Merc 380 SLC

Villain

Well myself and the old man have bought a classic, well I think I can call it a classic shes 1981.

Its a Mercedes Benz 380 SLC from 1981, it has a V8 3.8ltr engine with 218BHP and all electrics including an electric SunRoof.

The power is awesome if anything a little too much it's very hard to handle on wet roads the slightest too much pedal and the back kicks out but I think its a very nice colour and will only appreciate in value once it goes past the 30 year mark. I have read some conflicting reports on how many of these were built, they were only in production for a year from 1980 to 1981 and some reckon only 3,500 of them were built although not sure. I have attached a photo, let me know what you think.

2cv

Wanna swap for a BMW?

Villain

Nah, I don't like too many old cars but this one I actually do like.

2cv

Swap against 2 BMWs? Both E30 models :-)

Villain

What are they worth each?

2cv

irish1 wrote:

What are they worth each?

god i don't know :-)

only messing though... That's a lovely Merc you have :-) Wouldn't mind one myself.

Villain

Yea sure is it has been for sale for a while I think I got it at a good price, 4,100?

2cv

Not a bad price I think... I bought a 1977 280SE auto in the UK earlier on this year....

tc20

Nice car Irish1, is it a US import? just looking at the reflectors on the front & rear wings.

Villain

No as far as I know its a UK car not 100% certain I'll get the paperwork over the next few days.

I have added some more photos

MercMad

The SLC's are lovely cars, very under rated and have always lived in the shadow of the more glamorous, but less practical SL. Due to this fact it is hard to find one in good condition as the expense to maintain correctly far outweigh their worth !

That looks like a very nice one, obviously rust is the killer with these, and any car with a rusty bulkhead area, and/or sills is basically a scrapyard job !

History can provide the clues as to how well it has been cared for, and the fewer owners the better. I suppose I'm not telling you anything you dont know already.

One other thing the 380 engine were fitted with simplex timing chain & gears and these caused problems. It was the only V8 that Merc procuded with this and many have been converted to duplex. Check to ensure yous has been done, and if there is no evidence of that from the history then budget to get it done !

I believe there were 3789 380SLC's made between 1980 & '81 BTW

Maybe its time you joined the Mercedes Club

Villain

Hi MercMad thanks for the comments, the rust is very low actually, the sills may need some work in a year or two but it seems to have been very well minded. I had read about the timing chain, apparently Mercedes recalled the model to have it changed but obviously not all models were done however this one has been done.

TBH its going to be used little enough really a sunday drive on a summers which are few and far between, it really is hard to handle on wet rural Irish roads.

I've only driven it a small bit and found it hard to handle but I drive a Subaru Legacy AWD so its very very different.

Dades

Looks great.
Nice original alloys too.

Enjoy!

8~)

Looks good - like the 70s interior colour! Fair price if it is a good one with not too much rust.

mike65

Hmmmmm

Bit jealous, why did'nt my dad buy nice old cars? He often threatened/promised to but never quite did

Mike.

Esel

mike65 wrote:

Hmmmmm

Bit jealous, why did'nt my dad buy nice old cars? He often threatened/promised to but never quite did

Mike.

Maybe he'll buy yours. Oh wait - you said 'nice'!

mike65

He'd need to rise from the grave too!

Zombie Classic Car Buyers R Us.

Mike.

unkel

Sweet! Didn't know you could get a decent one for that kinda money

Villain

Well finally got insurance sorted so took it for a drive today and I was really surprised at how nice it was to drive, seats are very comfortable. The handling is quite good once you get used to the real wheel drive.

The power is well awesome seriously its every bit as powerful as my 2.5ltr Legacy infact it's probably got more power but its so raw I mean you get yourself in trouble in this car in a split second it demands respect. Really pleased with the purchase only minor issue is the heater fan isn't working but once I told the da his eyes lit up i.e. he can go play with it now, he'd probably strip the engine down and rebuild if he could just to show off!

Moral of a story... buy a classic they are great fun.

Dades

irish1 wrote:

Really pleased with the purchase only minor issue is the heater fan isn't working

Might be an idea not to fix it until the "summer" is over.
The fan in my SL blows good - but only has two temperatures - warm and warmer!

irish1 wrote:

Moral of a story... buy a classic they are great fun.

Long may that enthusiasm continue.

I saw an SLC identical to yours on Sunday, except for the interior colour. Looked great.

MercMad

All W107's give trouble with the heater system sooner or later. Mostly the fan motors continuosly blows hot air no matter what. There is a bi-metallic switch at the bulkhead, engine side, which sticks causing the fan to remain on.

If not fixed it will eventually burn out the motor, which is not too difficult to get to, but does require stripdown. the motors can be expensive but a repair kist with brushes and bushings is sometimes available !

galwaytt

tc20 wrote:

Nice car Irish1, is it a US import? just looking at the reflectors on the front & rear wings.

US + rhd ? ....don't think so.