Funny you say that driving this car makes you feel like you time travelled, because when I was looking for one to buy I told someone I wanted a time machine, and this car definitely takes you back in time.
@@gvaspirated So would the time machine be. Just remember the machine always stays in the same physical place when time travelling, unless you move it.
I have found a 1981 380 SL and I really want to get it since I've been driving a heavier 4 door sedan. I really do think that having an iconic historical vehicle would be wonderful and to keep and care for such a beautiful car
I have the exact same car and color. Steel blue 85 380 SL with 75 K miles. Your review was spot on with one exception, my opinion is in agreement with virtually every other Mercedes critic, in that this car, surprisingly for a convertible of that era, has no “wallow” or “body roll” at all. The subframe bushings probably need to be changed out and that would deliver a more exact and sharper turning experience.
I got the exact same car . Same color exterior/ interior. Still needs minor work but I can’t wait to cruise it around like you guys did around my city Chicago 🤩
Ha. 250hp? Dream on bro. It's 155hp. My '84 500SEL (5L V8) only has 185hp. You weren't born yet, but it was the "malaise" era. You were happy just to have any triple-digit hp. Also, 10% ethanol is fine in these as long as the fuel is not left to sit for weeks on end. Beautiful SL btw!
As a newbie car enthusiast, is there a way to "un-malaise" the engine? I know that horsepower was cut through catalytic conversion and using unleaded fuel with engines designed for leaded, but with more modern tech you can get way more horsepower out of smaller engines, is there a way to "modernize" the engine to where it isn't so choked?
10% ethanol is a definite no go. Use an ethanol killer. The owner of the workshop who takes my 450SLC has been working on old benzes for more than 30 years, he knows what he’s talking about. Don’t believe it, ruin your engine.
@@tylerwhite9923in general yes you can take off the emmissions equipment and it helps substantially. Beyond that, more modern fuel injection and higher compression ratios help too, although I doubt you can get kits for a car like this.
This was a awesome video to watch. I to also have a black on black 1983 with 82,000 miles on it garage kept bought it off my father 6 years ago which he was the original owner. And When I take the car out its always a treat just taking off the hard top is the hassle. Great review 👏 👌 👍 🙌
you probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account..? I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
@@gvaspirated This is a really well made and enjoyable video that I refer back to often. Still sad Eric’s car was lost. If you guys ever make it to Albuquerque there’re a few very nice SLs (plus several other classic Euros) that would be game for a convoy.
The smell of the leather is one of the nicest things, then there is the design element to the car all high quality controls and soft suspension . My 85 380 sl is midnight blue and palomino interior, it looks and drives like new . Mercedes will never build a car like this again they are now making cheap but expensive rolling garbage with a light in the center of the grille to appeal to morons!
@@scothammond4623 True, but it can be modified with Bluetooth, amp, and speakers that keep the original look. The modern head unit in this SL looks absolutely hideous.
Funny you say that driving this car makes you feel like you time travelled, because when I was looking for one to buy I told someone I wanted a time machine, and this car definitely takes you back in time.
Totally agree, Joe. Wonderful experience to drive.
@@gvaspirated So would the time machine be. Just remember the machine always stays in the same physical place when time travelling, unless you move it.
2 or 4 seats?
I have this car and all I can say is that it’s the coolest car I’ve ever driven!!
Awesome to hear man!
It's 155 horsepower. The 560 had over 200 HP. I own the exact same car.
I have found a 1981 380 SL and I really want to get it since I've been driving a heavier 4 door sedan. I really do think that having an iconic historical vehicle would be wonderful and to keep and care for such a beautiful car
That blue interior 👌🏽
I have the exact same car and color. Steel blue 85 380 SL with 75 K miles.
Your review was spot on with one exception, my opinion is in agreement with virtually every other Mercedes critic, in that this car, surprisingly for a convertible of that era, has no “wallow” or “body roll” at all. The subframe bushings probably need to be changed out and that would deliver a more exact and sharper turning experience.
I just got mine today and all I can say is am in love mines whitish exterior and dark blue leather
The guy has such a cool car yet he's so humble!
