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We are assisting the owner of this Benz Roadster with the sale. He had wanted one for a long time, and when this one came he just felt he could not pass it up. The present owner purchased this Benz in 2005, though that he might retire and he would have time to fix it up, but just not time for retirement. So, we could not stand seeing it sit, when he knew someone like him would cherish the opportunity to have a Roadster, and who had the time. The AC was cold he states when he bought it, but the belt broke and he did not have it replaced, as it was just sitting.
This is the Benz Convertible Roadster
you have been waiting for!
Don't Miss Out!

The three-points of the star were supposed to represent Daimler's ambition
of universal motorization: "on land, on water and in the air".
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You can have fun driving this classic


ABOUT THE MERCEDES 380SL
The Mercedes 380SL represents the perfect example of a class or quality. The 380SL evolved from the 230/250/280 SL car but is a more luxurious, comfortable car. The 380SL continued to utilize the attractive hard rear boot to cover the convertible top when it was stowed, and still maintain the clean, crisp lines of the car.

Body Type / Style: Convertible
Exterior Color: Anthracite gray
Interior Color: Gray
Engine: V8
Transmission: Automatic
Mileage: 130,
Drive: Rear
Doors: 2


BODY/TRIM/TOP
This 380SL is a color combination that is generally seen on vehicles from 1981. There are a few minor dings on the front passenger side and the driver side fenders, and a couple on the front bumper, but none have broken the surface of the paint or chrome, and resulted in any rust (refer to photographs).
There is no indication that this Mercedes has ever had any frame or serious damage of any kind. The Auto check report also supports its totally clean history. We did note it appears the drivers side very front may have been repaired at one time. The rear lid (that covers the convertible top when it is stowed) does not have paint "checking" that is normally found in the area surrounding the boot. There are a few other areas on the car where the paint is not perfect (after all, the Mercedes is celebrating its 27th birthday!) but the majority of the paint is good. It will make a great collectible for the right enthusiast.


SL was originally for the German "Sehr Leicht" (Very Light) but when the cars were brought to market, they were referred to as Sport Leicht" (Sport light) since they were not "very" light. This 380 SL is also considered a roadster which indicates that it has a soft top, but not a hard top.

Plastic around the headlights is beginning to show it's age

The body is very straight and the sides of the doors and body are also. The bumpers and the chrome are still good. Also, inspection of the other exterior parts of the car (emblems, grill, trim, etc) shows them to be original. As the photographs show, there is no damage to the bumper guards. The underside of the car appears from what we can see to be free from any significant oil, grease, rust, or damage. If you would like to inspect this Benz, please visit our dealership during business hours.
The convertible top on this Mercedes is in good condition itself although the tops frame does show some speckling of rust and the plastic windows have hazed out. The top raises and folds easily and latches properly and it seals well.

Tire tread shows as fair, bumper guards are in good shape




This front-end would look much better if were clean

Under-carriage area shows fairly well



Lines are straight for hood/fender

The exterior trim is also pretty good condition. The chrome on the front and rear bumpers is shiny and straight. They fit with no unusual gaps or misalignment.
The other exterior trim is also in decent shape but the plastic around the headlights shows some wear. The glass on the car is free from cracks, or damage. The power windows are fully functional. The front windshield is free from any cracks, "stars" or any damage. The car has the original style Mercedes windshield wiper arms and 100% functional. A couple of small rust bubbles inside the door jambs, but overall jambs are solid.

Plastic around headlamps shows some wear here also


Close-up of the tire tread

The doors, hood, and trunk line up extremely well, with even gaps, and close easily and securely. The doors do not sag, and the hinges are solid and rust free. The undersides of the hood and trunk are free from rust, and in good condition. The engine has not been cleaned up for the photographs, and you can see pine needles, and some cob webs indicating that the car has not been used, and stored outdoors under a carport.

Mercedes hub caps

Mercedes laminated windshield identification

VIN PLATE

Side mirror in good condition

Exterior of top in fine condition

Rocker panels look good


Left front wheel well looks good also, tire tread shows fair


Chrome strips show a bit of etching

INTERIOR
The interior on this Mercedes will require some renovation. The drivers side seat is torn where your left shoulder rests, the carpeting will need to be cleaned as well as, the mats, the seats show areas of mold, and will need a good cleaning. The passenger seat is in good order with little wrinkles, and is virtually unmarred, The back bench seat will also need cleaning but is in good shape wear wise. The carpeting behind the front seat will need to be cleaned, but doesn't really show any wear.
The interior is in its original configuration, including the steering wheel, gauges, seats, etc. The radio has been upgraded to a more reliable, higher quality Sony AM/FM CD player. The stock speakers are in place and the power antenna that is functional. The odometer has recently stopped working, but the car has obviously not been driven very often the last decade.
The side door panels are in good condition and free from the warping and water damage but again will need a good cleaning. The pockets in the door panel on the drivers side is loose but attached and does not hang down.
The monitoring gauges are all original, and are free from cracks. There is even a clock in the tach. The shift knob is the original, and the wood trim near the shifter has begun to flake off. The steering wheel is the original with a functional horn. The glove box fits well, and locks.
This Mercedes 380 SL has newer disc brakes that stop the car straight and sure. The parking brake works and is properly adjusted. The transmission has no slipping, noise, or shifting problems. The air conditioning is needs a new belt as when it broke the owner did not replace it, and just drove with the top down.
The tires are in fair condition with some remaining tread. The wheels are original and look to be in good condition. The spare also is in fair condition. The original tools and jack can be found in the trunk.
It would be important to note that a well maintained, original, restored for the closest inspection, can be valued upward of $25,000 or possibly more.

