Curated Auction

1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

At a Glance

Mileage~78,475 on clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.8-litre
LocationEmsworth, Hampshire

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

Curated Auction

We’ve visited this car, taken the images and written the description below – we’ve also verified the seller’s ID and actioned a HPi report – learn more

CURATED AUCTION

Ends in:

Days

HRS

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SEC

CURRENT BID£9,300

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AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£9,300

See Bidding

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Professional Consigner and Photographer

Timeless open-top grand touring performance, blending classic Mercedes elegance with relaxed V8 cruising and effortless everyday charm.

Introduced as part of Mercedes’ move to meet changing market demands, the 380 SL paired classic styling and solid German engineering with a smooth V8 engine, delivering relaxed yet capable performance. It quickly became a symbol of understated luxury where it was admired for its build quality, safety, and timeless design.

With its long bonnet, clean lines, and beautifully proportioned soft top, the 380 SL embodies the essence of 1980s Mercedes design philosophy - elegant, robust, and built to last. This example features a Pioneer cassette player, new tyres fitted in 2022, both its soft and hard top, with stand included, electric windows and servicing actioned in May 2025 - all complete with 2 sets of keys.

Today, it remains a highly regarded modern classic, celebrated for its durability, comfort, and effortless cruising character. Well suited for both those in the market for a piece of motoring history, and something a little more "retro-cool" - the 380 SL is a car suited to warmer months ahead, and many more miles of classic touring ahead.

Well presented with almost 4 years of ownership under its belt and low recent mileage, the distinguished open-top grand tourer represented one of the most enduring and successful chapters in Mercedes-Benz history. Part of the iconic R107 range, produced from the early 1970s through to the late 1980s, it evolved from the earlier SL models into a more refined, comfort-focused roadster designed for effortless long-distance cruising.

This listing was written from information supplied by Alan after meeting Philip the owner, and having visited and photographed the vehicle.

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Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Secure Auctions

We verify all our sellers and buyers to keep our community safe whilst also providing the highest levels of website security.

Full Transparency

8 out of 10 people that buy cars via our service don’t feel the need to visit due to the transparency and thoroughness of our listings.

Vehicle Delivery

We're there every step of your buying journey and will even arrange pick-up and delivery of your new vehicle.

Meet the owner

Smooth cruising, plenty of character, and effortless charm - I'm a keen admirer of these models.

We met with Philip, the current owner, who shared his experience with the Mercedes-Benz, “I’ve been a huge fan of older Mercedes models, especially the soft tops for as long as I can remember, it's one of those cars that been I've always familiar with. My mother owned an SL in the '80s and my wife and I tend to keep an eye out for more classic Merc's when out and about".

Philip tells us more about his time with the car, "There’s just something about the styling, comfort, and effortless way they drive that modern cars can’t replicate. The 380 SL perfectly captures that classic Mercedes character - smooth, refined, and incredibly enjoyable to cruise in”.

Having owned the car for almost four years, Philip explains that changing circumstances mean it’s now time to pass it on, he said, “I’ll really miss it, but I just don’t get the opportunity to use it as much as I really want to. Our parents are both in their older years and we've spent much of our recent time providing them support and care. These cars deserve to be out on the road and properly enjoyed, especially on sunny days with the roof down".

Philip will be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Philip

Vehicle Owner

Ask Questions

CONTACT OWNER

Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
Images
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Perfectly capturing timeless Mercedes styling, the 380 SL boats elegant lines, chrome detailing, and a confident road presence that still turns heads decades later.

Wheels and Tyres

Fitted with 14" 'Mexican Hat' wheels with Mercedes centre caps, the 380 SL shows very well. The wheels appeared to be in excellent shape and looked very well looked after.

The wheels are fitted with Joy Road tyres, with a spec of 205/70 date coded from 2023 to the front and rear.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Bodywork

The Mercedes bodywork is in really nice condition and it's obvious that it's been really well cared for over its lifetime. Looking around the car, there are no major dings or dents that we noted on our visit.

