NICE 1985 Mercedes 380SL - 2 Tops - Black - Burgundy leather ......... Very NICE

1985 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class Roadster - Cabriolet - Coupe Description

_____________________________________________ ...... 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster/Coupe - with both cloth and hard top ...... .......... VIN # WDBBA45C5FA032461 .........
....... Manufactured by: Daimler-Benz, AG - Stuttgart, Germany .......
.... Odometer is working - reads just 53,489 miles (only 1,671 miles / year average for 32 years) .... ..... Exterior color: "Black" - Color Code: DB-040 .....
..... Interior color: "Burgundy/Mid-Red" Leather - Color Code: DB-277 ..... _____________________________________________

Through the following photos and descriptions (there are many as there is nothing to hide here), I'll attempt to show what a well cared for vehicle this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is. Please view all the photos and read the descriptions ... then decide for yourself if this the vehicle for you.

Just 53,489 actual miles to date - all well cared for from day one.
You'd be hard pressed to find a nicer Mercedes 380SL, anywhere.

Note: The odometer may register a few more miles by the end of this auction. Just a few, from test drives and the like.

From any angle the classic lines of the Mercedes-Benz 380SL are timeless.

The paint is 'Black' - Mercedes color code DB-040' ... a very deep, solid black.

Photographing a black car is like looking in to a black hole - thus, I've chosen to show the car under various lighting conditions ... please read on.

The paint has a deep luster and is in excellent condition throughout.

It comes with two tops ... a soft top and hard top which makes for a true 4-season grand touring car.

Detailed photos of both tops are shown below.

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is the 4th to last year of production - 1971-1989.
It has all the refinements that were developed over this 18 year production run.

The interior is trimmed in pleasing 'Burgundy' leather. More details of this later in this listing.

When this model was first introduced in 1971, it awed the automotive world and has had a near cult following ever since.

This Mercedes-Benz looks 'showroom new' in so many ways - hard to believe it's now 32 years old.

"Garage kept' from day one, and it shows. A testament to the loving care lavished on it by its now three owners since day one.

The Mercedes-Benz star is recognized throughout the world as a symbol of both luxury and high quality workmanship.

This photo helps show how water just dances off the well waxed exterior surfaces.

Mercedes-Benz quality didn't come cheap as this window sticker taken from the net of a similarly equipped Mercedes SL shows.

Build and marketed to the well heeled of the time.

Loaded with options it had a sticker price of a whopping $63,410 in 1985.
The equates with a selling price of about $144,000 in 2017 dollars - about the price of a top end Mercedes-Benz nowadays.

A period advertisement for this Mercedes-Benz roadster. Still holds true.

With the following photos I'll attempt to show what remarkable condition the interior is in.

Always well cared for ...

Mileage - 53,489 (1,671 miles per year on average / 32 years)

A technical drawing of a Mercedes R107 - the internal chassis designation given this model. Throughout the years the SL-V8 models came in various engine configurations depending on the time and selling market.

The interior could be mistaken for new but is now 26 years old. Hard to believe, but true

Near flawless with the exception of a few hairline fissures in the black vinyl dashboard.

Up until my ownership about two years ago the seats were always covered with thick sheepskin seat covers. Being covered since new they show almost no wear and are in excellent original condition as shown.

The leather seats are still supple and have a very nice ride quality.
No sagging of the seat bottoms or the like. They feel new in every way.

The white splotches shown in this photo are simply sunbeams lighting the seating area.

The 'Dress Stewart' Scottish tartan floor mats are something I had made up just for their stunning looks.
They look good but are no way the durable quality of the originals --- thus, I've only had them in the car a couple of times and they are in like new condition.

The original Mercedes-Benz burgundy colored floor mars also come with the car and in very good condition for their age.

Just another view of the interior.

Being religiously garage kept throughout its life the burr wood accents of the center console and dash trim show none of the cracking that is normally associated with this R107 model. The real wood burl trim is bonded to aluminum for safety and over time and with exposure to the sun the wood changes shape where the aluminum backing doesn't. This causes the cracking - but remarkably, none is present here

The center gauge is for outside temperature, reads in Celsius, and is in good working order.

The two outside 'eyeball' vents are for heat, fresh air and the A/C and are functioning well.

The lower row of buttons is for the automatic climate control.
The A/C is working well and blows nice-n-cold even on the hottest of days.

The 'Becker Grand Prix' AF/FM/Cassette works like new. The LCD digits are not burnt out from sunlight and the whole system sounds good.

The power antenna is also in good working order and functions like new.

The ashtray shows that this has always been a non-smoker's car. No signs of smoking whatsoever.

Climate control vent, headlights, fog lights parking brake.

