1983 Mercedes Benz 380 SL R107, 3839cc. Registration number ...

Hammer

£9,300

1983 Mercedes Benz 380 SL R107, 3839cc. Registration number TDA 404Y. Chassis number 107 04522024643. Engine number 1169622015004.
In 1980, Mercedes-Benz revamped its SL lineup of sporting luxury convertibles with the introduction of the 380SL. The 380 was a further development of the R107 chassis, which was first used in 1972 by the 350SL, and then later by the 450SL. Like its forebears the 380SL was a heady mix of V-8 power, refined luxury, and sporty underpinnings, and it was as a very popular model during its production run.
The 380SL, so-named for its 3.8-litre V-8, had a smaller engine than the 450SL and was consequently 120 pounds lighter. The new engine was designed with emissions controls in mind while the 450SL's engine was not, which meant that the two engines were relatively equal in terms of power (155 hp in the 380SL vs. 160 hp in the 450SL) despite the difference in their displacements. Performance was similar for the two cars, as was fuel economy.
Outside of the engine, the 380SL also received a new four-speed automatic transmission, which further enhanced distance driving. Suspension, meanwhile, continued to be the same fully independent setup as in the earlier cars, and four-wheel disc braking remained standard.
The standard transmission provided a top speed of 130mph and a very respectable 0-62mph in 8.8 seconds. As with the previous generations of SLs, the vehicle came as an open roadster with a removable hardtop roof. The R107 body shape went on to become one of the longest running styles from Mercedes-Benz, remaining in production until 1989 with some 13 variants during the production run.
The 380SL ended production in 1985, at which point it was replaced by the 560SL.
TDA was first registered on the 12th May 1983 in thistle green metallic with green sports check cloth interior by the Nayland Motor Company of West Glamorgan to Mr Curtis for his wife. It has optional extras such as cruise control and rear seats. Brought up to Yorkshire it then was serviced by H. Nightingales of Beeford as per the recommended intervals until 1995 (13 stamps in the service book), it also had a cherished number plate change to SXC100. In 1995 it was sold to Ron Simpson who had it serviced by S.M. Autocare of Pickering at 86,326, 92,085 and 98,432 miles. In 2003 it was bought by Arthur Paice who took the cherished plate of it and it reverted to the original TDA 404Y. He sold it to a Mr Booth in July 2005 with a mileage of 106,856 at that years MOT.
Since then it has been serviced and MOT'd by Brain Kitt Motors of Driffield and led a pampered life. Over the years it has seen little use and often sorned, especially as ill health restricted him using it; the MOT in May 2019 was at 111,959 miles only the 3 added since the year before (the trip to the MOT station). Sold in 2019 to its current owner and our vendor who has rarely used it.
TDA is a rare example of a full service history car that has spent its life around the Driffield area and can be highly recommended to the next custodian.
Sold with the V5C, MOT until May 2020, large history folder, removable hard top, service book, owners manual; it will be driven to the auction.