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2019 Shannons Melbourne Summer Classic Auction
Lot
59

1982 Mercedes-Benz AMG 380SL Convertible

$38,000

Sold

Specifications

Engine 3818cc litre V8
Gearbox Four-speed auto
Body Work Two-door convertible
Colour Black
Interior Grey
Trim Leather
Wheels Alloy
Brakes Disc/disc

Description

This lot is no longer available

Starting with the legendary Gullwing of the 1950s, the SL has been the most sporting model in the Three-Pointed Star’s range over six decades, combining luxury and high performance in a stylish package that continues to set the benchmark today.  Stuttgart’s engineers developed a replacement for the popular second-generation ‘Pagoda’ SL through the late 1960s, launching the W107 in April 1971 to high praise and it remained in production for a remarkable 18 years. Nicknamed the Panzerwagen due to its massive strength, the W107 saw the emphasis firmly on safety, with a padded dashboard and the fuel tank relocated to the boot inside the massively reinforced body shell. Larger and more powerful V8 engines sourced from the S-Class sedans compensated for the weight gain, while a new suspension system featuring a trailing rear arm was a major improvement over the old swing axle design. A major update was carried out across the W107 range in 1980, with a new generation of alloy V8s that were lighter, more fuel efficient and developed more power. Two V8s were available, the smaller of them being the 380 model with a capacity of 3818cc, good for 218 horsepower and 224 lb/ft of torque. Another big improvement was a new, more efficient four-speed automatic transmission using a torque converter instead of the older fluid coupling. Further gains in economy were achieved through the additional use of aluminium in the body while the option of anti-lock brakes was another significant development in safety. Back when this AMG-modified 380SL was produced, AMG was a private turning firm specialising in modifying Mercedes Benz models. AMG initially offered a range of engine performance and other mechanical upgrades, paint treatments, alloy wheels and styling packages to special order, of which our car here is an example. Later, AMG became part-owned by the German manufacturer, and then Mercedes Benz became its sole owner in 2005.