1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107) |

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1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

This vehicle has now been sold - click ‘Register Similar’ below to get notified when we consign a similar vehicle.

Sold Price

£14,840

Mileage~74,959 On Clock
TransmissionAutomatic
Engine3.8L
LocationHertford

SOLD

1985 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)

I WANT ONE

Introduction

Darren Rungasamy

Automotive Editor, Photographer and Consigner

Built and engineered to high standards, the R107 SL still provides impressive levels of refinement by today's standards.

The Mercedes SL is best summed up as a personal luxury car with a refined character that suggests poise and comfort rather than all-out sporting ability, but this is exactly suited to those who enjoy the unique charms of the flagship Mercedes. As a useable, well-designed and practical V8 tourer, there isn’t much that comes close to it. With the advantage of the Mercedes' "hewn from granite" build quality, sensible ergonomics as well as the ability to cruise for hundreds of miles with refinement and pace, the R107 has become sought after for its ability to deal with modern road conditions.

This 1985 380 SL is finished in white with a smartly contrasting red interior. Coming with its factory hardtop, it is one of the last 3.8-litre V8 models to be registered in the UK and has been with the same lady owner for ~26 years. It comes with an impressive array of provenance and an MOT to July 2024 after which it will be eligible for free road tax and exemption from an MOT.

This listing was written from information supplied by Darren after meeting Jean 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

I have an emotional connection with this car, and so the decision to sell has not been taken lightly!

Bought as a present by Jean's husband Mike, ~26 years ago, it has been pampered but also been used and appreciated during careful ownership. Always used as a second car, it has consistently been garaged during their ownership.

A re-occurring back injury has forced her to make the difficult decision to sell her pride and joy. Jean will be happy to answer any question about the R107 in the comments section below.

Jean

Vehicle Owner

Jean saved £2,520* when they
sold their Mercedes with us.

SELLING MADE EASY

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EXTERIOR VIDEO

Exterior

The instantly recognisable shape of the R107, this example has been well looked after over the years.

Wheels and Tyres

The 14” "Mexican Hat" light-alloy wheels are in good shape with mild wear commensurate with the age of the car, we did notice a few small scratches on the rim of some of the wheels as pictured.

The front Sailun tyres date from 2014, while a pair of Nankang rears are a little older, but all have a healthy amount of tread with even wear. Take a look through the gallery to see the detail.

Bodywork

Externally the car presents well, with even panel gaps and flush fit. There are no significant signs of panel damage, appearing to be free of notable dents. All of the doors open and close with ease. Structurally the car appears to be positive, with no problems noted on the floorpan, hood well, inner wheel arches, engine bay or boot floor. There are minor signs of age on the sill flanges but the chassis rails and bulkhead appear to be solid.

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 paint is evenly applied with no distracting marks or unsightly chips. It retains a positive lustre with no signs of flatness. There are a handful of minor marks noted under the paint work on some of the lower panels but nothing significant.

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 lights and lenses are all intact, with the glass all being in good shape. The seals are generally good, with some mild perishing in places.

The chrome trim is all present and correct, with light signs of age noted on the bumpers, mostly in terms of the rubber trim. The roof looked to be in good shape too as pictured.

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INTERIOR VIDEO

Interior

The cabin has resisted the sands of time to an impressive degree, with high quality materials you come to expect from Mercedes-Benz.

Seats and Carpets

As a reflection of its careful lady ownership, the interior betrays the age of the car, demonstrated particularly by the near flawless red fabric inner to the seats.

The carpets are also in good shape, with no fade or dampness noted.

Dashboard

Aside from the smallest of cracks by the demister vent, the dashboard is neatly presented and free of damage. All of the dials and controls are in decent shape, with no damage to the veneer embellishments. The plastic trim has also lasted well too and the door cards are intact and free of scuffs.

Steering Wheel / Gear Stick

The steering wheel and automatic gear lever are both in excellent order, matching the positive condition of the rest of the cabin.

