1980 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

With only 2 former keepers, this Mercedes has been with its current owner since 1998. It has clearly been loved during its tenure with the current owner and in recent times it has been stored due to the owner not being able to drive it as much as they would’ve liked. 

The 380SL was a popular car at the time and remains a sought-after model due to its limited production run. This example comes with a fantastic colour combo of Birchwood green over tan leather interior sitting on 14” steel wheels with chrome/painted hub caps. 

The car does need a little bit of TLC here and there due to it being stored in recent times but it’s clear that the car has been cared for during its 44 years. 

The 380SL stands testament to Mercedes build quality from the period, whilst models from other manufacturers have long met with their end, the 380SL continues on with only a few things to note overall with very little out of the ordinary you’d come to expect from a 44-year-old vehicle. 

There is some pitting to the chrome trim around the car, some fading to the rubbers including the aging tyres, a very small section of bubbling paint on the boot lid, as well as the boot mechanism spring, which has either gone missing or has failed, and the exhaust is reported to be a bit worn. 

Aside from these minor issues however, the body appears to be in good condition with the arches and other usual problem areas seeming to be free from any causes for great concern. The wheels look to be in fine condition too with the chrome and painted hubcaps being relatively free from dents, corrosion, or damage from what we can see. 

As you can see from the gallery below, there is a new tonneau cover and a brand new factory colour soft top fitted. This means that the car remains leak free reportedly as the seller informs us that the hard top would be in need of recommissioning. 

A smart and sophisticated design then and one that has stood the test of time with it’s simple and effective bodylines. The car overall has survived very well and with some minor TLC here and there it will surely be back to its former glory. 

Inside the Mercedes, the tan leather strikes resounding contrast to the subtle green exterior colour in typical 80’s German style. Wear and tear is also at a less than anticipated level for a car of this age with some wear to the leather on the driver’s side exterior bolster and some minor creasing to the leather elsewhere. 

The driver’s side hinge mechanism has its cover removed but it is in the car and will be included with the sale of course. The leather looks as though it could do with re-sticking around the passenger side of the centre console (photo 197) but that is being a bit picky. 

In the boot, there is the odd mark to the carpet but it looks to be all complete, including jack and spare wheel as well as a fire extinguisher for added safety. 

Apart from the odd mark here and there, we’d say the interior is in great condition all round with no cracks or tears in the dash from what we can see, and the wood vinyl inserts in the centre console not having cracks or damage to the lacquer. 

We suspect that the car has not run for some time, however the invoices suggest a receipt for an accelerator linkage in 2021, with the last MOT being in 2019. 

Visually the engine and bay look to be in good condition with no obvious signs of fluid leaks, exposed wires, frame damage, split hoses or other stand out damage to ancillaries. As mentioned previously the seller reports the exhaust to be worn slightly but there is invoices for a new manifold, and hanger from 2017. 

The underside looks to have survived well too with the expected amount of surface corrosion on the suspension components with the underseal cracking and showing its age in some places. There also looks to have been some work to the jacking points recently. 

The Mercedes comes with a stack of invoices and history as well as its V5C and a full HPI check. There is a set of keys which has two ignition keys and a few locking keys for the car. the invoices and history is summarised below and with the car now being over 40 years old, it is MOT exempt with the last one expiring in 2020. 

Several thousand pounds worth  of paintwork restoration has been done in recent years.

• Invoice for new tonneau cover – Sep 2021
• New fuel tank sender unit and seal - Oct 2021
• Headlamp adjuster screw kit and flexible shaft repair kit
• Accelerator linkage and rubber ball – Jun 2021
• Invoice for work done to fit fuel pump – Mar 2019
• Invoice for service items – Dec 2018
• New stock subframe mount – Oct 2017
• New blower motor – Mar 2017
• New bushings kit – Apr 2017
• Exhaust manifold, torsion bar, exhaust gaskets and pipe hanger - Mar 2017

 "The vendor has noted, "The milometer stopped working when I was driving up to Bonhams. It has always worked and was working fine when I started my journey, but the car hasn't been driven much in recent years and it shouldn't be a difficult issue to resolve".

The 380SL is a handsome and desirable cruiser, this example comes with very low owners and mileage at just 88,000 miles in its 44 years. A combination of timeless design, prestige and respectable performance means it’s an easy classic to live with and is a testament to a Mercedes at the top of their game in terms of build and design. 

This 380SL has been loved during its time with the current owner and it shows in the condition of the car today. With a little effort and some new shiny bits, we’re sure the car will be out turning heads once more. 

We are happy to offer this vehicle for auction with an estimate in the range of £9,000 - £14,000.

Viewing is strongly encouraged, and this lot is located at Bonhams|Cars Online HQ. Viewings are strictly by appointment.  To make a booking, please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, and read our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.