The clean looking 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SEC from back in November has reappeared on eBay, this time with a “Buy It Now” of $6,450. As last time it was a reserve auction, we at least now know what the seller is hoping to get out of this big coupe. To me, while the 560SEC may be more fun and the 500SEC Euro cars slightly more attractive, overall this is a nice period package for a reasonable sum and looks like a good way to get into a classic and pretty reliable Mercedes-Benz!
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SEC on eBay
The below post originally appeared on our site November 11, 2014:
There’s just something about the W126 coupe that I find captivating. It’s not the most attractive Mercedes-Benz ever made, but the combination of the large body with the sweeping roof lines somehow works just perfectly. There were quite a few of these coupes made in several different configurations, and we’ve featured just about all of them. The last one I wrote up was the most rare; The 420SEC European model that officially never came to the U.S.. But while we’ve seen our fair share of 500 grey market imports and the “normal” 560SEC, it’s easy to forget it all started in the U.S. with the smaller motored 380SEC. Only around 11,000 of these early models were built; about 1/3 of the production of each the 500 or 560 models. A few decades on, they’re fairly rare to see but still a treat:
Year: 1983
Model: 380SEC
Engine: 3.8 liter V8
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Mileage: 89,553 mi
Price: $6,450 Buy It Now
Sellers Notes:
This is it! a stunning and ultra-rare find! This 1983 Mercedes-Benz 380SEC is in wonderful condition! and well maintained! tons of service records, and even the original window sticker! This car would make an excellent addition to any collection! all mechanicals work great, and this car is road for the next road trip! This is a clean example of an all Texas car, no rust what so ever. The A/C system has been recently serviced, and converted to R134a. The alloy wheels are wrapped in great BF Goodrich tires, even the seatbelt assist works! Give us a call if you need any additional information! (210)6371211 We currently are not Offering Any kind of financing! Vehicle is located at 16685 IH-35 N. Selma Tx. 78154, Import Euro Automotive LLC. pre-inspections are more then welcome! For more info call Import Euro Automotive LLC! office (210) 637-1211 Mobile (210)454-1521 or visit our website Importeuro.com Visit Import Euro Automotive LLC online at www.importeuro.com to see more pictures of this vehicle or call us at 210-637-1211 today to schedule your test drive.
The condition of this car certainly looks quite impressive and it’s nice to take a look at the sticker. There we see the somewhat shocking 1983 sticker price – $54,544. Corrected for inflation, that’s around $130,000 in today’s currency. That’s around $10,000 more than a current S550 Coupe will set you back and a reminder at how far cars have come. The color is Astral Silver Metallic and the only option this car was equipped with was a sunroof. As with the 420SEC, this car has period appropriate but unfortunate chromed fenders and interesting early Riken mesh wheels. They’re not wheels often seen on the big coupes as they’re more often associated with Japanese imports, and its further interesting that they’re not the more typical Ronal or BBS mesh options. I’d likely opt for either some BBS RS wheels or keep an eye out for some Ronal R9s, personally. With everything including the air conditioning apparently functioning well, this looks like a decent classic Mercedes to get into; pricing should remain well below $10,000 making it quite affordable too!
-Carter