4-speed automatic transmission and rocker switches for the power windows.

The transmission shifts smoothly feels like new.

The NEC phone was quite something in its time ... I left in for its period looks.
Simply remove it is it's not for you.

Good windshield with no chips. It's quite clear and should last you for ages.

This is a little oddity I just found this week ... a stealth radar detector located inside the glove compartment hidden away at the top right. Throughout my ownership I never knew this existed - is that stealthy or not?

I can't attest to whether it works or not ... a good idea though.

A couple views or the door panels ... nice condition for both. No rust at the bottom edges or the like. In fact no rust on the car whatsoever. Quite remarkable for 32 years of age.

The tilting, hard shell, boot cover for the cloth top.

In its up position for folding up the cloth top.

The cloth top being raised up for use.

The boot well where the cloth top stores away when not in use.
Clean as a whistle with no signs of leaks, ever.

A couple view of the carpeted rear storage area.

The original and correct black First Aid kit in its mounting bracket.

Above this is the snap off flap the for the two leads for the rear window defogger on the hard top.

The First Aid kit is in pristine condition, fully stocked, and has enough supplies for roadside triage if necessary.

Roadside assistance from Mercedes-Benz for the life of the car.

I've never had use for it on this SL but have on another Mercedes of mine and it's simply great.

A view of the lower valance panel, fog lights and a showy chrome license plate.

Maryland requires two license plates on a vehicle so this has had very little use.

Now for a look under the hood ...

Engine 8 Cylinder - M 116: - V8 -Capacity: 3818cc (233ci)
With the automatic transmission capable of 127 mph (205 km/h).

Clean and well cared for throughout its life as shown.

Another view showing the care its had.

The VIN number stamped in the metal cowl just forward of the radiator.

Also on the front cowl, the stamped info plate showing the various color and accessory codes for this vehicle. You can look these up on the net for the meaning of each.

Just out for a Sunday drive.

The original period 'Bunt Cake' alloy wheels with their original 'Argent' silver paint.

All four tires are new, high quality Uniroyal 'Tigerpaw' radials.

The size is the correct 205/70R14 and all tires have 98%+ tread remaining.

There are several info tags located on the driver's side door jam.

Weight capacities, tire pressure, etc.

Also, the manufacture's tag showing a build date of June 1985 and the VIN WDBBA45C5FA032461.

The rear 380SL badging - just 8,144 manufactured world wide in 1985.

Some of the hand painted pinstripe accents on the vehicle. They really look great.

The first and second owner's 'S' initial on each of the upper door panels.

Being painted, these can be removed if you so choose with no damage to the underlying paint.

A look in the trunk ...

The carpet looks new and is in great condition with no fading or stains.

The battery lives in a concealed well at the right of the trunk ... a new one was installed just this Spring.

Mounted on the spare alloy rim is the original Michelin tire. I've never had it out but it looks to have been lightly used if ever.

In this spare tire well was the original roll-up tool kit still in its plastic wrapper.

As this is quite rare, I didn't want to remove the tool kit from the bag for the sake of these photos ... so I copied a photo of a like R107 tool kit now for sale on eBay for $550 or so.

The are the two chrome plated tools for twisting the latches for the removal of the hardtop.

Manuals and various Mercedes-Benz literature usually located in the glove box.

The OEM signature sticker located at the passenger's side of the windshield.

A manufacture's promo photo showing the continuous line of SLs from day one to present.

The following photos show the soft top and its excellent condition.

Clear plastic windows and no rips or tears to the 'German cloth'. Very lightly used.
Every thing here works smoothly as it should.

I just love this period ad for a Mercedes-Benz SL.

A couple of view of the chrome backed rearview mirrors. The left one is power operated.

The VIN tag located at the left edge of the windscreen.

Dual wipers with their original "Argent silver' paint.

A good view of the hand painted pinstripe accents. It took a master to do this.

A landmark roadster for its time and the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz offerings.

A few view of the various panel surfaces on the car showing their great condition.
Nothing here besides a few very light polishing swirls that can be buffed out by professionals if you choose. I've never done anything but had wax the car.

No scratches, dents, door dings, chips or anything of this sort. Not perfect but very nice overall.

Note: There is a chip of plastic missing from the left rear lower left edge of the third brake light. I don't know what happened here as it was there when I first took possession of the car. Small and virtually unnoticeable from above but there nonetheless.

I would imaging new plastic brake light housings are available from the Mercedes local dealer if you'd like to replace it. Is simply bolts on from inside the trunk so an install of a replacement should be a piece of cake. The third brake light works fine.

I took these photos to show the various configurations for the car ... coupe, cabriolet, roadster. Truly, a four season car.

A factory photo showing much the same.

