1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC

The R107 and C107 Mercedes-Benz SL variants have long been revered amongst classic car devotees, being built to exacting engineering standards and with a subtle air of sophistication. These cars were built from 1971 through to 1989, the second longest single series ever produced by Mercedes-Benz, after the G-Class.The SL (R107) was a two-seat convertible with standard soft top, optional hardtop and optional folding seats for the rear bench. Its sibling, the SLC (C107) or 'sL Coupé" derivative, was a two-door hardtop coupé with normal rear seats. It was launched at the Paris Motor Show and signalled a shift in management thinking at Stuttgart about what made a successful luxury coupé. Sporting a longer wheelbase and sufficient interior room for four, the SLC was a sleek two-door car that combined the seating advantages of a four-door saloon with the pizzaz of a sporty coupé. The car presented here is a very late model indeed, being a 1981 380 SLC automatic, registered on the 15h January. This UK, right-hand drive car is in quite splendid condition, and finished in the classic combination of Thistle Green paintwork and an Olive Green leather interior. Being a 380, it can muster a decent 215bhp from its M116 V8 engine, enabling it to cruise effortlessly, whilst also being capable of nudging 134mph. The car's indicated mileage today is just 17,083 which could indeed be correct, given the mileage stated on some of the earlier MOTs and the lovely overall condition of the car. This venerable Mercedes has led a pampered existence and been owned by some distinguished figures. Our vendor has researched some of the car's history, discovering that it was initially supplied by Long Rock Mercedes-Benz of Penzance and was first registered to a Mr Ivor Anthony Start of The Windsor Hotel in Newquay. The car's last keeper was a Mr Michael Redfern, QC, who apparently enjoyed it as part of his small collection of select motor cars. Such was his admiration for the car, that he commissioned extensive work to be done by "Bowling Ryan", well-known restorers of Rolls Royce and Bentleys. This work is detailed in invoices totalling £8,500 and two files of photographs. In addition, the history file contains numerous bills for maintenance over the years carried out by both Mercedes-Benz and marque specialists. The car has had a recent service at Nick Webster, a Mercedes specialist in the North West of England, and has a fresh MOT.The day of the R107 has arrived and this well cared for 380 SLC displays an enviable mileage and generally looks ready for the next 35 years.