Meticulous Maintenance: 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL – $11,900

German cars require fastidious maintenance.  Stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, and you will usually be rewarded with a reliable and fun-to-drive automobile.  Let the maintenance slide, however, and you will soon find yourself driving a Teutonic money pit.  That slippery slope is particularly critical with the early 1980s R107 version of the Mercedes-Benz, better known as the 380SL.

Peruse the Craigslist ads on a daily basis, and you’ll come across numerous Mercedes-Benz 380SLs in all states of condition and price.  The holy grail, however, is finding one in decent condition that’s been dealer-maintained, especially after the original owner moves on to their next new car purchase.  That has become rare now that these early eighties Mercedes two-seaters are in their forties.

This black 144K-mile 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL for sale, first spotted in September 2023 on Craigslist near Bridgeport, Connecticut, bucks that trend. Not only is this R107 being offered by the original owner, but they are also proud to state they have every service record for their SL dating back to 1984.  In the world of Mercedes, attention to maintenance trumps cosmetics, and knowing this Merc is fully sorted has us overlooking the bubbling paint above the driver’s side headlights and the slightly worn leather.

Currently offered for $11,900, Classic.com, the analytics and search engine for the collector car market, confirms the ask is below this guide’s six-month rolling results trend for similar R107 examples.  By clicking on the green dots in the graph below, you can get a sense of what comparable examples sold for recently:

As a second data point, the  Collector Car Market Review Online Tool reveals the seller’s ask falls between this guide’s #2 Very Good” estimate of $9,700 and its #1 “Excellent” appraisal of $16,000.

The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a classic luxury sports car that was part of the Mercedes-Benz R107 series, which was in production from 1971 to 1989. The 380SL was produced from 1980 to 1985 and was known for its timeless design and advanced technology for its time. 

The 1984 380SL features a sleek and elegant design characterized by its long hood, short rear deck, and classic roadster proportions.  It is a two-door convertible with a removable hardtop, which allows for all-season driving. The soft-top roof is power-operated for added convenience.  The body of the 380SL is constructed using high-quality steel, providing a solid and durable structure.  Chrome accents, including the iconic Mercedes-Benz grille, bumpers, and trim, add a touch of sophistication to the exterior.

The “380” in the model name refers to the engine’s displacement, which is 3.8 liters.  The 380SL is powered by a 3.8-liter V8 engine that produces around 155 horsepower and 196 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission.  The engine features Bosch fuel injection, an advanced technology for its era, resulting in improved fuel efficiency and performance.  The rear-wheel drive car offers a smooth and comfortable ride, making it suitable for long-distance cruising and city driving.  It can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in around 9.5 seconds, which is respectable for its time.

The interior of the 380SL exudes luxury and comfort, with high-quality materials and craftsmanship throughout.  The seats are upholstered in premium leather, and the cabin is spacious enough to accommodate two adults comfortably.  Wood trim accents on the dashboard, center console, and door panels add to the classic and upscale feel of the interior.  Standard features include power windows, power mirrors, power door locks, air conditioning, and a modern-for-its-time Becker Grand Prix AM/FM radio with a cassette player.  The steering wheel is leather-wrapped, and the driver’s seat is power-adjustable for maximum comfort.

The Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a highly regarded classic car today, known for its enduring style, solid build quality, and strong enthusiast following. It represents a blend of luxury and performance, making it a sought-after collectible among classic car enthusiasts. Its timeless design and Mercedes-Benz pedigree ensure that it continues to be a symbol of automotive excellence from the 1980s.  The 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL is a classic example of Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to luxury, performance, and timeless design, making it an iconic vehicle in automotive history.

The Car Wizard YouTube Channel provides an example of why you buy a well-maintained Mercedes-Benz SL and why a pre-purchase inspection is always a good idea on these cars if they have not been dealer-maintained:

This black 1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL for sale appears to be a great candidate for someone to enjoy the balance of the fall driving anywhere confidently before tackling the aforementioned cosmetic issues over the winter months.

If you are serious about buying this Mercedes 380SL for sale, you can start the conversation by using the contact information provided by the seller in their Craigslist ad.  When you connect, please mention that you saw their R107 featured here on GuysWithRides.com. Good luck with the purchase!

Here’s the seller’s description:

Do you have a Mercedes-Benz 380SL story to share?  If so, comment below and let us know!