Mercedes-Benz has always taken great pride in its automobiles. The company said in advertising in the 1980s that the 380SL was “engineered like no other.” Later, in 2010, the company adopted the slogan “The Best or Nothing.” The Pick of the Day is a 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SL that any Benz enthusiast would be justifiably proud to own. It’s listed for sale on ClassicCars.com by a private seller in Bay Harbor, Michigan.
“The car has been owned by the current owner for more than 42 years and was driven regularly until mid-2001 when it was retired from active use,” the listing begins. “At that time, the car’s interior and exterior were restored by Custom Auto Classic Cars at a cost of more than $10,000.”
The 380SL rode on the longstanding R107 platform (1971-89) which built a strong reputation for luxurious grand touring. One magazine ad said, “Two persons have seldom been so comfortably ensconced in an automobile as they are in the SL’s cockpit. Thick contoured bucket seats. A versatile electronic climate control system. Electric windows. An AM/FM electronic stereo radio with cassette player. Genuine hand-finished wood trim on the instrument panel. Genuine fine-cut velour on the floor.”
Exterior features include quad headlights, fog lamps, chrome bumpers with guards, dual side mirrors, and body side moldings. The convertible top and weather seals have been replaced, and the car comes with a removable color-matched hardtop (and its carrying stand).
The cabin is upholstered in saddle leather; features include power steering, power windows, power brakes, woodgrain trim, air conditioning, and aftermarket CD player.
Under the hood is a 3.8-liter V-8 (155 horsepower/196 lb-ft of torque) mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The seller says the odometer stopped working earlier in 2026; it shows about 195,000 miles, but actual mileage on the car is unknown.
The 380SL came from a time when Mercedes-Benz emphasized solid build quality, usable V-8 performance, and classic open-air styling. This 1983 drop-top comes from over four decades of enthusiast ownership, and it was refreshed both mechanically and cosmetically so it can be enjoyed for years to come.
The asking price is $18,000 or best offer.
Click here to view this Pick of the Day on ClassicCars.com
