1981 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class RARE 1 YEAR ONLY MOST EXPENSIVE MERZ MODEL! Description
Please note that experience shows us that the photobucket of over 100 large pixel pictures posted here are in most cases best viewed and downloaded using the very latest and most updated version of the 'Firefox' browser as some other browsers and especially older browser versions are not capable of accommodating the size of the download. Over the years our clients have overwhelmingly been appreciative of our many unaltered large pixel photos posted in our ads and our feedback has been that it is very rare that a dealer will post all but the most flattering of professionally finished photographs. We prefer to post the many photos taken of the car, in sometimes unflattering but natural sunlight, in order for our prospective buyers to be able to see true and reliable images of the car advertised and that is the reason for some seemingly duplicated shots. We trust you will agree. West Coast Classics are proud to present an absolutely exceptional example of this original southern California family owned 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC 2 door hardtop coupe with a factory sunroof and heated rear window in absolutely beautiful condition throughout and boasting only 101K original miles, this model was by far most expensive model of the entire Mercedes line up of 1981, including all of the legendary Mercedes SL series, and which sold for an original MSRP of $47,853 ($127,254 CPI for 2016!) compared to $40,127 for the same year 380SL roadster!
Mercedes Benz released two iconic models in the early seventies, the 450SL two seater roadster and the 450SLC two door coupe and these cars were the ultimate status symbol of their day, symbolic for their era of exclusivity and immediately identifiable by their uniquely original styling. They were to create a cult following which has continued to this day. They were sold as the R107 SL roadster and the C107 SLC coupe with the coupe model wheelbase lengthened by 14" to make room for the rear seat passengers in a fixed pillarless superstructure above the 2+2 cabin, whilst still incorporating its sports car dynamics. The 450SLC was built in very limited numbers in comparison with the roadster and was one of the most expensive and exclusive coupes ever made and which involved into the even more expensive and exclusive one year only and final year of production for the SLC model - the 1981 380SLC with only 3,789 built (compared to over 31,739 450SLC's; 66,298 450SL's & 49,347 560SL's!!). These rare Long Wheel Base coupes offered the sensations of a true sports car but with the refinements of a four seater grand touring coupe!
The SLC was introduced in 1972 as a coupe variant of the R107 chassis and built to be competitive in the long-distance rallies popular in Europe. Legally, 500 had to be built to homologate the SLC for competition. Compared with the SL, the wheelbase grew to 110.8 inches from 96.9 inches; overall length was 196.4 inches against 182.3 inches; weight was 3,817 pounds compared with 3,487 pounds. The turning circle of the SLC was 36.7 feet, that of an SL 33.5 feet. The coupe’s steel hardtop of was not removable.
The SLC had rear seats that could hold two medium-sized adults – all 13.9 inches of added wheelbase was behind the doors. Larger rear quarter-windows had vertical louvers angled for driver visibility. American market cars had air-conditioning, power windows and door locks, leather interior, and a 3-speed automatic transmission as standard. A power-operated sunroof and heated rear window were optional.
The rare one year only (1981) example is to be sold with all its original handbooks and owners manuals and service records showing that at no time was any expense spared on this particular car's preventive maintenance and it is quite obvious that this spectacular example was always garaged with no accidents or rust and never smoked in! All options are working as they should including the air conditioning which please note has also been retrofitted from the original R12 to R134A.
The original and very striking and rare factory 'Anthracite Gray Metallic' color paint is in very fine condition and the matching 'Light Gray' leather interior is also in gorgeous shape with virtually no signs of wear! The car has its original chrome and legendary Mercedes 'Bundt' wheels which are also in exceptional condition.
The car's factory options include: automatic transmission, power assisted steering, power brakes, tinted glass, cruise control, electric window lifts, electrically heated rear window on hard top, fully independent suspension, power assisted four wheel disc brakes, limited slip differential, automatic antenna, Halogen head and fog lamps, working automatic air conditioning with climate control and central locking.
The car drives exactly like such a well maintained and serviced Mercedes should and must be seen and driven to be truly appreciated. The engine is extremely strong with no oil leaks, the transmission shifts smoothly through the gears and the temperature always remains cool. All the options are working as they should. The car has a recent California smog certificate.
