This Mercedes-Benz 380 SL was built in April 1984 and purchased by us in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally finished in DB 568 H Signal Red with a black interior, the car was repainted silver grey many years ago. The paint is now faded and in need of a full respray – an ideal opportunity to return the car to its factory colour scheme.
The body is rust free and accident free, a strong foundation for a thorough mid life upgrade. The engine bay still presents in its original red, and the old paint is also coming through at various other points due to weak adhesion.
According to the VIN report, the 380SL has been registered in California since at least 1997, and given its structurally healthy body condition we assume it has been a lifelong California car. The odometer currently shows 105,202 miles, with consistent mileage history and no accident reports. The most recent California emissions inspection was carried out in 2017 at 104,125 miles.
The car runs and drives well, but has seen little use in recent years and should be fully serviced before being returned to regular road use. Light oil leaks and vacuum leaks are to be addressed. Tyres are old and should be replaced, a good time to repaint the previously chrome plated but now peeling wheels.
The interior needs some cosmetic attention. The black leather seat upholstery is locally torn and will need partial or complete re-trimming. The upper dashboard has sun cracks, a common issue with California cars of this era. We have not yet removed the hardtop; therefore, the condition of the soft top is unknown. Please assume that it requires replacement. Only the passenger´s side electric window is working.
In summary, this 380 SL represents an attractive rust-free California project car, with desirable original colours and solid mechanicals.
SOLD
The Mercedes has a US title (California) and EU import document (duties paid). Door-to-door delivery possible throughout Europe, contact us for a shipping quote. Visits and inspections by appointment at Dandy Classics in the Netherlands.
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