1985 Mercedes-Benz 380SL Convertible

Description

Starting with the legendary Gullwing of the 1950s, the SL has been the most sporting model in the Three-Pointed Star’s model range over six decades, combining as it does luxury and high performance in a stylish package that continues to set a benchmark today. Stuttgart’s engineers developed a replacement for the popular second-generation ‘Pagoda’ SL through the late 1960s, launching the W107 in April 1971 to high praise and such was job they had done, it remained in production for a remarkable 18 years. Nicknamed the Panzerwagen due to its massive strength, the W107 saw emphasis placed firmly on safety, with a padded dashboard and the fuel tank relocated to the boot, inside a massively reinforced body shell. Larger and more powerful V8 engines sourced from the S-Class sedans compensated for the SL’s weight gain, while a new suspension system featuring a rear trailing arm was a major improvement over the old swing axle design. A significant update of the W107 was carried out in 1980, with the introduction of a new generation of alloy V8s that were lighter, more fuel efficient and developed more power. Two V8s were available, the smaller of them being the 380 model with a capacity of 3818cc, good for 218 horsepower and 224 lb/ft of torque. Another big improvement was a new, more efficient four-speed automatic transmission, using a torque converter instead of the older fluid coupling. Further gains in economy were achieved through the additional use of aluminium in the body, while the option of anti-lock brakes was another significant development in safety. Today, the W107 range offers the perfect classic roadster experience for those seeking ageless style and not wanting to compromise on safety, luxury, or reliability.