Description

1980 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC

Eminently usable example of this classic cruiser; recent brake overhaul; driven 40 miles to the sale

A four-seater coupe version of the W107 roadster, the SLC was in production from 1971 until 1981 and came with a range of engines from 2.8 to 5.6 litres in capacity. In 380SLC form, as here, the V8 produced 215bhp which gave it a top speed of 134mph driving through a 3-speed automatic gearbox which was upgraded to 4-speed in 1980.
First registered in October 1980, this 380SLC has been in light regular use, an online MOT history check showing that it has covered some 13,600 miles over the last 14 years, the odometer currently showing 146,200 miles. The original service book has 11 stamps up to 74,911 miles in 1989 while more recent invoices show that it had an oil service and a tune-up in September 2019.
In February this year it had new front brake discs and pads, the calipers were rebuilt, the coolant system was flushed through, new front and rear propshaft donuts were fitted plus various other jobs at a cost of £1,742. Shortly before the auction it was also fitted with a new battery.
Driven some 40 miles to the sale, we are told that the car drives well with an MOT until November 2021 although the vendor advises that reverse gear is noisy and it can be lumpy at idle. It has certainly been starting promptly and running well as we have moved it around on site. The bodywork appears sound and straight with no obvious signs of corrosion while the cloth interior is now showing its age somewhat and the rear quarterlight blinds could do with repainting, as is evident from the photos.
Supplied with its original handbooks and wallet, this rugged and comfortable cruiser is being offered here at a modest guide price which leaves plenty of scope for future improvements as desired.
For more information contact matthew.parkin@brightwells.com