1983 380SL Biscayne Blue

Saw this on my Atlanta Craigslist 10 miles from the house $850 OBO. 100k miles. Sorta been looking for a cheap SLC project, but SL?..what the hey. Went with the truck/trailer, and $500 in $20 (It looks like more money than 5 $100s (at least that is what I think?)) and brought back $60. Older woman said ran a year ago....poorly. Can't remember what's is the trunk 'cause it wont open. Could not afford to put more money in it.

Literally have a stack of screwing repair receipts for $30,000+ over the last 10+ years from Atlanta Benz Shops. I felt sorry looking at the receipts. Every 6 months to 1 year, I saw new plugs,oil were/was installed. New A/C retrofit every other year. Timing chains at least 2+ times in 10 years, switches, radiators, etc. New convertible top in 2011 $1,000 (said never used since new?). It goes on and on. The every 25k mileage servicing was $2,000. You would think that would have saved some of the other $22,000 in repairs.

She had a C3 Corvette in the driveway. At least 1 costly pain is out of the driveway. I might go back for the 'Vette.

1983 380 SL - Anyway it will be turbocharged LS. Single Weighs 3,850? pounds with aluminum trunk and hood? I might just post pictures of the build?

Double dog dare me and you will see it at $2013.

Shes really weathered, but every girl has potential? At least that is what I thought....... This may be fun.

I want to see where this goes ... I think this was a hell of a buy.

Are you going to try and get it running before removing the engine?

Once you get it built you should go back to the shop that did the "service" and do a burnout in the parking lot.

I've really been wanting one of these for the past year. Great score!

I TRIPLE DOG dare you.

Why had no one else dared him yet?

Why do sunvisors in 80's cars inflate like balloons over time? The ones from my 911 looked the same way.

Nice score! I quadruple dare you!

Just waiting for the LS swap.

CLynn85 wrote: Why do sunvisors in 80's cars inflate like balloons over time? The ones from my 911 looked the same way. Nice score! I quadruple dare you!

Those are airbag retrofits.

2 owner car. 2nd owners folder.....

Please make this work and prove to all of us how easy it is....

There are an unusual number of these sitting dead all over Houston. I've spent too much time wondering is an LS would fit. I'm looking forward to my ponderings being answered.

Slippery wrote: I want to see where this goes ... I think this was a hell of a buy. Are you going to try and get it running before removing the engine?

The SLC hardtop coupes, (in what I would say (much?) better shape) pop up on Atlanta CL in the $500 to $1500 range. The engine may even run, but the transmission is dead or visa versa.

I seem to find that the ones priced high the seller see the value of Benz parts and the ones priced low as a money pit with no redeeming value.

I think the ugly interior on this car and weathered paint were issues I brought up to get the price down. This seller agreed.

Get the motor running - I was thinking about that. I might piddle with it for an hour or two....I have now got to recoup $439.00. If the engine runs? That is a pretty good start towards $2013.

Can you do me a favor and put Cragars on that? I've always wanted a Mercedes SL with Cragars.

mazdeuce wrote: There are an unusual number of these sitting dead all over Houston. I've spent too much time wondering is an LS would fit. I'm looking forward to my ponderings being answered.

Thinking out loud; The motor I am not too worried about. I have a F body pan and some C5 pans on the shelf. They will sit it pretty low.

It is the 5X112mm wheel bolt pattern that bugs me. I am going to have to explore changing it to something more user friendly. I so wish they were 5X4.5"

Woody wrote: Can you do me a favor and put Cragars on that? I've always wanted a Mercedes SL with Cragars.

That is great! I will look into your idea!

Thank you.

I like this. Turbocharged LS you say?

Used factory benz wheels are cheap, and there are a lot to pick from.

Kenny_McCormic wrote: Used factory benz wheels are cheap, and there are a lot to pick from.

I have a set of brand new 17" Kumho V710's in 315mm and 285mm. I need a wide wheel which is probably something AMG? and too expensive for $2013, but I will look. Thanks

Gasoline wrote:

Woody wrote: Can you do me a favor and put Cragars on that? I've always wanted a Mercedes SL with Cragars.

That is great! I will look into your idea!

5x4.5 Is 5x114.3 so open the holes up to 14mm from the stock 12mm and use the right lugs; you'll be golden. You need my chin spoiler that is in the classifieds too!!!

Considering those things rust like the bajeezus, I wouldn't sweat the shot paint at all. New England examples that saw winter use simply disintegrated.

I think you got a good deal, although the parts will still be pricey. Curious to see where it goes.

Another Atlanta Cheapeeeee:

1978 mercedes 450 SL - $600 (NEAR SAUTEE)

1978 MERCEDES HARD TOP CONVERTIBLE, NEEDS FUEL PUMP TO RUN RUST ON HOOD GOOD ENGINE AND TRANSMISSON TO SELL AS COMPLETE VEHICLE

In reply to Gasoline:

I dont think they really go that wide OEM.

If you're putting an LS in it does that make it a SLS?