This Mercedes-Benz 380 SL from the R107 series was first registered in June 1984 and combines the 3.8-litre V8 producing 116 kW / 158 hp with a four-speed automatic transmission. Its history leads from its original delivery in Canada via California and Arizona to Germany and is documented by the service booklet, US records and workshop invoices. The car has been with its current owner since 2017 and has been continuously maintained and repaired during this period. A CT Inspections report dated September 2026 with condition grade 3 is available.
The R107 is one of those Mercedes-Benz model series whose character was shaped less by short-lived fashion than by remarkable continuity. As a two-seat roadster, it combines classic proportions with the robust, comfort-oriented engineering for which SL models of this era became known. In this 380 SL, a 3,839 cc V8 engine producing 158 hp is paired with an automatic transmission.
The appeal of an R107 today lies not only in its shape, but also in its usability. This example is not a concours-restored show car, but a classic that has been driven over decades and carries visible traces of its history. That is an important part of its character.
The body is finished in blue and, according to the available information, was fully repainted in the past. The photographs show a coherent, used appearance with visible patina to the paint, chrome and seals. The dark blue fabric soft top was completely renewed in 2017 and is described as being in good, functional condition. A removable hardtop is also included.
The visual condition is consistent with that of a regularly used classic: not flawless, but honest. Older welding repairs are visible on the underside, which is also described as having been protected with preservative treatment. These points should be considered together with the available inspection report.
The interior is finished in grey. The photographs and condition information show clear signs of use to the seats, door trims and dashboard. This makes it evident that the SL was not cosmetically restored to as-new condition, but instead spent a considerable part of its life on the road. Electric windows, central locking, heated seats and power steering are among the listed equipment. The air conditioning is currently not operational.
The recorded mileage is 267,565 km. The engine and automatic transmission are described in the documentation as probably original to the car; however, there is no definitive verification in the sense of matching numbers. The matching status should therefore be regarded as unconfirmed.
The V8 is described as starting well and running smoothly. Numerous works have been carried out in recent years, including servicing at Mercedes-Benz, replacement of the catalytic converter, work to the braking system and front axle, valve cover gaskets, ignition components, the secondary air pump and, in 2024, the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel sender and suction hose. In 2025, the front brake hoses and brake fluid were replaced. The German roadworthiness inspection is stated as valid until August 2027. The tyres should be replaced due to age, while further attention is required to the exhaust mounting and door seals.
According to the available documents, the 380 SL was delivered new to Canada and handed over in 1984 by Lone Star Motors in Calgary. The original bilingual service booklet records early maintenance in Calgary and later at Mercedes-Benz Canada in Vancouver. The car subsequently moved to the United States, first to California and later to Arizona. The Arizona title records an officially documented mileage of 237,186 km in 2007.
The SL came to Europe in 2015. In July 2017, the current owner acquired the car and registered it in Berlin with historic vehicle status. This gives the car an unusually traceable transatlantic history extending over more than four decades.
According to the available and reviewed information, the car is accompanied by its original service booklet, owner's manual, US title, Arizona registrations, the 2017 purchase agreement and a folder containing US workshop invoices. Additional maintenance and repair work amounting to approximately €7,600 is documented for the years 2017 to 2025. The file is complemented by the current CT Inspections report with condition grade 3.
This 380 SL is less an example of cosmetic restoration than of a consistently used and well-documented R107. Its particular strength lies in its traceable history from Canada through the American Southwest to Germany, together with extensive documentation and more recent technical investment. At the same time, its signs of use, non-functioning air conditioning and remaining maintenance requirements are openly stated. For collectors and drivers who value authenticity and history more highly than perfection, this is an interesting and straightforward interpretation of the classic SL.
I like R107s that do not pretend to have spent four decades beneath a silk cover. This 380 SL shows its mileage and its history openly – Calgary, Vancouver, Arizona, Berlin. Its life is visible, but so too is the continuous maintenance of recent years. That is precisely what makes it interesting: it is not a museum piece, but a classic Mercedes that appears to have been intended for driving – and still is.
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