* One wealthy Lady owner since new
* California resident all its life; always garaged and covered
* Comes with mint original Window Sticker and virtually every factory document, including Wagenbegleit-Karte
* Books and manuals in original folder, original valet and spare keys
* Very low miles, less than 3,750 annually, fully documented
* Every single maintenance record since new
* Fully stamped Service booklet
* Cared for exclusively by Mercedes-Benz specialists
* All factory-prescribed updates, incl. dual timing chain and R134a air conditioning update
* Mechanically superb; exciting options, such as European headlamps, chromed alloy wheels, factory rear spoiler
* Fabulous color combination of Lapis Blue Metallic over extra-cost Palomino leather
* Free of rust and accidents
* Original spare tire, unused jacking equipment and tools
Always having been a pampered toy for leisurely cruises on sunny days, very few miles accrued on the SL's odometer. 79,084 miles in 21 years, to be exact. That's less than 3,750 miles travelled per year!
The bonnet awaits an all-aluminum V8, the lightest eight-cylinder power plant ever installed in any Mercedes-Benz automobile! Featuring cylinder walls coated with Nikasil (for increased durability), two single overhead camshafts, and BOSCH CIS electronic fuel injection, it runs almost imperceptibly smooth, like a SINGER sewing machine, and should continue to do so for the next two decades and beyond. Most importantly, the engine was updated to the reliable dual timing chain setup in 1991, at 52,500 miles. While the bill for the necessary parts was footed by the factory; labor to install the dual chain cost another $1,683.00! Engine compartment is Q-Tip clean, there are no fluid leaks whatsoever.
The exterior is as flawless as only a low-mileage California car can be. Having been painted once, very carefully, in the original Lapis Blue (DB color code # 932), the most attractive factory color available, there are no blemishes that would take away from the car's stunning beauty. This SL has never been in any accident!
The original Mercedes alloy sport wheels have been chromed and still look very good. Excellent MICHELIN MXV4 radial performance tires of the correct size 205/70R14 are mounted all around.
One of the absolute highlights of Mrs. Pat's SL must be the fantastically clean cockpit. Incredibly, the original dash cover is still crack free. The Zebrano wood is equally appealing, featuring its highly lustrous factory finish.
The leather seats had been covered by sheep skins for almost 20 years and look like new. There is not even the smallest blemish in the fine, German ROSER leather! The fragile, chromed seat mechanism covers--so often damaged or missing altogether--are scratch-free. Spotless German Feintuft velour carpeting has been protected by dark blue, embroidered Mercedes-Benz floor mats since day one and looks simply stunning.
The hardtop has hardly seen any use; virtually spent two decades in the garage, on a custom carrier, protected by a soft, fitted flannel cover (cart and cover are included, of course.)
The dark blue canvas Sonnenland soft top is in "as new" condition, with crystal clear back windows, and the cadmium plating of the top mechanism itself is still in pristine order, too.
And here's a photo I've been holding back until now. While, in theory, a car can be restored to pristine condition, assuming money is no object, restoring the undercarriage of an SL is pretty much impossible, no matter how much money one has to dispose.
This SL looks as clean underneath as it does on top! Save for a thin layer of road dust, it is still shiny underneath, yes, shiny, with the characteristic gray factory rubber undercoating unmarked, the factory hardware still displaying its gold-anodized finish. Clearly, this car has not been exposed to rain, snow, or road salt, ever!
Driving this pristinely preserved Sport Leicht Roadster is, without exaggeration, a delight. There's something special about a low mileage, one owner vehicle that has been maintained regardless of cost. In fact, it's the best-driving 20-year old automobile I have had the pleasure of chauffeuring in a long time. It is a 380SL that starts, runs, drives, shifts, steers, handles, and brakes just like its manufacturer intended.
It almost goes without saying that all instruments, switches, and accessories function properly, including the BECKER electronic Stereo Cassette unit, the cruise control, and the power windows. Just the clock has a mind of her own . . .
You can't buy more classic Mercedes Benz prestige and style for the money, I guarantee it!
For more info and pictures visit:
file:///c:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Max/Local%20Settings/Temporary%20Internet%20Files/OLK1EB1/82MB380SLc162.htm
Price $29,900. Private Party Seller. Full Fina