Another manufacturer's promotional item from a 1985 magazine.

To warp this eBay listing up, I took several 'glamour' shots of the 380SL around the town of Oxford, I think it's good to see the vehicle under various lighting conditions and settings and hope photos help show its very well cared for condition.

I would imagine eBayers would question just why I would consider selling this wonderful example of a mid 80's iconic SL Mercedes. I question this myself as I looked far and wide for a good period of time to find this one. As a lifetime Mercedes-Benz owner I know quality when I see it. I looked all over for this SL and the odd thing is that I got wind of this one locally and bought it from a neighbor right here in Oxford that had been the 2nd owner for 17 or so years. I couldn't have happier with my purchase at the time and I still am.

Why I'm offering this nice 380SL for sale?: The short answer is that I'm 65 and have a back that troubles me. It's getting harder and harder to get in and out of the car ... that, and the fact that I've only driven it a couple of thousand miles over that past two of years - and have two other Mercedes here for my use. I might well regret this but it's the right thing to do at this time.

I hope you'll recognize the quality here and consider purchasing this 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL.

I hope you've enjoyed the tour and found it informative.

My apologies for any typos I may have made here. I sort of did this on the fly and hope it works for you.

As you can well see from the previous photos, this is an exceptional example of the 380SL.
You'd be hard pressed to find a better or more cared for 380SL.

I've priced this Mercedes-Benz 380SL very reasonability for the quality of the vehicle hope you'll recognize this.

Low miles are nice but combine that with proper care over its life and it's a hard combination to beat.

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Full disclosure is what I'm after here .... I want you to know what your buying.

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is not perfect in every way ... it's very close and as fine an example of the model that one could ever expect for a 32 year old vehicle. There are minor imperfections as one would well expect ... very minor indeed. Some very slight paint chips and a few minor polishing swirls that can't possible be shown in photos like these. It's not brand new but it's very nice, indeed.

If there is something I haven't covered please feel free to give a call at 410-310-3543 ... I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL accelerates very well, runs flawlessly, shifts crisply and handles quite nimbly.
It has nice solid road feel and has proved to be a dependable ride.

If your in the market for an excellent example of a Mercedes 380SL ... then this one is well worth considering. Please have a look at all the photos I've provided here and then decide for yourself if this is the one for you.

I will be glad to help in any way I can ... please don't hesitate to ask. I'd like to make your eBay buying experience a pleasant one and will do what I can to make it so.

This vehicle has a free and clear Maryland title in my name that can be easily transferred to its new owner ... whether here in the US or abroad.

If I've missed anything here, please feel free to drop give me a call at (410) 310-3543. I've done my best to describe this vehicle in an accurate and honest fashion ... if I've missed anything please let me know.

You can fly in and drive this one home ... not a problem.
BWI (Baltimore / Washington International Airport) is our closest airport.

I wouldn't hesitate to drive this Mercedes-Benz E320 wagon on an extended trip tomorrow ... it's ready ... are you?

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Note: I'll add addendums to this listing as necessary. Please check back for updated information.

This 1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is located in Oxford, Maryland (Maryland's beautiful Eastern Shore ... Zip Code 21654) which is about 1-1/2 hrs. East of Washington DC and Baltimore ... and about 2 hrs. South of Philadelphia .... and 4 hrs. South of New York City.

Still have questions? Please feel free to give me a call @ (410) 310-3543. I reserve the right to end this auction at any time.

Please consider viewing this Mercedes 380SL in person before you bid as your eBay bid is a binding contract. I'll be happy to show you it's many features. There is absolutely nothing to hide here.

If you're thinking about shipping this Mercedes 380SL home ... I may be able to be of assistance. I've done this a couple times in the past and can help to put you in touch with a shipper at a reasonable cost and then meet with the driver when he comes to pick the car up. It can be just that simple.

Any questions? If so, please feel free to call me at 410-310-3543.
My name is Peter and I'll be happy to help in any way I can.

The fine print ... Terms and conditions of sale: As with most used vehicles this one is sold as is - where is without warrantee either expressed, implied or otherwise. A nonrefundable deposit is to be paid within 3 days of the close of this auction equal to 20% of the selling price by either Cash in person, a Bank Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer. The balance to be paid by either Cash in person, a Bank Certified Check or Bank Wire Transfer within 7 days of close of the auction. Pick up of the vehicle to be accomplished within two weeks of the close of the auction or at a mutually agreed upon time between the seller and the winning bidder. If the vehicle is left longer than either the two weeks or the agreed upon time a $10.00 per day storage charge may be assessed.

Transportation cost, if any are incurred, are the sole responsibility of the buyer.

This vehicle is subject to prior sale.

Good luck with your bidding. ~Peter - (410) 310-3543