Mercedes-Benz 380SL w107 380SL 1981
General description :
Model History
The R107 chassis replaced the sought after W113 SL chassis or “Pagoda” in 1972. The R107 was produced in two variants, the SL and SLC, the SL being a two-seater convertible with a soft-top and removable hardtop.
As one of the second longest chassis series that Mercedes produced there are plenty of engine choices and variants to choose from. Volume production of the first R107, the 350SL, started in April 1971. From July 1974 the SL (and SLC) could also be ordered with a fuel-injected 2.8-litre straight-six.
Following the discontinuation of the SLC in September 1981, the 107 series continued initially as the 280, 380 and 500 SL. At this time, the V8 engines were re-tuned for greater efficiency, losing a few hp but consuming less fuel – this was largely due to substantially higher (numerically lower) axle ratios that went from 3.27:1 to 2.47:1 for the 380SL and from 2.72:1 to 2.27:1 for the 500SL. From September 1985 the 280SL was replaced by the 300SL, and the 380SL by the 420SL; the 500 SL continued and a 560SL was introduced for certain extra-European markets, notably the USA, Australia and Japan.
Equipment
Thistle Green Metallic paintwork, Cream leather upholstery, Soft-top in dark brown, Removable hardtop in Thistle Green Metallic, 4-speed automatic transmission, 14-inch ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels, Air conditioning, Cruise control, Electric windows, Power steering, Zebrano wood interior trim, Tailored carpet mats.
Exterior
Finished in attractive Thistle Green this low mileage V8 SL looks wonderful against our studio backdrop. The paintwork appears nice and original with only a few small imperfections to report but certainly nothing to detract from the car’s overall highly impressive appearance. All the chrome is in excellent shape and the headlights are clear and crack-free, the only negatives to report here being some cloudiness to the front fog light glass. On very close scrutiny there are a couple of minor paint blemishes further evidencing the car’s honesty, namely a small blister above the front spoiler, some light marks on and around the boot lid, and a few expected chips. The dark brown soft-top also remains in great original condition with no damage to the rear windows, and the complementing green hardtop is beautifully presented.
VIEWINGS WELCOME BY APPOINTMENT ONLY /// ADDITIONAL PHOTOS AND VIDEOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST
Interior
The cream interior makes for a bright and airy place to be. The leather seats present in very good original condition having worn well with little more than some expected surface wear as evidence of the car’s 42 years of age. The cream door cards are also in great shape with no marking or discolouration, the steering wheel and gear knob show very few signs of use, and the wood trim is without any major cracks or sun damage. The cream carpets are also well presented and are fully protected in the front footwells by a set of tailored mats. Lifting the boot lid you’ll find a very clean and tidy luggage area where the spare wheel and tools can still be found beneath the carpet.
ENGINE & TRANSMISSION
Barely run-in with only 39k miles under its belt, this low mileage R107 is a particularly fine example to drive. Its 3.8-litre V8 is as smooth as ever and the automatic ‘box shifts through the gears with ease. Reading through the history file its clear the car has always been maintained to a high standard, and upon our recent inspection everything was found to be in fine mechanical fettle, the underside also notably solid. In 2021 a new starter motor was fitted and the rear main engine seal was also replaced; this work was carried out by Mercedes-Benz Brentford and cost in excess of £2,350.
WHEELS, TYRES & BRAKES
This lovely R107 sits on its original ‘Mexican Hat’ alloy wheels, all in great original condition with only a handful of light age-related marks to report. They are shod in matching Nexen tyres all round, each one with plenty of tread left. The brakes have also been checked and remain in fine operational condition.
History File
First registered in February 1981 this Thistle Green 380SL has now driven just 39k miles in the hands of only 4 registered keepers. Its history is very well documented in the accompanying paperwork, and even the original bill of sale from Puttocks Mercedes-Benz of Guildford is still present. A new speedo/odometer was fitted by Mercedes in 1984 at 4,863 miles (invoice present) and the car has been regularly maintained ever since. It was supplied new with cruise control but the air conditioning system was retro-fitted by Mercedes in 1989. The recorded service history is as follows (the mileages have been adjusted in-line with the clock change):
20/05/1981 at 461 miles16/09/1982 at 2,925 miles18/01/1984 at 4,571 miles04/12/1984 at 4,863 miles23/01/1986 at 6,425 miles21/01/1988 at 10,123 miles15/05/1989 at 10,843 miles24/10/1990 at 12,326 miles09/12/1992 at 14,115 miles16/03/1994 at 14,598 miles30/04/1996 at 15,165 miles26/03/1998 at 15,685 miles09/03/2000 at 16,865 miles23/03/2001 at 18,686 miles21/01/2003 at 20,701 miles22/04/2004 at 22,353 miles20/06/2005 at 23,253 miles06/10/2009 at 26,250 miles08/05/2015 at 28,511 miles04/05/2018 at 33,112 miles21/08/2020 at 34,684 miles
The last recorded service was carried out in August 2020 at 34k miles but in January 2021 the car did return to Mercedes where the rear main engine seal (RMS) was replaced at great expense. Since then, a full mechanical inspection has been carried out by our trusted specialist workshop where the car was given a clean bill of health. The MOT is valid until January 2023.
http://www.4starclassics.com/for-sale/mercedes-r107-380sl-for-sale/
1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SL w107 380SL is listed sold on ClassicDigest in Kingsley by 4 Star Classics for £28995.
