AMG badge on a 380SL - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Botnst · #1 12-18-2008, 02:40 PM

On a recent visit to my mechanic I saw a nice looking 380SL with an AMG badge. I don't know what year the SL was but if I remember correctly the 380 was only out a couple of years in the mid-1980's, which seems old for an AMG car -- but whadda I know? That's why Im here.

The mechanic was busy on a bill payment so he just said that the engine was modified to give it a lot more acceleration and that the suspension was quite different. All I could see was a rear spoiler, big tires and a sort of cadmium-colored wheels that looked like fake spokes.

Didn't look inside, sorry.

I'm just looking for comments, the owner apparently likes the car a lot because it sure is shiny and ding-free.

B

POS · #2 12-18-2008, 06:08 PM

Almost nobody tweaked the 380SLs. My first reaction would be one of BS; anyone with cash back then bought the 500SL and AMG'd it. I don't even think AMG had a kit suitable for the 380. However, it is possible an owner of a 380SL took the car to an AMG modifier back in the early 80s and had them polish/port heads, install suspension, etc., but I would go into it with huge skepticism.

PS - There's one here in Houston I found on a lot that was a 380SL with an AMG badge and body kit; I just figured it was a badge and a body kit.

Botnst · #3 12-18-2008, 06:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by POS

Almost nobody tweaked the 380SLs. My first reaction would be one of BS; anyone with cash back then bought the 500SL and AMG'd it. I don't even think AMG had a kit suitable for the 380. However, it is possible an owner of a 380SL took the car to an AMG modifier back in the early 80s and had them polish/port heads, install suspension, etc., but I would go into it with huge skepticism.

PS - There's one here in Houston I found on a lot that was a 380SL with an AMG badge and body kit; I just figured it was a badge and a body kit.

Given the problem with the engine, I was surprised to see the AMG badge on the back. Next time I go by there I'll ask the mechanic. He's a very savvy guy and enjoys talking about cars of any kind. Right now he's rebuilding a Sprite just for fun. Several years ago he had a Morgan that he drove to work while he was rehabing it.

alabbasi · #4 12-18-2008, 10:44 PM

I've seen AMG everything from 230E's, 280SLC's and all kinds of cars (even a Mitsubishi Galant).

At the time it was a styling house so it would build things to order.

In the UK, where fuel prices were high. There are lot's of base model MB's (190E's and 230E's) with AMG kits and suspension. Engines are usually left alone because it would raise the price of insurance considerably.