1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

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1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

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Mileage~90,017 on the clock
Transmission3-Speed Automatic
Engine3.8-litre
LocationMarlow

AUCTION CLOSED

1983 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

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Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Editor and Photographer

Sumptuous V8 performance meets effortless durability and classic roadster charm.

Engineered with a robust, safety-conscious structure, the R107 SL was specifically tailored to capture North American tastes; and two-thirds of all production models were ultimately sold there. Over its eighteen-year production run, it established an enviable image as the ultimate symbol of effortless Hollywood glamour and country club prestige, backed by overbuilt mechanical integrity that promised supreme long-distance and long-term dependability.

Today, its classic proportions and unmatched durability give it a timeless modern appeal, allowing it to seamlessly blend retro aesthetic allure with comfortable, daily-drivable reliability. Equipped with smooth V8 power and sophisticated engineering, it remains one of the most sought-after classic open-top cruisers for discerning enthusiasts worldwide.

Family-owned since 2017, this remarkably solid 380 SL was originally imported from California and has resided in the UK for the past nine years, it has been garage stored since Mike's dad bought the car. Finished in classic white with a contrasting Palomino MB-Tex interior, it features the desirable factory hardtop along with optional rear seats.

Fresh from a £4,000 mechanical overhaul and sold with a newly issued MOT alongside two original keys, this example is ready for its next custodian to drive and enjoy immediately.

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

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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

Michael's father purchased the car in 2017. Having worked in the motor trade, he instinctively recognised that a sound, solid R107 would make an ideal classic to enjoy.

Following his passing, it was placed into storage for several years. They committed substantial funds to ensure my Mercedes was mechanically spot-on.

Retained by Michael for some time for sentimental reasons, he appreciates that these vehicles ought to be driven more regularly. Consequently, after two thorough mechanical overhauls in the past year, he feels it is running well enough to pass on to its next owner.

Michael would be happy to answer any questions about the car in the comments section below.

Michael

Vehicle Owner

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Exterior
Interior
Mechanics
History
All Images

EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

Straight, sound body displaying crisp paintwork and near-perfect factory alignment.

Wheels and Tyres

The car is fitted with 14” “Mexican Hat” light alloy wheels: they are all in smart condition.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Joyroad tyres and show a spec of 205/70 R14 - these are date-coded from 2017. They all have even tread and are in good shape, having covered few miles and largely been stored inside.

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 exterior is in good condition, showing no panel damage or noticeable corrosion. Every panel fits flush with consistent shut lines, and all doors operate smoothly. Additionally, the hood well remains completely dry and solid.

The underside is clean, featuring solid floor pans, suspension mounts, and chassis rails. Furthermore, the boot floor, engine bay, and wheel wells are all in sound condition.

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

Paint

The white paintwork displays an even consistency. It retains a good lustre, though minor crazing on the bonnet and front wings likely indicates ageing topcoat. A few small touch-ups are present, and there is the possibility of a historic blow-over, yet the overall finish suggests that the car has been looked after and presents positively.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Glass and Trim

The glass is in sound condition, supported by well-preserved seals. Brightwork, lenses, and external fittings are all present and in good condition. While the US federal bumpers display a few minor scuffs on their rubber trim, they remain securely attached and well preserved.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

Well-preserved Palomino cabin featuring optional rear seats and good woodwork.

Seats and Carpets

The Palomino MB Tex seats are well preserved, showing no notable wear. Similarly, the carpets remain in excellent order, completely free from damp.

Dashboard

The dashboard padding displays a few minor fractures, with a prior repair on the binnacle and slight cracking on the centre console vinyl. However, the overall appearance of the fascia and wood veneer remains pleasing. All switches and controls are in good order and operate correctly, except for the air conditioning.

Additionally, the door cards and surrounding trim present well throughout.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and gear lever present positively.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Exceptionally sound mechanicals with overhauled brakes, tight steering, and fresh MOT.

Engine and Gearbox

The engine fires immediately on the first turn of the key and settles into a smooth idle once warm. No warning lights illuminate on the dashboard, nor are there any excessive exhaust fumes. The motor runs without knocks or vibration, producing a subtle mechanical whir alongside a characteristic V8 exhaust burble.