Car Facts
Car type : Car Make : Mercedes-Benz Model : 380SL w107 Model Version : 380SL Engine size : 3.8 Model Year : 1981 Sub type : Coupé Location : Hampshire
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About Mercedes-Benz
In the annals of automotive history, the journey of Mercedes-Benz is a tale that unfolds with the ingenuity of its founding pioneers. In the year 1886, Karl Benz crafted the Benz Patent Motorwagen, a creation that would go down in history as the world's inaugural automobile. Unbeknownst to him, this moment marked the genesis of what would evolve into the most illustrious premium car manufacturer globally. The financial underpinning of this pioneering venture, interestingly, was provided by Karl Benz's wife, Bertha Benz, demonstrating a remarkable partnership that would set the tone for Mercedes-Benz's legacy.A parallel narrative emerged not far away, as Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft, founded by Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach, entered the scene. In 1901, they unveiled their automobile under the now-famous moniker "Mercedes," meaning "godsend" in Spanish. This name was bestowed upon the car at the behest of Emil Jellinek's daughter, the distributor for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. The wheels of innovation were set in motion.
Fast forward to 1926, a pivotal year that witnessed the merger of Daimler with Benz & Cie., culminating in the birth of Daimler-Benz. The amalgamation saw the adoption of "Mercedes-Benz" as the distinguished trademark for their automobiles, fusing the legacies of two visionary entities into one.
Contrary to perceptions of conservatism, the trajectory of Daimler-Benz unfolds as a chronicle of industry firsts. From the introduction of the honeycomb radiator to the float carburetor, and the pioneering implementation of four-wheel brakes in 1924, Daimler-Benz consistently pushed the boundaries of automotive innovation. The diesel-powered Mercedes-Benz 260 D in 1936 marked the inception of diesel engines in passenger cars. The iconic Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing made history as the first car with direct fuel injection, albeit the Gutbrod's tiny 2-stroke engine can claim precedence.
Safety innovations became a hallmark, with Béla Barényi's patented safety cell design in the "Ponton"-models in 1951, featuring front and rear crumple zones. The W116 450SEL 6.9 saw the introduction of the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), another pioneering safety feature. From the first production airbags and beyond, the legacy of "firsts" continued to be etched into the fabric of Daimler-Benz.
Over its centennial journey, Mercedes-Benz has not merely produced cars but has sculpted automotive icons. The SSKL, 710 SSK Trossi Roadster, 770K Grosser, 540K Spezial Roadster, 300SL Gullwing, w100 600 Pullman, w111 280SE 3.5 Flachkühler, w113 230SL Pagoda, w109 300 SEL 6.3, and w201 2.3-16 Cosworth stand testament to the brand's commitment to engineering excellence.
The roaring Silver Arrows, or "Silberpfeile," including the W 25, W 125, W154, W165, and W196, created a legacy of dominance on the racetrack. These machines were not merely cars; they were expressions of precision, speed, and an indomitable spirit that left their competitors in the dust.
As Mercedes-Benz marches into the future, it does so not just as an automaker but as a custodian of a legacy, a torchbearer of innovation, and a beacon of automotive excellence. The road ahead is sure to witness the continued fusion of cutting-edge technology, timeless design, and an unwavering commitment to setting new standards in the world of automobiles.
One luminary figure who left an indelible mark was Béla Barényi, often heralded as the "father of passive safety" for his pioneering work in safety engineering. His patented safety cell design, featuring front and rear crumple zones, became a hallmark of Mercedes-Benz's commitment to occupant safety, setting new standards that reverberated throughout the automotive world.
Moving through the chronicles, the collaborative genius of Wilhelm Maybach, alongside Gottlieb Daimler, laid the foundation for Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft. Their innovations not only birthed the first Mercedes but established a culture of relentless pursuit of technological excellence that remains integral to Mercedes-Benz's DNA.
In the post-merger era of 1926, Ferdinand Porsche emerged as a prominent figure within Mercedes-Benz. His work on the Mercedes-Benz S-Type, a supercharged race car, garnered acclaim and set the stage for a legacy that extended far beyond the marque. Porsche's impact would later extend to his eponymous company, but his influence at Mercedes-Benz during those formative years was pivotal.
As the 20th century progressed, the legendary Rudolf Uhlenhaut emerged as a key figure. Uhlenhaut, an accomplished engineer and the driving force behind the iconic Silver Arrows, played a crucial role in Mercedes-Benz's dominance in motorsports. His engineering prowess and attention to detail were instrumental in creating some of the most formidable racing cars of the era.
In the latter half of the century, figures like Bruno Sacco, the head of design at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, left an indelible imprint on the brand's aesthetic identity. Sacco's design philosophy, characterized by clean lines and timeless elegance, shaped iconic models like the W126 S-Class and the W201 190E, solidifying Mercedes-Benz's reputation for luxury and sophistication.
The narrative would be incomplete without acknowledging the contributions of engineers like Hans Scherenberg, whose leadership in the 1970s ushered in a new era of technological innovation at Mercedes-Benz. Scherenberg's tenure saw the development of groundbreaking technologies, including the Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS) and the introduction of airbags in production cars.