Mercedes-Benz 380SL (R107)

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The R107 series Mercedes SL has had something of a renaissance of late with values hardening again and good, low mileage cars getting more difficult to find.

Introduced in 1980 to replace the aging 350, the facelift 380 edition featured a four-speed automatic over the earlier car’s 3-speed slush box and other mild tweaks to keep the car looking and feeling fresh. Supplied new in January 1984 by Malaya of Billingshurst, this highly presentable low-owner V8 ‘Sports-lightweight’ is finished in Astral silver with blue leather interior and blue dash.

The spec features optional rear seats, walnut trim, automatic transmission, electric passenger mirror, removable factory hard-top with blue mohair hood and 14inch Mexican Hat alloys including spare, first aid kit still in its original plastic wrapping and Blaupunkt radio cassette.

In the same caring ownership since 1993, A416 YTG has spent much of its life in temperature-controlled storage with little more than 3,000 miles of its 61,156 total being covered since then. A review of its MOTs shows only a handful of miles between tests, with much of its recent past spent in temperature-controlled storage provided by a Porsche specialist on the Welsh border. They have looked after the car for many years, so it has been in good hands. Its current ticket expires in October this year and shows just a few minor points to monitor.

The vehicle fired immediately on our visit, the engine notably smooth and quiet, the paint and brightwork shining beautifully which is unsurprising given the car was treated to a full re-spray in 2018 at considerable expense.

The history file includes the V5C, owners pack and service book showing 12 stamps with all stamped services carried out, bar the first by Andrew MacDonald’s Mercedes of Monmouth along with invoices and spare keys.