Mercedes-Benz - 380 SL - 1981
Starting bid
€ 1
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Expert
Selected by Arjan Rietveld
Thirty years' experience with classic cars, specialising in Italian cars and Porsche.
Estimate € 25,000 - € 28,000
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Description from the seller
GENERAL:
This stunning 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107) was originally delivered in California and is finished in silver metallic with a blue interior and a beautiful blue fabric soft top. The car is equipped with European chrome bumpers and a European odometer. Two sets of wheels are included with the car: the original Mercedes-Benz rims and a set of rugged Lorinser rims, both with nearly new tires. Also included: a hardtop with standard and cover, and a full car cover. The car is tax-free and has a fresh APK valid until 2028. This is a well-driving museum piece, a classic that covers mileage — recently 600 km on a warm summer day without any issues.
BODYWORK & PAINT:
The body is in excellent condition and completely rust-free — the underside is also in very good condition. The silver metallic paint is very tight and shows a deep shine with no notable scratches or dents. The European chrome bumpers are new. The rubber seals, windows and other chrome work are in neat condition, matching the well‑maintained state of the car. The blue fabric soft top is nicely colored and in good condition. The hardtop with its stand and cover is also present.
TECHNICAL:
The 380 SL has been well maintained and regularly used in recent years. During the periods the car was running in Belgium and the Netherlands, nearly all components were renewed or replaced. Recent maintenance includes: engine oil and filters, brakes, stabilizer bushings and battery. The year before, the shock absorbers all around were replaced and all steering joints and various rubbers were renewed. Earlier years saw a full exhaust system replacement and a thorough overhaul of the fuel system (pump, filters and other components). In 2017 the engine was thoroughly rebuilt, with timing chain, guides, gaskets and rubbers renewed. The car starts well when cold or warm, runs nicely and has recently proven capable of long-distance travel — 600 km on a warm day without hiccups. The air conditioning is not currently functioning properly and needs a service — this is the only known issue.
INTERIOR:
The interior is finished in blue and is in nice, well-maintained condition for a well-kept youngtimer. The seats are upholstered in cloth/leather (blue) and are in clean condition. The headliner is present and in order. The electrical components, windows and other systems function correctly. The blower, lighting and other electronics operate properly.
DOCUMENTS:
The car was inspected in Belgium in 2015 and registered on a Belgian plate, and re-registered to a Dutch plate in 2025. In 2026 the car was approved for two years of APK. Photos of registration documents and the APK certificate are available. Addresses and phone numbers are redacted for privacy.
PICKUP:
The car is located in the Netherlands and can be collected by appointment. Transport is at the buyer’s expense and risk.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, tax-free Mercedes-Benz 380 SL R107 with an extensive maintenance history, two sets of wheels, a hardtop with stand and cover, and a fresh two-year APK. The car is actively used and is not a stationary museum piece — recently it completed 600 km on a warm day without issues. The only known point of attention is the air conditioning, which requires a service. For enthusiasts of classic Mercedes-Benz convertibles, this is highly recommended.
GENERAL:
This stunning 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 SL (R107) was originally delivered in California and is finished in silver metallic with a blue interior and a beautiful blue fabric soft top. The car is equipped with European chrome bumpers and a European odometer. Two sets of wheels are included with the car: the original Mercedes-Benz rims and a set of rugged Lorinser rims, both with nearly new tires. Also included: a hardtop with standard and cover, and a full car cover. The car is tax-free and has a fresh APK valid until 2028. This is a well-driving museum piece, a classic that covers mileage — recently 600 km on a warm summer day without any issues.
BODYWORK & PAINT:
The body is in excellent condition and completely rust-free — the underside is also in very good condition. The silver metallic paint is very tight and shows a deep shine with no notable scratches or dents. The European chrome bumpers are new. The rubber seals, windows and other chrome work are in neat condition, matching the well‑maintained state of the car. The blue fabric soft top is nicely colored and in good condition. The hardtop with its stand and cover is also present.
