At Mercedes-Benz, ever since the creation of the production version of the sublime 300 SL (W198) in 1954, the abbreviation ‘SL' (for Sport Leicht, or Sport Light) had been synonymous with German excellence and all that this represented in terms of luxury, prestige and sporting performance. Two years earlier, with the W194 racing version, the German manufacturer had added to its impressive tally of racing successes with first and second places in two of the most challenging and iconic races in the world, the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Carrera Panamericana. The spirit of the SL would live on with the cars bearing the three-pointed star, starting with the 190 SL which was introduced in 1955, and then the series popularly known as the ‘Pagoda' during the 1960s. Offered with different engine capacities as the 230 SL, 250 SL and 280 SL, the ‘Pagoda' also owed its success to its attractive styling by the French designer Paul Bracq, who was working at the time in the Stuttgart design offices. To follow on from this appealing model, in 1971 the manufacturer presented the type R107 SL.
This model had been conceived and designed above all for the American market, which had the largest number of potential customers for the Mercedes-Benz SL.
Its styling was both simple and elegant, its interior luxurious and comfortable.
Although the ‘Pagoda' roof was no more, the new model was also equipped with a hardtop, one of the hallmarks of the SL. Thanks to the different engines ranging from 2.8 to 5.6 litres which were available until 1989, the type 107 continued to offer sporting performance faithful to the SL tradition. For an entire generation, the R107 epitomised success the American way and could be seen on the big screen alongside Richard Gere in American Gigolo, Robert Wagner in Hart to Hart or Eddy Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop.
The 380 SL which we are offering for sale was delivered new in 1983 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania and it remained in that state until 2000. It was then acquired by a resident of New Jersey, before being imported into France by its current owner in 2017. Finished in Midnight blue with a Palomino beige leather interior, its dark blue hood and Midnight blue hardtop correspond to its original specification when it left the Mercedes-Benz factory. Our model was fitted with numerous options when new: clearcoat paint, chrome-finished light alloy wheels, cruise control, Becker Grand Prix radio, air conditioning and electric windows. It also comes with its original document wallet, where several documents have been carefully stored away, including the service booklet, warranty and the different instruction manuals.
With just over 100,000 miles on the clock, this 380 SL remains in excellent condition.
Outstandingly reliable, this handsome and comfortable Mercedes roadster has the advantage of having been particularly well looked after. Unusually for an American car, this splendid automobile also comes with an extensive history file.

Correct original specification
Part of the long line of SLs
Attractively priced

Châssis n°/Chassis number: WDBBA45A0DB024547
Moteur: V8 - 3 828 cm3 - 155 ch
Engine: V8 - 3828 cc - 155 bhp

American registration papers - FFVE identification