The R107 was the only mercedes benz that was design in 60s and was produced till 89, its really a three decade car
I got the exact same car . Same color exterior/ interior. Still needs minor work but I can’t wait to cruise it around like you guys did around my city Chicago 🤩
Great city to take a car like this out for a drive. Best of luck with the repairs!
Ha. 250hp? Dream on bro. It's 155hp. My '84 500SEL (5L V8) only has 185hp. You weren't born yet, but it was the "malaise" era. You were happy just to have any triple-digit hp. Also, 10% ethanol is fine in these as long as the fuel is not left to sit for weeks on end. Beautiful SL btw!
As a newbie car enthusiast, is there a way to "un-malaise" the engine? I know that horsepower was cut through catalytic conversion and using unleaded fuel with engines designed for leaded, but with more modern tech you can get way more horsepower out of smaller engines, is there a way to "modernize" the engine to where it isn't so choked?
10% ethanol is a definite no go. Use an ethanol killer. The owner of the workshop who takes my 450SLC has been working on old benzes for more than 30 years, he knows what he’s talking about. Don’t believe it, ruin your engine.
@@tylerwhite9923in general yes you can take off the emmissions equipment and it helps substantially. Beyond that, more modern fuel injection and higher compression ratios help too, although I doubt you can get kits for a car like this.
Looking at a 1983 380sl for a first car to save up for, older video but still has a lot of great info about the car, thanks!
I’ve got an ‘83, absolutely same look though. Got some small bits to fix here and there, but hey, wouldn’t trade it for the world.
Congrats man! It's a beautiful car to own.
Great review 👍🏻🙌🏻
This was a awesome video to watch. I to also have a black on black 1983 with 82,000 miles on it garage kept bought it off my father 6 years ago which he was the original owner. And When I take the car out its always a treat just taking off the hard top is the hassle. Great review 👏 👌 👍 🙌
BEAUTIFULL OMG
you probably dont care at all but does anybody know of a way to log back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb forgot the account password. I would love any assistance you can give me!
@Otto Barrett Instablaster ;)
Nice job! It looks great! I just bought one and it needs a lot of love. I don’t think non-ethanol gas is available.
How do you like yours?
As an owner of an '85 380sl, your car looks like it's in *excellent* condition. Is that soft top original? It looks great! Enjoy the ride!
Hey buddy! The owner told me a couple of months ago that the car was TOTALED due to a major flooding in his area. We were devastated to hear this.
@@gvaspirated Yikes! Very sorry to hear that.
@@gvaspirated This is a really well made and enjoyable video that I refer back to often. Still sad Eric’s car was lost. If you guys ever make it to Albuquerque there’re a few very nice SLs (plus several other classic Euros) that would be game for a convoy.
2 or 4 seats?
Technically 4 but they're not comfortable in the slightest
Any in Canada?
Nice car! Still prefer the R129 though.
The smell of the leather is one of the nicest things, then there is the design element to the car all high quality controls and soft suspension . My 85 380 sl is midnight blue and palomino interior, it looks and drives like new . Mercedes will never build a car like this again they are now making cheap but expensive rolling garbage with a light in the center of the grille to appeal to morons!
Yes agree!
best car
Incredible car :)
production was from 1971-1989
Thanks for that, Stephan!
If you lived in Europe it was, in the U.S. we did not get the R107 till 1973!
@@lilibethdoherty295 The USA received the 350SL in 1972 ...
It’s cool and cozy but that’s about it. Otherwise it’s a money pit.
I have the same car...but panted Pearl
I daily drive an 85 sl
Luxury liner
I liked the vid for the car….but you need to do a bit more research before spouting things as “facts”…..
Thank you for the feedback. I’m always looking to improve the quality of information and video.!
All good but that stereo 🤮. Mine is an 84 black exterior brown interior. No modifications.
Look at the owner 🤮
The factory cassette player is junk I honestly can't wait to get rid of the entire system in my 85
@@scothammond4623 True, but it can be modified with Bluetooth, amp, and speakers that keep the original look. The modern head unit in this SL looks absolutely hideous.
@@westhavenor9513 do you got any names?
My 83 is fs keeping the original stereotype I love the old look and feeling
Get a tattoo
My GF has suggested this before!