Mercedes-Benz 380SL Roadster

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THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN WITHDRAWN

Mercedes-Benz launched its R107 SL in 1971, superseding the W113 ‘Pagoda’ roof model. 

Partly as a result of bowing to US taste and expected legislation, the R107 was a bigger, heavier car than its predecessor, though still retained a square-jawed elegance. Instead of alloy, the body was now steel, with side impact protection in the doors. However, the detachable roof was lighter as the new car’s A pillars and windscreen frame had greater strength.

Front suspension was similar to the Pagoda’s unequal A-arm arrangement, but at the rear, the R107 abandoned the swing axle in favour of a semi-trailing arm assembly. Power came from Mercedes’ 3.5-litre V8 mated to a three-speed automatic gearbox.

The first major update to the R107 range came in 1979 when the range of engines from the flagship S-Class were introduced to the convertible. These included the 2.8-litre six-cylinder and 3.8 and 5-litre V8 engines.

The all-alloy 3.8-litre was the latest design in the group, though much of its architecture was identical to the 5-litre. A 92 x 71.8mm bore and stroke kept it to a capacity of 3818cc. The motor yielded 218bhp at 5500rpm and 224lb ft of torque. All three engines were now coupled to four-speed automatic transmissions with a taller final drive, yielding greater flexibility and fuel economy.

This 1985 model has had just two owners from new and has apparently been pampered by both with a substantial history file to prove. It has covered only 59,000 miles in its 29-year life to date and has never wanted for anything. In January 2013 the V8 underwent a top end rebuild and was also fitted with new timing chains, invoices for some £6,000 being included in the file. It has also recently been treated to new brake discs and pads plus a new battery.

The attractive light metallic blue paintwork is complemented perfectly by the blue hood (described to be ‘as new’) and the blue and white check of the MB-Tex trimmed interior which also has the optional rear seats. Low mileage SLs are hard to find because they are such everyday usable cars. Proven to hold their value well, this two-owner cracker ticks all the right boxes and may even turn out to be a smart investment if current trends continue. It will certainly bring a lot of pleasure to its lucky third owner in the meantime.