How rare is my car??

[simondb1968]

Hi, I have a 1981 380 SLC that I was going to break and use as a doner vehicle for an SL restoration project. I've since been told that my 380 is actually quite a rare creature, and as there isn't too much wrong with it, could be worth more if I were to MOT it rather than break it up. I cannot seem to find anything out about the 380 SLC and wondered if anybody could help me. Thanks, Simon

 

[stats007]

Rare doesn't necessarily mean good unfortunately. SLCs aren't worth a great deal anyway. I belive they made 3700 380s - it was only in production between 1980 and 1981.

Depending on how much rust yours has would dictate whether it were worth putting in for a MoT.

 

[simondb1968]

Hi, it has very little rust. Of the 3700 made, am I correct in saying that there were only 200 right hand drive, and the majority being for the European and USA markets. Simon

 

[stats007]

It has very little rust you can see. They all rust from the inside out unfortunately unless an import. If it had little rust you wouldn't consider breaking it!

I don't know how many were RHD I'm afraid.

 

[simondb1968]

No, it actually has very little rust, I have a garage myself with a ramp, and have inspected the car thoroughly. I was considering breaking it as it was cheaper to do this than buy the bits seperatly that I need for my SL restoration. Simon

 

[stats007]

I'd be very surprised if the sills and plenum chamber weren't rusting. However if it's sound it would make more sense to sell it as such.

107 parts are in plentiful supply.

 

[mattsurf]

Hi
I may be interested - I actually like the SLC as I prefer a hard top to convertable. If you are interested in selling it, contact me on matthew.spooner@ericsson.com

I think that it is nice to save classic cars rather than to break them - especially if there is no real need

Matt

 

[simondb1968]

Hi Matt, I'm going to take it for an MOT and see what it fails on, I'll let you know in due course.
I agree with you, it is nice to save classics, especially the rare ones.
Simon

 

[hawk20]

This site might give you some info
http://www.simon-j-robinson.co.uk/mercedes.htm

Put 380slc in Google search and a lot comes up of interest.

 

[simondb1968]

Thanks for that, I've also got a pdf file from Mercedes Benz UK which I'll post online and give a link to it shortly

 

[manni7rehal]

hi

Simon I have just purchased a 1981 380slc. the engine is intact but all interior is taken out. Can you send me some pictures of the interior which would help me put it back, also any repair literature can help, as i cannot find anything on the net.

Please help

Thanks

 

[mjtray]

Am I right in thinking that the 380 engine was actually slightly different in design to the 500's....ie the 500 was not just a capacity increase and that the 380 was all alluminium