Mercedes 380 SL

[Digmenow]

This is a 1981 380 SL. It's a two seater roadster. This model was made from 1972 to 1989 with a variety of engines and upgrades over the years. Mercedes-Benz designated this run by the model # "107".

You can use 107 for ebay searches. You can pick up a clean, non rusted model for between $8 to $12k. You can find them for less in rougher shape. Also, there are so many and the price of gas makes them VERY negotiable in price. Don't be fooled by some of the lower prices, however (see my warning at the bottom). Look for the 560 if you can, it is considered one of the most desirable models (although it takes premium gas at around 15MPG).

My 380 was a result of the Jimmy Carter years in car production. It's a small, aluminum V8 and I can score 20+ MPG.

Here's a forum with some excellent regular posters with firsthand knowledge of repairing them. More at the bottom.

More links:
http://northernresource.com/mercedes/107.htm

Check here for the best source of cars for sale.

Just remember...

There's nothing more expensive than a 'cheap' Mercedes-Benz.

 

[AngryLepercon]

My neighbor has an older Mercedes that looks just like that. Unsure of the year. You have yourself a nice car man.

 

[Digmenow]

Thanks, A.L. It's a 20 footer, for sure. Any closer and you see all the warts. It'll be a hobby project for years to come.

 

[COPPERHEAD85]

could have bought a red one some years back for 2k.......had 60k on the clock.
had been sitting for a while so it kinda scared me..............wished i would have bought it thou.

thats a nice ride my friend.

 

[Digmenow]

could have bought a red one some years back for 2k.......had 60k on the clock.
had been sitting for a while so it kinda scared me..............wished i would have bought it thou.

thats a nice ride my friend.

Appreciate it! You may have been right to walk away. Low miles are something to be suspicious of with these cars. Everything is vacuum operated (locks, climate control, cruise control, etc.) and all those hoses and tee joints get brittle and leak when they stay parked and many rather expensive bits tend to stop operating and you have no idea why.

These cars like to be driven. It's almost like the Plymouth in the Stephen King movie (and book) "Christine". The more she moved, the better she became. I try to drive it once a week so it stays happy.