I bought an 81 380 SLC - really

[swing69]

After much (ok...limited on the 380SLC) research, I purchased a 1981 380 SLC. Brown with light tan interior, sunroof, even orig. tires. 19K miles. all original except for the replaced radio antenna. Interior show some light wear. There are small dash cracks around some of the top dash openings. The only rust just in front of the RR wheel, near the jack tube. All climate control stuff works fine. STarts and idles fine. seemingly, no issues (found anyway!)

Its going to a MB shop for the full once-over / health check in a few days. First; tires. Going with Michelin Defenders in orig. 205-70-14

It still has the single row TC I believe. But there are no rattle type noises. If needing a TC, I will most likely opt to replace the single row. Its going to be a very limited use vehicle. OR I may upgrade or downgrade in the near future.

Picts show a very very dirty car.

[Rev. Buzz]

Congrats ! I have a 1980 450SLC & a 1978 450SLC 5.0. Keeping it all original is always an investment,but an engine swap would cost almost the same as the timing chain r & r. A 5 liter out of a SEL. That way the original engine is kept w/o any more miles. Your 380 is a lightweight relatively speaking. Does it have an alloy deck lid,trailing arms,etc...Your car has a LSD 3.27 & a higher stall torque converter. You will has a HOTROD an keep your investment. I'm not the purest,but do respect that perspective. A 5 liter 117 is not hard to find & with a few extras; euro log exhaust manifolds, a 560 throttle body,and maybe a higher presure fuel pump. etc... Good Luck Rev. Buzz