Registration No: 403 SC
Chassis No: WDB1070412A017102
MOT: March 2023

• Current ownership since 1989
• Hardtop and soft-top roofs
• Original book pack and extensive service history

"If you are looking for a practical roadster with style, fine handling, comfort, reliability and high build quality, the Mercedes-Benz 380SL is the answer". (Sports Car Market, August 2002)

Successor to the European 350SL and American 450SL models, the (R107) 380SL was introduced in March 1980. Utilising the same two-door monocoque bodyshell equipped with all-round coil-sprung independent suspension (wishbone front / semi-trailing arm rear), power assisted recirculating ball steering and four-wheel disc brakes as its predecessors, the newcomer boasted an enlarged 3839cc SOHC V8 engine and improved four-speed automatic transmission. Credited with developing some 204bhp and 232lbft of torque, European specification cars were reputedly capable of 0-60mph in 9.1 seconds and 127mph. The vast majority of the 53,200 380SLs made were to left-hand drive specification. Indeed, the website howmanyleft.com suggests that there are only 823 examples currently registered with the DVLA.

Built to order number 0453740169 during September 1984, chassis 017102 was unusually well specified. Finished in the rare and attractive colour of Pajett Red Metallic matched to Beige leather upholstery, it left Mercedes-Benz’s Sindelfingen plant complete with a limited slip differential, Tempomat (cruise control), Dark Brown soft-top, Pajett Red hardtop (incorporating a heated rear window), Becker Mexico stereo, ABS brakes, electric mirrors, electric windows, headlamp wipers, rear seats and 15-hole alloy wheels. First UK road registered as ‘WYD 1’, the 380 SL was supplied new to D. Shaw Esq via Greenoaks Garages Ltd of Surrey. Warranted to have covered just 41,000 miles from new, the Mercedes-Benz was re-registered as ‘403 SC’ shortly after being acquired by its current registered keeper during 1989. Sparingly used over the last few years, the 2+2-seater nonetheless started readily and ran well during our recent photograph session. Passing its last MOT test with ‘no advisories’ and possessing a certificate valid until March 31^st 2023, this handsome machine is offered for sale with V5C Registration Document, original bookpack and numerous invoices.