Shut lines are visually equal and matching, as is the bonnet, and both doors. The bonnet and boot sections both opened and closed well.

When we looked over the car, we didn't see any major visual signs of marks to the body panels, although we noted a small sign of age to the underside of the body panels and a small hole to the driver side bumper area.

Overall though, a lovely car that has been respected through its life.

We've highlighted our observations in more detail through our hi-resolution images and videos, so please take the time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer and to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Paint

Finished in an iconic colour combination, this Mercedes-Benz has real presence on the road and looks every bit the timeless classic. The car was previously coloured in beige and was resprayed in 1988.

There were a few signs of micro blistering to the paint finish and some wear noted on the engine bay top panels to the driver and passenger side. Considering the car has been on the road for nearly ~45 years, the 380SL showed really nicely.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there yourself. Please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car to form your own opinion about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The windscreen with green tinted sunstrip shows well and the glass and perspex soft top panels look smart, in line with the age. During our visit, we didn't notice any chips or cracks. There was some minor discolouration on the hard top rear window.

Window seals look great and align with the overall condition of the car. The roof shows in lovely condition and we noted no issues with the interior roof finish.

The mohair hood was replaced in 2022.

The body trim is in nice shape, although there were signs of pitting to the chrome work and a few marks to the upper side of the front trim.

Lights and lenses are in smart condition to the front and rear and badges reflect the same standard.

We've taken you around the car in greater detail in our exterior review video, please take the time to look over the video and see how the glass and trim look from different perspectives.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Classic Mercedes luxury takes centre stage, with a refined, beautifully built cabin designed for effortless open-top cruising and long-distance comfort.

Seats and Carpets

Beige check fabric seats provide a great amount of support in the cabin. The seats show in lovely condition and appear to have been re-trimmed given the quality on show here. The rear bench area showed well, in line with the rest of the cabin.

The carpets show well without any major concerns. Underneath the carpets, we didn't spot any issues, just signs of age to the floor finish. Notably, on our visit, we found no signs of water ingress.

We've captured high-resolution photos and a full interior video tour through the car. This covers off the angles inside the car for you to review and appreciate the condition of what's on offer here in our interior review section.

Dashboard

The dash shows really well and the Zebrano wooden trim matched with great levels of presentation. We noted no warning lights displayed when driving.

The centre section showed really well and was very smartly presented, in-line with the age of the car. The odometer showed a reading of ~78,475 miles during our visit.

Gauges, controls and interfaces were functioning without concern when starting up the car and out on the road and all dial surfaces were free from fogging.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

A classic and clean black 4-spoke steering wheel is designed with no nonsense in mind and to keep you focused on the road ahead.

The black auto gear selector looks good, aligning with the quality of the car.

We've captured high-resolution photos for you to review and check over the condition of the interior in our gallery section.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Under the bonnet, smooth V8 power meets effortless grand touring performance, delivering refined cruising ability and a 0–60MPH time of ~9 seconds from factory.

Engine and Gearbox

Powered by a smooth and refined 3.8-litre V8, the Mercedes was impressive, idling smoothly, pulling strongly, and performing as it should on the road.

Philip reports no issues during his ownership, with the 3-speed automatic gearbox delivering power seamlessly. Out on the drive, the car moved effortlessly through the gears, reinforcing its refined, capable character.

Take a look at the mechanical video to see the car starting from cold, driving around some local roads, and for a closer look underneath the Mercedes and the engine bay.

Suspension and Brakes

We noted no knocks, bangs or other issues from the suspension when we were driving, and it gave us no concerns in its performance or handling. The underside of the car showed well having been waxoyl'd in 2018.

The brakes felt to have no pull or vibrations that stood out to us when on the journey, and brought the car to a stop without a problem. Overall the car performed as to be expected with no concerns out on the road.

Please take a look over the mechanical videos and photographs to see close-up images from under the car.

