No matter how often you spot one gliding along Sunset Boulevard, the 380SL always feels like something out of a dream. The concept of a Mercedes convertible itself seems almost absurd.
We all recognize what Mercedes-Benz epitomized in the Eighties—solid, luxurious sedans—and the SL stands apart. It’s sheer self-indulgence. Yet, Mercedes-Benz still sends around 9,000 SLs to the U.S. every year.
The legacy of two-seater cars at Mercedes stretches back decades, with iconic models like the SSK and 300SL paving the way. When the modern iteration debuted in 1970, it aimed for greatness, and by 1973, the revamped 450SL was named European Car of the Year. Over time, however, the SL’s performance credentials have waned.
The original iron-block V-8 was replaced by a 3.8-liter aluminum V-8 tuned for torque and fuel efficiency. The dated 205/70HR-14 Michelin XVS tires struggle to support the SL’s substantial 3,580-pound curb weight and semi-trailing-arm independent rear suspension.
Our track tests reveal its grip levels lag behind modern standards, sporting or otherwise. The Bosch anti-lock braking system does contribute to decent stopping performance, halting the car from 70 mph in 191 feet.
Of course, such a car risks becoming a caricature, easily associated with affluent Palm Springs retirees or the spouses of wealthy professionals.
Demographics back this up; the SL has a higher percentage of female and single owners (with an average income of $112,000) than other Mercedes models. Even so, its charm transcends age and income brackets. Ask any average car enthusiast, and they’ll tell you: this is the Mercedes they dream of owning.
The allure is simple. To the average person, owning a $45,000 two-seater signals a life beyond ordinary financial concerns—a world where ATM rejections for insufficient funds are a distant memory.
More importantly, the SL offers a sense of enduring value, a substance lacking in flashy competitors like the Ferrari 308 or Porsche 911. Its wide stance and curvaceous profile hold undeniable appeal, especially among women.
Driving the 380SL is an undeniably pleasurable experience. Its generous suspension smooths out road imperfections, while the engine provides ample power across its range.
The anti-lock braking system ensures safety even for less experienced drivers, and the top speed of 118 mph (slightly higher with the soft top, thanks to a reduced drag coefficient of 0.41) is commendable.
With the top down, the SL maintains its elegance. The soft top folds neatly beneath a built-in boot with little effort, and the cabin remains almost turbulence-free as long as the windows are up.
When in place, the soft top provides a snug, quiet refuge at speed. And for those who can afford the SL, installing or removing the heavy hard top becomes manageable with an aftermarket block-and-tackle system.
It’s tempting to conclude that SL buyers prioritize other qualities over performance and space efficiency—otherwise, Mercedes would have addressed these issues long ago.
But this explanation feels like an excuse, and Mercedes-Benz has never been a company to offer excuses. The brand has long been synonymous with integrity and high standards, making it disconcerting that the SL seems to be losing its grip on these values.
For 1986, the SL is slated to receive a new high-performance V-8, significant styling updates, and improvements to its rear suspension. Perhaps these changes will restore the soul that the SL needs to remain the Mercedes-Benz that Americans continue to covet.
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