Doors are solid, they do not hang, hinges in great
shape, door panel could use some sprucing up


Door pocket needs to be screwed back to panel, but does not hang

Bottom of door does not show any signs of rust, reddish tint is a reflection

Door information panels all very readable

A feature of this Mercedes is that on the driver's side door
the signatures of the original owner and dealer can be found.
ABOUT THIS 1981 MERCEDES 380 SL
This particular car is for someone that has always wanted a Mercedes, but never really had the funds for one. This pre-owned Mercedes roadster, is priced just right for someone who is looking forward to turning it into the car of your dreams. Even with 130, 000 miles this car has less then 5000 miles a year. Once this car is cleaned up, the value should easily double and provide years of enjoyment
This Mercedes will be of interest to a buyer that is looking for an original, stock and easily restored to its original luster. This Mercedes is finished in brown metallic paint with gray leather interior and a black canvas convertible top.

Here's a look inside this Mercedes, allot of potential here

A little TLC is required here, and on the back bench seat


Too much sun can cause wrinkles, even on these leather seats

Here is under dash view of parking brake, and hood release on left wall

Carpets should clean up fairly well

Consider the features of this elegant Mercedes ...
* Automatic Transmission
* Power Steering
* Cruise Control (not tested)
* Climate Control Air Conditioning
AC belt broke owner never replaced it
* Fully Independent Suspension
* Electric Windows
* Center arm rest


A drivers look at the dash display




Power antenna
* Steel Belted Radial Tires, in fair shape, but will need replacement in the near future
* Tinted Glass
* Sony AM/FM CD Radio & Automatic Antenna
* 2 Speed Wipers with Mist Control
* Tachometer
* Adjustable Front Bucket Seats, currently
will require a little WD 40 on drivers side
* Outside Mirrors
* Color Coordinated Trunk Carpeting
* Very little surface body, trunk, or other rust noted.
Rocker Panels, Engine Bay, and Door Sills solid)

Upgraded Sony AM/FM CD player, with removable
faceplate, see box in glove compartment for plate

Owner stated AC works but belt was not replaced when it broke

Shifter panel shows wood flaking



Mats can be cleaned or just replaced


Carpeting in back is showing it's age

Seat separation needs cleaning

This is the crank that seals top, and releases the hard plastic cover for the top


Hard plastic top cover is shown when top is up also




Rear bumper guard on driver side show small tear, see below


Plastic rear windows are hazed out, by the sun


Trunk lines show straight

Muffler in good shape, surface rust on bolt shows


Under the bumper



Trunk shows carpeting in need of some cleaning, also shown is original jack


Right side shows top of where battery is hidden

Trunk lid in great shape


Battery does not show any corrosion



Sony radio face-plate box in glove compartment

Special Mercedes tool to open latches for the top

Official Mercedes emblem on the latch tool

Passenger door hinges in great shape




Classic chrome Mercedes grill emblem
The Mercedes is in pretty good running condition, but the engine sounds like it may have a loose rod with some audible ticking (audible in the videos also), and the Auto Check report does not reflect any history of accidents, or major damage to this Mercedes. No severe problems (major accidents, fire, flood damage, major odometer problems or lemon history) were ever reported by a Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). The car was rated 55 out of a possible 55 points. Check the free Auto Check report by clicking on the Vehicle History report link in this ad ...
The Mercedes is virtually 100% stock.
This car retains the stock Mercedes wheels, spare wheel/tire, and tools.

Peak at the motor components



The 380 SL was built from about 1981 to 1985. The 380 SL was the least powerful of the US imported R107 roadsters. Some of these cars also had a single timing chain which had to be serviced or replaced with a double chain to avoid serious engine problems. The 380 SL in this ad has indeed had the double timing chain installed to prevent any problems.


Under the grill

Replacement fan from another Mercedes, shows made in Germany

Radiator in good shape

Plastic boot goes up to hide the top


You will have to agree, this is a great look




This view look fantastic, imagine after you turned it into royalty

Just needs some TLC
NOW YOU CAN OWN A
MERCEDES-BENZ ROADSTER!!