The Drive

The 380 SL delivers a relaxed, unhurried driving experience built around comfort and refinement. Its smooth V8 provides effortless, steady power, while the automatic gearbox glides through changes with a calm, composed feel.

On the road, it’s all about ease rather than urgency - the steering is light, the ride is supple, and the car settles into a confident cruise that makes longer journeys particularly enjoyable. With the roof down, it becomes even more engaging, offering that classic open-top experience that feels both elegant and timeless.

It’s a car designed to take the stress out of driving, encouraging you to slow down, enjoy the surroundings, and appreciate the simple pleasure of classic Mercedes-Benz grand touring.

Electrics and Other

The Merc features a Pioneer cassette player and Alpine front speakers. The car is finished with its wind deflector, central locking, electric windows and 2 sets of keys.

The 380 SL comes complete with its hard top and a new hard top stand. A spare wheel and toolkit are located in the boot.

We weren't able to fully test all of the functions when visiting the car, although Philip told us everything else was in working order as far as he was aware.

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History and Paperwork

One of the most enduring icons of the SL lineage, this example benefits from a 2025 service, low recent mileage, and is currently kept in covered storage.

Servicing was completed in May 2025 where the engine oil and filters were also replaced. The ignition barrel and key was renewed as part of the works carried out along with fitment of the chrome windscreen surround.

Some of the other works to the car have included; works to the rear diff and bearings and seals costing over ~£918 completed in July 2023, Major servicing and updates to the prop shaft and gaskets actioned in June 2023. In 2022, a new mohair hood was fitted at a cost of ~£995, within the same year, the PAS pump and oils were replaced at over ~£700.

Power steering gaskets, fuel and coolant hose replacements, Waxoyl'ing, new down and exhaust pipes, drop link, control arm, anti-roll and sub frame bushes, new Bilstein shock absorbers, refurbished steering box, new chain, tensioner and guide rails, starter motor, corrosion and welding works, have all been completed and updated in previous years.

The MOT certificates, service invoices and works receipts are available to view in the paperwork gallery section. The Mercedes is accompanied by a good history file and a replacement owner’s manual and maintenance records, also presented in the “History and Paperwork” section.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, and as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment on the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bid/s, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Service History

Date	Type	Mileage
12.05.2025	Service	78,356
21.06.2023	Service	78,500
24.08.2022	New Hood
29.04.2019	Service	74,327 (Inaccurate Reading)
24.04.2019	MOT	74,338
05.06.2018	MOT	73,724
05.04.2017	MOT	72,735
08.04.2016	MOT	71,644
22.04.2014	MOT	70,473
14.05.2013	MOT	69,125
23.04.2012	MOT	65,335
24.09.2011	Service	63,943
30.10.2010	MOT	63,637
02.07.2009	MOT	61,088
23.07.2008	MOT	60,610
12.07.2007	MOT	58,981
19.07.2006	MOT	57,190
07.07.2005	MOT	56,281
15.07.2004	MOT	54,246
15.07.2002	MOT	52,673
24.07.2001	MOT	51,791
21.06.2000	MOT	50,678
18.06.1999	MOT	47,978
10.06.1998	MOT	46,502
01.07.1997	MOT	45,505
02.12.1992	MOT	40,730
02.09.1991	MOT	39,006
15.06.1990	MOT	37,141
03.07.1989	MOT	35,829
09.07.1988	MOT	33,177
19.05.1987	MOT	30,500
05.12.1986	Service	29,991
21.05.1986	MOT	27,623
31.05.1985	MOT	24,302
21.05.1985	Service	24,150
19.05.1984	MOT	19,273
18.05.1982	Service	6,591
06.08.1981	Service	847