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'ON THE ROAD' VIDEO

Mechanics

Renown for its ride comfort and refinement, the R107 is a high point in Mercedes-Benz engineering.

Engine and Gearbox

The 3.8-litre V8 engine has the upgraded double-row timing chain set-up and fired up without any issues as part of the cold-start procedure. It ran smoothly with no unwanted engine tapping, and the exhaust condensation soon cleared up.

The car idles smoothly with no undulations The engine is honestly presented, with just some evidence of degrading foam insulation around the bulkhead. The ancillaries and hoses appear to be intact. The gearbox operates as it should with Mike reporting its function as positive and reliable on our short drive.

Suspension and Brakes

The car rides well, with no notable thuds or creaks heard from the suspension as we experienced a short drive.

The brakes are effective, with no straining or judders with perhaps the mildest of binding due to a lack of recent use.

The Drive

As a classic grand tourer with a reputation for durability, the Mercedes R107 can’t be faulted. This well-looked-after example certainly helps to maintain that image, as the car effortlessly cruised without fault during our short test drive.

The ride felt reassuring planted, as the car took to the Hertfordshire lanes in its stride, with no suggestions of unwanted vibrations as the car gracefully floated over the tarmac. No strains were noted with the steering and it appeared to be tight. There were no suggestions of oil pressure issues or engine temperature woes, which was confirmed by Mike.

Electrics and Other

It comes with its factory hardtop and stand, and appears to be in good shape. The soft top operation is seamless, with no obstructions or issues with the catches. The hood itself is in very good condition with no distracting damage or signs of natural elements.

The car has also been fitted with a rear wind deflector and has been fitted with aftermarket audiable reversing sensors.

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History and Paperwork

Coming to market from ~26 year ownership, the R107 comes with decent provenance, including several bills of sales and both historic and recent invoices.

Bought by the current owner in 1998 with ~28,000 on the clock, there is documentation to suggest it has been regularly serviced since new. In addition, the mileage has been verified as authentic in a letter dating from 1990. It also confirms that the car was initially used as a demonstrator by its supplying dealer and then sold to a business. It comes with several bills of sales and a good body of maintenance invoices dating back to the 80s. There is plenty of evidence of recent maintenance too including work to the steering, exhaust, body, paint and control unit along with the regular servicing schedule.

It comes with its full owner's wallet, including its maintenance booklet, manual as well as some of its original instruction tags, pamphlets and road tax discs back to 2000. It was last serviced about 5,000 miles ago and comes with an MOT valid until July 2024.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned an HPI check on the vehicle.

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
20-06-2023	MOT	74,801
28-06-2022	MOT	74,612
08-07-2021	MOT	74,460
08-07-2020	MOT	74,375
20-04-2019	MOT	73,877
12-04-2018	MOT	73,305
21-07-2017	Bumper & Rust Repairs
22-04-2017	MOT	72,550
26-04-2016	MOT	71,411
29-04-2015	Service	70,280
24-04-2015	MOT	70,275
30-04-2014	MOT	68,825
14-11-2013	Service	68,260
11-10-2013	Battery	-
10-04-2013	MOT	67,510
11-04-2012	MOT	66,209
25-03-2011	MOT	64,209
22-03-2011	Service	64,204
09-04-2010	MOT	62,688
15-04-2009	MOT	61,076
09-04-2008	Service	59,431
09-04-2008	MOT	59,430
14-04-2007	MOT	57,599
21-04-2006	MOT	55,826
20-04-2005	Service	54,248
25-01-2002	Service	47,755
25-10-2000	Service	42,200
26-07-1999	Service	31,042
19-05-1998	Service	28,990
14-10-1997	MOT	28,722
16-09-1994	Service & MOT	-
24-09-1993	MOT	27,378
01-12-1988	Service	14,973
12-05-1988	Service	12,059