1985 Mercedes-Benz 380-Class 380 SL

1985 Mercedes Benz 380 SL Convertible If you don't like stares, questions, and thumb ups pointed your way, this car may not be for you. The Mercedes SL class has an enduring design in the R107 generation which lasted nearly 20 years virtually unchanged. It was that good and associated with a level of affluence once reserved for top earners, now an affordable and iconic car with the engineering and comfort Mercedes is renowned for. For consignment, a 1985 Mercedes Benz 380 SL convertible with a title verified 36,590 actual miles. This is a two top car with a color that like the car, exudes class and affluence. Of the dozens of SL's we've represented over the years, this one stands out with mileage that translates to less than 1,000 miles per year. Exterior Mercedes calls this Champagne Metallic which may be commonly referred to as gold, and would be at home in the Napa Valley, Beverly Hills, Oskaloosa Iowa, Elizabethton Tennessee, or anywhere in between. In other words, the iconic exterior design of this car is fantastic and would look great in your garage no matter where you reside! The matching hardtop provides all weather coverage while the brown canvas top, which is newer, allows for some quick decisions based on changing weather. Yes, this car and its foldable top is the antidote for climate change! SL's have narrow body lines and flat horizontal surfaces that lower the center of gravity create the great handling they're known for. Long nose, low rear wheel opening, square tails, and classic Mercedes lights are instantly recognizable. Imperfections include a scuff, a chip in the paint on an upper surface, a scratch on the hard tonneau, a drip pattern stain on the front apron, and some random chips. Interior When we open the door, we note some cracks in the plastic door sill cover. But, in general, Mercedes is known for their well done interiors and tan MB Tex, covers our door panels with elegant simplicity and this spills onto the robust bucket seats is a pleated pattern below a handsome headrest and based in a highly polished metal frame with adjustments. The package shelf on the back is carpeted and houses a first aid kit. A textured and rubberized black steering wheel presents to the driver and an all business triple gauge package is in their sightline. No fancy graphics or electronics here as the gauges relay nine bits of information including the time, all in analog goodness. Burl wood, always a welcome sight, occupies the dash horizontal strip and back the center stack where climate controls and a Becker AM/FM/Cassette player is mounted. The wood continues onto the center console where we find the stout shifter and armrest, all in very nice shape. The low pile plush gold carpet looks great and is topped with carpeted mats. The headliner of the accessory hardtop presents cleanly and the trunk is lined with plush tan carpet. Drivetrain Clean conditions are found under the hood where the 3.8 liter SOHC V8 is housed, fuel injected, and rated at 155 horsepower. A 4-speed automatic transmission sends power to the rear wheels and 2.47 gears. Undercarriage Clean too underneath where rust free and dry conditions prevail. Components are robust on classic Mercedes and this one includes coil springs front and rear and a single exhaust that flows through the original muffler before exiting through twin tips before the bumper. Power disc brakes are provided to all four corners. Drive-Ability The 3.8 starts right up and we row the shifter into Drive and roll this classy personal luxury car onto the test loop where it provides good power, very nice handling, and braking on demand. We'll never complain about a well maintained SL and this one is on par with some of the best we've seen. The power antenna is not working but all other functions on this aptly engineered Sindelfingen native operate as intended. While Classic Auto Mall represents that these functions were working at the time of our test drive