Without doubt, this is one of the finest classically beautiful designs built by Mercedes-Benz, probably the last classically beautiful series they built which are now at long last becoming more desirable and collectible than ever before - certainly you will look long and hard to find a finer head-turning example of this most desirable last year and one year only model with only 101K miles available anywhere else!
For further information contact West Coast Classics through EBay or on 310-399-3990 during regular California business hours.
WEST COAST CLASSICS, LLC Please note: TERMS OF SALE: YOU BID TO OWN: This vehicle is being sold by West Coast Classics, LLC; we are licensed and bonded vehicle dealers in the state of California. Please note that all vehicles sold to be registered in the state of California will be charged California sales tax on the final EBay sales price and any required government licensing, smog, documentation and registration fees. If leaving the state or country, the vehicle must be picked up by a professional licensed auto transportation company that can provide a bill of lading, otherwise California sales tax will be charged. (All licensed auto transport companies provide these). Any out of the state and international buyers will upon completion of the sale be sent by FEDEX the title and bill of sale for the vehicle and will be personally responsible for any sales tax and licensing and registration fees in their home state or province. All bids are legal and binding contracts to purchase the vehicle and by bidding you are hereby entering into a legal and binding contract to purchase the vehicle and agreeing to accept and abide by these terms of sale: Mechanical inspections welcomed; if you wish to inspect the vehicle you must do so before bidding; upon request seller will be happy to deliver the vehicle to a local Santa Monica mechanic of your choice for your prepaid inspection before the reserve price is met. Once the reserve price is met this vehicle is to be considered sold in ‘as is, where is’ condition to the highest bidder with no guaranties or warranties implied or given. Please have all funds available before bidding as a $1,000 non-refundable deposit is required from the winning bidder within 48 hours (2 business days) of auction end; an immediate $500 non-refundable deposit is required through Ebay’s Paypal service to end the auction early if the "Buy it now" option is exercised and the balance in full is due within ten days of auction end in any case. In the case these terms of sale are not met seller reserves the right to either re-list the vehicle or offer the vehicle to the next highest bidder. Seller reserves the right to end the auction at any time before the reserve price is met. Payment by bank wire transfer, cash in person or cashiers check only. All inspections must be done prior to bidding. The non-refundable deposit in the amount of $1,000 is due within 48 hours of the auction end via bank wire transfer or cashier's check via overnight mail. The full payment must be completed within 10 days regardless of a pick up date. In the event the deposit is not posted within the required period of time, the vehicle will be offered for sale to the next subsequent high bidder or relisted for sale. This is to be considered an absolute sale and the buyer is required to comply with all of my conditions in these terms of sale. By placing a bid and winning the auction you hereby agree to abide completely with these terms of sale and the terms of sale are to be considered a legal and binding purchase agreement. Once again, please note that there are no inspections to be made after the auction ends - please be sure to complete any inspection before bidding. The Seller reserves the right to cancel any bid at any time and to end the auction early for any reason. The seller makes every effort to describe in detail any known flaws in the vehicle and includes many detailed and recent photos of the vehicle. The mileage on the vehicle is correct at the time of listing but obviously subject to minor changes necessary to complete delivery of the vehicle to the buyer and test drives etc. Please note that all used vehicles, especially classic and older vehicles, are by definition unique and complex and their condition, for better or worse, must always be considered a subjective opinion to each individual. Therefore the seller shall not be responsible for the absolute correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or defects herein, and makes no guaranties or warranty in connection therewith. Vehicles are sold with one master key unless otherwise stated. Vehicles are sold with handbooks and manuals only if stated in the advertisement. Buyer hereby acknowledges that any definition or terms relating to a "matching numbers" description of any car has been met and the buyer has inspected the car and is satisfied with the description prior to bidding or purchase. No allowance will be made on account of any incorrectness, imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, and to have satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value of the vehicle before bidding and to bid based upon that judgment solely. Seller assumes no responsibility for any repairs whatsoever regardless of any oral or written statements about the vehicle. A documentation fee of $65, which is capped and regulated in California as opposed to some other states, is charged on each sale, which once established legally has to be charged equally on each sale, to cover any necessary costs related to FEDEX mailings and other professional documentation paperwork fees for processing documents to establish title and registration in order to complete the transfer of documents to the new registered owner. Good luck and thanks for your interest!