1981 Mercedes-Benz SL380

1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL – 55k Original Miles, CA Car, Stunning Survivor!
A true gem from the golden era of Mercedes-Benz, this 1981 380 SL is an exceptional example of the R107 roadster that defined personal luxury for decades. Finished in elegant Astral silver over a gorgeous Royal blue interior, this ultra-low-mileage SL has just 55,000 original miles and has spent its entire life pampered in the dry, rust-free climate of Southern California. Well-maintained, nearly all original, and dealership-serviced until recently, this car is the definition of an honest, investment-grade survivor.
Whether you're a discerning collector or a classic enthusiast looking for a reliable, head-turning cruiser, this 380 SL stands tall with originality, documented care, and timeless Mercedes-Benz engineering.
Highlights:
55,000 original miles – documented and believed to be true
California car – lifetime dry-climate history, rust-free
Mostly all original paint – paint-meter verified, only the hood has been refinished
All original blue leather interior – never smoked in, stunning condition
Recently serviced at Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs
Brand-new tires
Original Astral Silver paint over Royal Blue interior
Original manuals, complete unused tool set, jack, and unused spare with tag
Original hard top + near-new blue soft top
Ice-cold A/C – just fully serviced ($1,500)
Two-owner car – always cared for and garaged
Options & Equipment:
3.8L V8 engine
4-speed automatic transmission
Power steering, brakes, and windows
Original working Becker radio with power antenna
Original hard top and soft top
Factory air conditioning (ice-cold)
Cruise control
Fog lamps
Original 380 SL floor mats
First aid kit, original manuals, complete tool kit, jack, and spare
Condition Overview:
Exterior:
Finished in timeless Astral silver, the body retains approximately 90% of its original paint, with only the hood having been refinished at one point. The paint has been meter-verified. A few tiny rock chips have been touched up. Chrome, stainless trim, and rubber bumper ends are in excellent condition, with just one small mark noted on a front bumper corner. Original silver wheels are in outstanding shape. This is a garaged, sunny-climate car with no rust – just the kind of body collectors search for.
Interior:
The original royal blue leather interior is absolutely stunning. The seats, door panels, carpeting, and dash are all factory-original and show virtually no wear. The wood trim is rich, glossy, and free of cracks. No fading, no tears, no cracks. The original Becker radio and power antenna both work. This car has never been smoked in, and it shows.
Mechanical:
Runs and drives beautifully – smooth, powerful, and quiet. The 3.8L V8 starts right up and idles cleanly. Transmission shifts as it should. A/C just professionally serviced and blows ice-cold. Power features all work as intended, including the antenna and all gauges. The car passed California emissions and was recently serviced at Mercedes-Benz of Palm Springs.
Trunk:
Trunk area is spotless with original carpeting, unused spare tire still bearing its original tag, and the complete factory tool roll and jack all in place. Even the original battery box cover is present and perfect.
Underside:
Clean, dry, and rust-free – just what you'd expect from a well-preserved California car. All factory decals remain intact. No undercoating cover-ups, just honest original conditions.
Final Word:
This 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL is a true standout – not only because of its low miles and outstanding original condition but also due to its documented care, clean history, and incredible presentation. With values of SLs from this era climbing fast, especially for well-preserved examples, this is a prime opportunity to own a classic Mercedes that you can enjoy, show, and watch appreciate.
These early 380 SLs are getting harder and harder to find in this caliber – a genuine, rust-free California survivor with under 60k miles, original paint, original interior, and all the right details intact. If you're looking for one of the best, this is it.
Contact Us:
For questions, please call Bob at 480-628-4778 or Bobby at 480-226-4018. We can assist with shipping quotes and arrangements. International buyers are welcome. The car is located in sunny Scottsdale, AZ.
Don't miss your chance to own a wonderful, collector-grade R107 that's ready to enjoy today and appreciate tomorrow.
Engine
- Engine Type
- Gasoline
- Engine Size
- 3.8L V8 engine
- Fuel Specification
- —
Body
- Body Color
- Silver
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Doors
- 2
- Paint Type
- —
Basic
- Year
- 1981
- Make
- Mercedes-Benz
- Model
- SL380
- Miles
- 55,887
Interior
- Interior Color
- Blue
- Secondary Interior Color
- —
- Seating Type
- Bucket
- Seat Material
- Leather
- Shifter Type
- —
- Center Console
- No
- Engine Size
- 3.8L V8 engine
- Transmission Type
- Automatic
- Body Style
- Convertible
- Miles
- 55,887
- Vin
- WDBBA45A9BB006609
- Stock
- 345345774