TECHNICAL:
The 380 SL has been well maintained and regularly used in recent years. During the periods the car was running in Belgium and the Netherlands, nearly all components were renewed or replaced. Recent maintenance includes: engine oil and filters, brakes, stabilizer bushings and battery. The year before, the shock absorbers all around were replaced and all steering joints and various rubbers were renewed. Earlier years saw a full exhaust system replacement and a thorough overhaul of the fuel system (pump, filters and other components). In 2017 the engine was thoroughly rebuilt, with timing chain, guides, gaskets and rubbers renewed. The car starts well when cold or warm, runs nicely and has recently proven capable of long-distance travel — 600 km on a warm day without hiccups. The air conditioning is not currently functioning properly and needs a service — this is the only known issue.
INTERIOR:
The interior is finished in blue and is in nice, well-maintained condition for a well-kept youngtimer. The seats are upholstered in cloth/leather (blue) and are in clean condition. The headliner is present and in order. The electrical components, windows and other systems function correctly. The blower, lighting and other electronics operate properly.
DOCUMENTS:
The car was inspected in Belgium in 2015 and registered on a Belgian plate, and re-registered to a Dutch plate in 2025. In 2026 the car was approved for two years of APK. Photos of registration documents and the APK certificate are available. Addresses and phone numbers are redacted for privacy.
PICKUP:
The car is located in the Netherlands and can be collected by appointment. Transport is at the buyer’s expense and risk.
OTHER INFORMATION:
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a well-maintained, tax-free Mercedes-Benz 380 SL R107 with an extensive maintenance history, two sets of wheels, a hardtop with stand and cover, and a fresh two-year APK. The car is actively used and is not a stationary museum piece — recently it completed 600 km on a warm day without issues. The only known point of attention is the air conditioning, which requires a service. For enthusiasts of classic Mercedes-Benz convertibles, this is highly recommended.
Details
Brand
Mercedes-Benz
Model type
380 SL
Year
1981
Located in
Netherlands
Mileage reading
205000 km
Registration papers
with Dutch registration
Transmission
Automatic
Fuel
Petrol
Colour
Silver
Horse power
200
Cubic capacity
3800
Matching numbers
Yes
Matching colours
Yes
Service book/history
Yes
Valid MOT
Yes
Date until valid MOT
April 22, 2028
CoC (Certificate of Conformity) present
No
Certificate available
No
Chassis number
WDB10704512008609
Condition (Paint & body)
Very Good: minor chips or scratches, minor conventional body and paintwork
Condition (Interior)
Very Good: clean, showing minimal wear. May require replacement of minor missing or broken parts
Condition (Frame & underbody)
Very Good: frame/structure is in a well preserved condition, minor signs of usage/wear
Condition (Mechanical)
Very Good: mechanically sound, may require minor service
Condition (Overall)
Very good condition: minimal signs of wear
Vehicle registration
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Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
Catawiki always aims to offer you the best possible buying experience. Our experts virtually review and select every vehicle in line with our submission guidelines and we require our sellers to provide the most accurate description of the vehicle. However, providing a fully detailed analysis of the vehicle is extremely difficult, and close to impossible. To guide you, we ask our sellers to provide information about the vehicle’s condition. Please consider that most vehicles for sale are classic vehicles and they often already have a whole life behind them, meaning that even a condition 1 or 2 vehicle might need maintenance to be ready for the road. It is advised to carefully read our submission guidelines that further describe details about the condition grades and types to manage your expectations. Cars are sold “as is”, meaning as described and in the condition they are in at the time of the sale and without any representation, warranty or assumption of liability of any kind as to the condition by Catawiki or by the seller. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from yours, your local garage, or the dealer’s opinion. This does not automatically mean the car does not conform to its description. Before bidding, please check your local legislation regarding vehicle registration. Neither the seller nor Catawiki is responsible for the registration of the vehicle in your country and will not accept a cancellation for your failure to register the vehicle. We also recommend that, if possible, you arrange a viewing with the seller before placing a bid.
