SL in the 1950s and 1960s. To this day, those cars are hailed as some of automotive history’s most attractive designs.
Despite being 40 years old, today’s featured 380SL has received a freshening up both inside and outside: The Silver Blue Metallic paint was resprayed earlier this year, and according to the CARFAX report, the car led an accident-free history. The data shows that ownership took place in Washington until 2013, and then the car was relocated to Arizona where it has remained since. The car has only been driven about 10,000 miles in the last 16 years.
Under the hood, power comes from an “M116” fuel-injected 3.8-liter V8 that was rated from the factory at a somewhat lackluster 155 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque (this was the Malaise era, after all). The AutoHunter listing says that mechanical service in May of this year included replacement of the spark plugs and fluids, and according to the CARFAX, the fuel filter and fuel pump were replaced five years ago and within the last 1,000 miles or so. A three-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels.
“Incomparable” is a strong word, but the fact that Mercedes-Benz left this car in production for nearly two decades says a thing or two about how confident the company was in its capabilities and timelessness. Place a bid on this silver beauty, and perhaps you can see for yourself what all the fuss was about.
The auction for this 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL roadster ends Monday, June 3, 2024 at 12:00 p.m. (PDT)
Visit the AutoHunter listing for more information and photo gallery
Source: www.classiccars.com