Saleofcar.com :Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz SL-Class SL380 (1985)
for sale

Price: US $800.00

Description:

For sale is my strong running 380SL that I had been planning on fixing up to simply be a very fun, smooth and classic convertible for occasional driving. I have a new job and apartment with no time (or space) now to do some of the cosmetic restoration planned. Car is in Minneapolis area, not San Francisco.
This was purchased not too long ago from the estate manager (owned the car for a few months) of the owner that had the car on the east coast and in the midwest--almost all its lifetime--as a daily driver. Clear car reports, clean title, etc.
Mechanically it's fine for the age and the 1985+ models are fairly bullet proof. 180K miles. Odometer broke (speedometer fine) in last couple years but the owner had driven many fewer miles last few years.. It will need a muffler, possibly more lower side exhaust work near muffler, a new windshield-washer reservoir. Runs, drives well. Slightly clunky in gear changes and coming out of park which is a known issue on these vehicles despite the smooth Mercedes road feel. They're built like tanks and all doors and seals are solid. Driver's window will need raising arm adjustment but closes fine and goes down all the way with a slight initial encouragement. Hard top, soft top in good shape and function. 95% new tires all around. The steering ball joint needs attention but it doesn't bother me much because I'm used to a little bit of play in the steering wheel (does not translate to the road as an issue, it's just between the driver's hands and the steering wheel).
Cosmetically, it's rough around the edges. For a $40thousand car as new, it's a bummer to see rust issues. And with a Mercedes name (let alone the climate in Germany where these were built and conceived), you would figure they wouldn't be fairly notorious for the rust that forms along wheel wells and other common-issue lower areas of the car. I've had lines on several replacement panels and such but my time has simply run out. I don't think it's an easy show car by any means as she sits but these cars are iconic and deserve some basic 'prestige level' maintenance and physical upkeep. Many of them were weekend- and summer-only cars in the 70s and 80s of course, but they're super well engineered guts help them to be phenomenal lifetime drivers. (If it weren't for rust!) Driver door has a depression. Previous owner had said the driver door issue was a towing botch in a parking garage--expired meter. Couple other little things of course. I can do more pics if needed but the price is right. I have very little time to show the car in person (for locals) but I suppose it's not out of the question. Basically, it deserves to be bought at this price.
Parts are fairly readily available for these cars which have been considered modern classics now, and for the last 40 years. Most models have interchangeable parts and panels for long series of years too! Lots on ebay and amazon, other enthusiast sites. They're definitely fun and classy sport roadsters! I'd feel badly if she won't get some of the attention she deserves and hope I can find a handy person, or someone that possibly won't mind some of the obvious cosmetic issues. It's a fun car to drive and raises your chin, just a bit!
Thanks for bidding! Winning bidder responsible for transport but I can offer suggestions. No warranty of course, and as is/where is conditions.
_{update: 2015-08-24}