The engine bay is neatly presented with sound hoses and ancillaries, though several metal components show age-related patina.

No fluid leaks were detected during our inspection.

The three-speed automatic transmission functions faultlessly, delivering firm, precise gear changes with no evidence of slipping. Additionally, the kickdown proves responsive!

Suspension and Brakes

The suspension coped effortlessly with road surfaces, offering composure and zero unwanted feedback. This smooth ride quality is supported by recently replaced front shock absorbers and mounts.

Rebuilt rear callipers allow the car to pull up smoothly and without hesitation, while the braking system remains completely free from judder or vibration. The steering system has likewise received recent work, benefiting from replacement bushes, arms, and a new steering coupling.

The Drive

Mercedes-Benz originally launched with heavy V8 units, then introduced a lighter, cleaner, more fuel-efficient option in 1980 to meet international regulations. This new 3.8-litre V8 trimmed considerable weight from the front end, significantly sharpening the handling. For the 1984 model year, the 380 SL gained a highly robust double-row (duplex) timing chain, resolving the weakness that affected earlier models.

The engine delivers a progressive, linear response with no hesitation or unwanted noise throughout the drive. During a sustained 40–50 mph cruise, the car demonstrated its effortless capability, while a press of the accelerator yielded a characteristic wave of smooth low-end torque as the motor hummed along cleanly.

The ride is smooth and supple, gliding over bumps with composure. It corners cleanly with no knocking from the wheels. While a slight cabin trim creak was noticeable with the hardtop removed: Michael suspects this originates from the hood well.

Throughout our test, the car felt thoroughly composed and gave every indication it would cruise happily all day at dual-carriageway speeds. Furthermore, the steering centres effortlessly, feeling tight and direct on the move.

Thanks to recent mechanical attention, the car has experienced no issues with oil pressure or engine temperature. Even in heavy traffic it copes admirably, with the temperature gauge remaining strictly in the safe zone.

Electrics and Other

The hardtop headlining and interior trim remain undamaged. Aside from a crack in its rear glass panel, the hardtop is in sound condition, detaching and securing effortlessly.

The soft top raises and lowers smoothly; whilst it shows minor wear in places, the most notable fault is a small tear above the driver's side.

Mike told us the air conditioning doesn't work, as mentioned earlier and the driver's door lock broke at the weekend, but he is trying to find one before the auction ends.

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History and Paperwork

Cherished family ownership since UK import, backed by extensive recommissioning.

Believed to have been imported via California, the car was first registered in the UK in 2017 and has required little beyond routine mechanical maintenance and upkeep. The car has been stored in a garage since Mike's dad bought the car, it has been in storage since 2021/2022, being recommissioned in late 2025.

A substantial invoice from August 2026 totalling nearly £4,000 addresses work on the steering, braking, and fuel systems, with additional receipts present for replacement headlamp components. Although MOT and road tax exempt, the vehicle is accompanied by a fresh MOT valid until August 2027, along with two keys and the current V5C logbook.

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, 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 of 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 bids, 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
05-08-2026	Service	90,018
04-08-2026	MOT	90,018
01-05-2021	MOT	89,755
15-05-2019	MOT	89,494
20-04-2018	MOT	89,275

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Key Details

Year1983
ModelMercedes Benz 380 SL (R107)
Transmission3-speed automatic
Reg. Date01-10-1983
First UK Reg. Date01-08-2017
CC3818
Mileage~90,017 on the clock
HistorySince 2017
ColourWhite
Interior ColourPalomino
Interior TrimMB-Tex
Chassis #WDBBA45A3EA003523
Engine #1169621202558
Last Service05-08-2026
MOT03-08-2027
MOT ExemptYes
Road Tax ExemptYes
HPi ClearYes - all clear
Former Keepers2
Tyre BrandJoyroad
Tyre Age2017
# of Keys2
LHD or RHDLHD
VisitedYes
Sale TypePrivate
Owned9 years
Key FeatureEx-California car, complete with hard top
Vehicle RegistrationA262 BKU
Fuel TypePetrol
Body Type2-door Convertible
Auction ID4072

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All Images

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Vehicle Location

Marlow

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Seller : MikeR107

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