1984 Mercedes Benz 380 SE Sedan

Mercedes-Benz is, and has been, the marque of quality and affluence in the American marketplace for some time.  Known for their solid construction, reliable engines, and infamous German “over-engineering,” it remains one of the most desired makes…the three-point star on the hood ornament doesn't make any noise but speaks volumes to those in its path.  Year models and mileage don't matter much…if it's a Mercedes and has been well-maintained, you can almost bet it's a good car.

For consignment, a garage-kept car with a low number of previous owners and evidence that it's been taken care of as it was originally purchased for use by a funeral home.  As is commonplace with Mercedes, this car does not show its age… the materials and construction simply hold up to usage, providing caretaker after caretaker the pleasurable experience of owning a quality driving machine.  

Exterior
Black paint covers this big car and features the familiar Mercedes rocker panel treatment of gray, lined cladding topped by a chrome strip.  The rocker panel ties into the gray bumpers and gives the Benz a distinct profile.  The unmistakable chrome grille with the emblem on top is in wonderful condition and flanked by the single headlights of the era and yellow fog lamps.  The side markers are textured with horizontal grooves that seem to pick up on the grille lines and wrap around the corners, subtle but distinct.  These same groves are found on the taillights…again, a Benz trait.  While we were back there we recognize the tall trunk lid with a large 3-point star and a sweeping, curved rear window.  The side mirrors seemed fused to the A-pillars and sweep rearward creating an aerodynamic element to a rather square-ish car.  Factory 14-inch wheels provide the framework for the 205/70/R14 tires.  A period-accurate “pigtail” phone antenna is mounted center on the trunk lid, a reminder of the days when the pigtail was a big deal!  In the flaw department; some scuffing on the bumpers, a ding on the hood, some curb rash on a wheel, and various small scratches in the paint.  In general, the paint would benefit from a full detail, though as a driver, it's in fine shape.  A power moon roof is noted.  

Interior
There's not much better than saddle interiors and the warm fuzzies grab you from the moment you open the doors.  Multi-layered, multi-textured, multi-functional door cards are a sight to behold and of course, the heft of the door is almost as appealing as the materials.  Beautifully designed, all four of them!  The bucket seats in front are leather and MB Tex, a high quality vinyl material that is as close to leather as humans can produce.  The tuck and roll design continues to the back bench where occupants can utilize a center armrest.  Various controls accompany the gear selector in the center console which is surrounded by a striped wood veneer.  A thick, four-spoke steering wheel allows great grip and comfort as well as visibility to the dash which has black-faced gauges with white and orange lettering.  The striped wood veneer makes an appearance up here as well and continues along the dash.  Simple toggles and buttons make up the center stack and an original equipment Becker radio is present although Bluetooth has been added.  Thick pile carpet and mats along with the carpet-lined footwells make this a very pleasant place to sit.  And the back seat with equal levels of carpeting, is not too shabby either!

Drivetrain
The original 3.8 liter V8 is here and connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission sending torque to the rear wheels and a 2.47 gear ratio.  Electronic fuel injection by Bosch, (K-jetronic), feeds the cylinders the atomized go-juice while power disc brakes on all four bring the party to a stop.  

Undercarriage
No complaints here as the underside is clean and dry.  Just a hint of oil on the oil pan are spots of surface rust almost not worth mentioning.  Independent suspension at both ends with MacPherson struts up front and coil springs in the rear.  

Drive-Ability
Sturdy, heavy, solid, tight, that's what comes to mind when you get behind the wheel of a “vintage” Mercedes-Benz and this one did not disappoint.  That old familiar “thunk” as we shut the door and off we go.  The car started right up but it was almost inconceivable as the solid construction and sound-deadening create a quiet environment.  On to the test loop where good acceleration and nice turn-in for a car this big and high was noted.  Independent suspension really pays off over bumps in the road and the brakes have no problem bringing the ol' girl to a stop.  Comfortable seats, great visibility, and a smooth ride.  We note that the passenger's front power window is a bit slow and requires help to move up and down and we heard a skipping noise from the motor.  

For some of us, the idea that 1984 is “classic” or “vintage” is a little hard to swallow.  But there's something about 80's-era Benz's that is just a bit different from those that would follow but with just enough qualities from those that preceded them to make them desirable cars.  Here's a 380SE in very good condition poised to give someone many years of quality experiences.

Classic Auto Mall is home to more than 1,000 classic and collectible vehicles for sale via consignment in a climate controlled 336,000-square foot showroom (that's more than 8 acres!). The largest single location consignment dealer of classic and collectible vehicles in the country is located in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, just 1-hour west of Philadelphia off Exit 298 of the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. For more information visit www.classicautomall.com or call us at (888) 227-0914. Contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.

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