Mercedes-Benz R107 380SL Baroque rims Power steering Becker Grand-Prix (1981)

Vehicle description

Mercedes is one of the most renowned vehicle manufacturers in the world and is still synonymous with durability and reliability. Timelessly beautiful saloons and coupés set standards in the luxury and upper mid-size segment, and the company was also able to achieve fame with successful racing cars and dynamic sports cars. The history began in the mid-1950s, when Mercedes took part in Formula 1 for the first time and, in parallel, launched the W 121 B II, a roadster whose classic design set accents. A few years later, the Mercedes R 107 became a legend, which was groundbreaking with its technical innovations from the early 1970s and celebrated success in rally racing. The modern design became style-defining for many subsequent generations, so that the roadster has lost nothing of its fascination to this day and is a sought-after collector's item.

In this auction, a Mercedes R 107 380 SL from 1981 is offered, which was produced for the American market and exported in the same year. The vehicle with the FIN 0709 was first registered for road traffic overseas and spent many years in Canada before it returned to Germany some time ago as a re-import. The history of the well-preserved roadster is only partially comprehensible due to the missing checkbook, but there is information about 3 previous owners and the existence of matching numbers can be confirmed. The 380 SL has remained accident-free in its current possession, but the TÜV status that expired in July 2022 would have to be renewed before commissioning.

The Mercedes R 107 presents itself in classic black, which gives the roadster its inimitable character. No modifications have been made to the exterior since commissioning, and nothing is known about repainting. The paint has been well preserved and has largely retained its intensity, but some paint damage and scratches tarnish the otherwise solid look.

Mercedes rims in the Gullideckel look typical of the R 107 are mounted on the vehicle, which fit perfectly with this historic roadster. The Falken Ziex front wheels are no longer roadworthy and the rear brakes also do not have a sufficient effect. The axle mount and the rubber bearing at the front right are also damaged.

In the interior of the vehicle, mainly friendly brown tones were used. The comfortable armchairs are upholstered in soft leather, on which a characteristic patina has formed as on the beautifully lined side walls. To design the cockpit, the designers opted for a combination of black and brown plastic materials and additionally provided individual areas in the centre console area with elegant wooden elements. The technical equipment of the vehicle includes power steering, ABS and cruise control, in addition, central locking, electric windows, air conditioning and radio system ensure a high standard. The seller states that the cruise control is without function. The Mercedes 380 SL has been used intensively in recent decades, so that traces of use and minor damage can be detected, especially on the furniture, while the folding roof and hardtop are in very good condition as accessory elements.

The historic Mercedes R 107 has covered 130,000 miles since its commissioning. This information can be read on the speedometer disc, in addition, this value can be understood quite well on the basis of the existing documents. According to the seller, the fuel gauge is defective.

The Mercedes R 107 380 SL uses an automatic transmission for locomotion and can reach a top speed of 176 km/h with its 4-speed transmission. The vehicle has an 8-cylinder gasoline engine with a displacement of 3.8 liters, which in the American version delivers 156 hp (114 KW). The last inspection of the vehicle was carried out as part of the TÜV inspection in July 2020. There were shortcomings

The historic Mercedes 380 SL has not yet been restored and presents itself in an age-appropriate condition.

Minor repairs have already been carried out, but as part of an inspection, all vehicle components should be checked again and necessary workshop work carried out promptly in order to pass a general inspection.

The historic Mercedes 380 SL has not yet been restored and is largely in its original condition. Minor repairs have already been carried out, but as part of an inspection, all vehicle components should be checked again and necessary workshop work carried out promptly in order to pass a general inspection. The Mercedes R 107 is one of the absolute classics in the model history of the world-famous car manufacturer. The successor to the equally popular W113 "Pagoda" initially met with scepticism, but was able to establish itself very quickly with its modern look and the many technical innovations. Many models have been exported to the USA and are known as California Roadsters due to their slightly changed appearance. Of the entire model series, only about 20,000 units still exist in Germany today, so that the 380 SL offered here in good condition is the ideal automobile for all R107 fans and roadster friends.

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