1982 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Pagoda Roadster

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Description

(SOLD) This 1982 380SL is a low-mileage, exceptionally well-maintained example with a trove of service records. And with fewer than 100,000 miles on the clock, this Benz is just getting broken in. The signal red is an elegant color for conservative Mercedes-Benz but on this little roadster it's the perfect choice and compliments the car's spirited performance. Both the soft top and hard top are, of course, included. The interior is all original and has held up well. The seats are clad in MB-Tex and show very well with no splits, holes or tears. The red with palomino interior is a great color combination, and a refreshing change from the sea of beige SLs on the market. The famous Mercedes-Benz alloy wheels remain in good condition wearing a set of modern black wall radials. The highly original engine bay shows signs of regular maintenance and that's about all these cars need to be reliable for many thousands of miles. The 4-speed automatic clicks through the gears in a businesslike fashion while the all-independent suspension soaks up bumps with a well-damped thump while still remaining sporting enough to be entertaining on a twisty country road.

History

The Mercedes-Benz SL has long been one of the most sought-after touring cars and the first and second generation SLs have skyrocketed in value due to their rarity. From the spectacular 300SL roadsters of the mid-1950s to today's 600 horsepower Autobahn hammers these wonderful 2-seaters are the perfect blend of luxury and performance. In the 1970s the SL was a favorite of celebrities and the merely well-to-do. Stylish reliable comfortable with more than adequate performance from the healthy 3.8 liter V8 under the hood they remain popular today for all the same reasons. Its styling has a timelessness to it that belies the fact that the car was designed in the 70s and it has aged extremely well next to many of its peers. The standard interior material in the SLs was MB-Tex. The gauges are still handsome and today's designers could take a note from the clean elegant design that conveys information without excessive complexity. The 3.8 liter SOHC V8 under the hood has a bubbly energetic idle and pulls the roadster around with real authority. The SL from this era earned the nickname "der panzerwagen" - the armored car - because it was so well built. Indeed, few cars from the era feel as solid and well-made as this one. Power delivery is smooth thanks to the overhead camshaft 3.8 liter fuel injected V8 mated to a four-speed automatic gearbox.

Authenticity