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Key Details

Model 380SL (R107)
Transmission Automatic
Reg. Date 16.06.1981
CC 3,818
Mileage ~78,475 on clock
Interior Colour Beige Check Fabric (035)
Interior Trim Vinyl / Cloth
Chassis # 10704522000508
Engine # 11696122001151
Last Service 12.05.2025
MOT Exempt Yes
Road Tax Exempt Yes
HPi Clear Yes - all clear
Former Keepers 7
Tyre Brand Joy Road
Tyre Age 2023
# of Keys 2
LHD or RHD RHD
Visited Yes
Sale Type Private
Owned ~3 years, 10 months
Key Feature Keen Reserve
Vehicle Registration VKX 485W
Driver’s Side Right
Fuel Type Petrol
Body Type Convertible
Auction ID 3675

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All Images

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Emsworth, Hampshire

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Auction Bidding

Live Bidding

Current Bid £9,300

High Bidder 1stchoice

Countdown Timer

0 Days

0 HRS

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Auction Ends Thu 4th Jun at 7.30pm

Bidding History

Previous Bids 13

£9,300 bid by 1stchoice04.06.26 @ 18:44:12

£9,000 bid by joe7504.06.26 @ 18:35:36

£8,750 bid by justin-banks04.06.26 @ 11:35:43

£8,500 bid by jonnyp03.06.26 @ 19:16:16

£8,000 bid by leofilisoni28.05.26 @ 17:48:47

£7,750 bid by 1stchoice28.05.26 @ 10:52:09

£7,500 bid by Arnie554827.05.26 @ 23:02:36

£5,000 bid by Iconicars27.05.26 @ 13:01:10

£4,500 bid by Mrmotsussex26.05.26 @ 11:37:52

£4,000 bid by leofilisoni24.05.26 @ 19:55:25

£3,000 bid by sl6323.05.26 @ 21:25:49

£1,500 bid by AS4222.05.26 @ 15:19:23

£1,200 bid by TheKaledonian21.05.26 @ 18:53:11

SEE MORE BIDS SEE MORE BIDS

Auction Views 3144

Ask Owner

Seller PhillipW

Post a comment or ask the owner a question about the car.

4 Comments

Path

6 days ago

Is the hood manual or electric

PhillipW

Seller

Path

4 days ago

The hood is manual. There is a soft-top which folds away into the car with a removable hard top which you would normally use in the winter. The photos show the car with soft-top down, soft top up, along with the hard top also.

Arnie5548

7 days ago

Does the car take unleaded petrol

PhillipW

Seller

Arnie5548

7 days ago

Yes, I use premium unleaded

MORE COMMENTS MORE COMMENTS

Insurance Quote

Average annual insurance premium for a 380SL like this is £170 via our trusted partner ClassicLine.
GET AN INSURANCE QUOTEAnd get 10% off when you mention us.

*Quote is based on a garaged vehicle in CV32 5QY (Leamington Spa), travelling 3,000 miles per year, 1 driver who is 45 years of age and is free on accidents and convictions – valid Summer 2026.

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Vehicle Location

Emsworth, Hampshire

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1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

At a Glance

Curated Auction

Curated Auction

CURATED AUCTION

AUCTION LIVE

ENDS IN: 56 Days 12 Hr 51 Min 51 Sec

CURRENT BID

£9,300

Introduction

Alan Stuart

Secure Auctions

Full Transparency

Vehicle Delivery

Secure Auctions

Full Transparency

Vehicle Delivery

Meet the owner

Philip

Ask Questions

Exterior

Wheels and Tyres

Bodywork

Paint

Glass and Trim

Interior

Seats and Carpets

Dashboard

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

Mechanics

Engine and Gearbox

Suspension and Brakes

The Drive

Electrics and Other

History and Paperwork

Service History

Key Details

All Images

Exterior

Interior

Mechanics

History and Paperwork

All Videos

Vehicle Location

Request A Delivery Calculation

Auction Bidding

Live Bidding

Bidding History

Auction Views 3144

Ask Owner

Insurance Quote

Delivery Calculator

Vehicle Location

Key Bidding Facts

What is your reserve policy?

Why shouldn’t I leave bidding to the last minute?

Delivery Estimate

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