It’s well documented that the R107-model SL remained in largely unchanged form for an improbable amount of time, from 1971 right up until 1989 – but, of course, there were incremental upgrades over the years. Indeed, there were three distinct generations within the R107 SL oeuvre, and the car we’re looking at here is a second-generation example. Introduced in late 1980 for the ’81 model year, these SLs had aluminium bonnets and bootlids rather than the steel of their forebears, and a chin spoiler improved the aerodynamics.
The hardtop became a standard feature for second-gen cars rather than a cost option. And the big news was the introduction of a couple of new engine options, one of which came in this particular variant before the lens today, the 380 SL. The 3.8-litre V8 was part of the M116 family, but unlike its cast-iron siblings it had a lightweight aluminium alloy block. And to make the most of all this pleasing grunt, the 380 SL was given new floating-type brake calipers and anti-squat rear suspension. A fresh new take on the R107 formula for the eighties.
This stunning example has reportedly had an eye-watering amount of money spent on restoration – c.£45,000, with the works including body finessing and a full repaint, an interior retrim in magnolia leather plus new carpets, and it’s also had its soft-top converted to electric operation via a dash switch. Unfortunately the paperwork has been mislaid so the records of the work are anecdotal, but the car speaks for itself: beautifully presented inside, outside and underneath, and wonderful to drive.
The interior has been professionally retrimmed in soft magnolia leather, and it’s quality work – the seats are in very good condition, and the carpets have been replaced throughout. The dashtop is free from cracks, all the dials and controls appear functional, and the wood trim is decent with no evidence of sun damage or lacquer peel. The electric windows raise and lower smoothly.
The car is fitted with an aftermarket Alpine CD/radio/Bluetooth head unit, but aside from that it’s all in period spec. Inside the boot it’s dry and tidy, with a new carpet and a matching spare wheel.
This elegant shade of light metallic blue is an excellent colour choice for an R107. The tasteful hue suits the lines so well, perfectly bejewelled with just the right amount of chrome trim. A timeless image. The bodywork is all in solid condition here, with nice even panel gaps and no visible evidence of corrosion; the underneath also looks good and appears to have been paid proper specialist attention.
The doors and boot close with a pleasing thunk, and the bonnet is correctly aligned, which is so often a trouble spot with these cars. The light lenses and window glass are all in good condition, and all of the proper brightwork is here, each piece in gleaming condition with no tarnishing or corrosion. The ‘Mexican hat’ alloy wheels are free from kerbing or scuffs, and wear a matching set of Nankang tyres with plenty of tread.
The soft-top hood is in very good condition with no holes, cracks, or milkiness to the windows, and it raises, secures and lowers with ease – it’s also a very unusual and interesting addition to have the soft-top electrically operated, and this works from the button on the dash. The factory hard-top is included, and this too is in very good order and affixes easily. On the whole, this is evidently a car that hasn’t suffered abuse or damage and has been doted upon – the bumper corners are free from scuffs, the chassis is straight, it all speaks of a quality SL with good bones and a beauty that’s more than skin-deep.
The beating heart of any top-tier SL is that creamy-smooth V8 engine. In the case of the 380 SL, we’re looking at a 3.8-litre 90-degree V8 whose peak torque is delivered at just 4,000rpm, meaning that this can be an effortless wafter as much as an effervescent sports car.
Everything we see under the bonnet here is tidy and correct, and it runs like clockwork. It fires easily on the first turn of the key, idles correctly, and pulls keenly through the revs. The transmission is equally smooth and robust, and it’s also worth noting that the car is fitted with factory power steering.
The chassis is pleasingly trouble-free throughout, with no evident worries from the steering, the brakes or suspension – everything behaves as you’d expect and nothing is unduly worn. It’s a lovely thing to drive.
There’s a reason why there are so many R107s still on the road today, and it’s the same reason that Mercedes-Benz found themselves simply unable to stop making and selling the things for a remarkable eighteen years: they’re just lovely machines. The perfect fusion of luxury and amusement, of style and flair – it’s an instantly recognisable classic, and yet it can behave like a modern car.
Naturally there’s an old-timey feel to the way it operates, that’s an inherent part of its charm, but the point is that you can treat it like a modern machine: keep it serviced correctly and it’ll reward you with impeccable reliability and daily thrills. And while the specifics of the restoration work aren’t confirmed, the quality of the work that’s been carried out is obvious: a beautiful SL to behold, with a fabulous interior, and a strong drivetrain that’s just begging to be driven and enjoyed.
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1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107)
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