1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 Series

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL (Sport Leicht) of 1954 was a two-seater sports car that was powerful, elegant, and exotic. The similarly styled, but mechanically unrelated, 190 followed in 1955, completing the first generation of cars. In 1963 the second generation of SLs was introduced beginning with the 230. It had a lower waistline, a curved windscreen, and an optional hardtop that earned it its nickname of 'pagoda top.' Production lasted nine years and during that time the engine capacity grew from 2.3 liters (230SL) to 2.5 liters (250SL) and finally to 2.8 liters (280SL). The third generation SL (R107) was introduced in 1973, initially with a 3.5-liter engine (350SL) backed by a four-speed automatic transmission. It had a monocoque bodyshell and an independent suspension comprised of double wishbones, coil springs, and anti-roll bars at the front. In the back were semi-trailing arms, coil springs, and anti-roll bars. Disc brakes were at all four corners with the front being ventilated. The steering was a power-assisted recirculating ball system of Daimler-Benz's own design.

production of the R107 range lasted seventeen years during which no less than eight different engines were used including two sizes of straight sixes and six versions of Mercedes-Benz's 90-degree V8. The 380 SL was offered from 1980 to 1985 and came with a 215 horsepower engine giving a top speed of nearly 135 mph.

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380 Series consisted of the 380SL roadster, 380SEL sedan, and 380SLC coupe (C107 or SL Coupe), all powered by the 3839cc overhead-valve aluminum V8. The SL (R107) was a two-seat convertible with standard soft top, optional hardtop, and optional folding seats for the rear bench. The SLC, first introduced at the Paris Motor Show, was a two-door hardtop coupe with traditional rear seats. The longer wheelbase provided additional interior room for four individuals, and combined the advantages of a four-door saloon with the styling of a coupe. The 380SL had a base price of $39,000, the 380SEL sold for $44,300, and the 380SLC was listed at $46,650. 1,991 examples of the 380 SLC coupe were built for 1981, and a total of 3,789 were built worldwide during a short 16-month production run.

by Daniel Vaughan | Jun 2020