Grey Market 380sl Questions

[Gasbeard]

I have a line on what I think is a grey-market non-running 1981 380sl for $650. I suspect it's grey market because the VIN starts with WDB107045 instead of WDBBA45 and because it's a 116.960 engine not 116.962. Car has 80k miles.

Can anyone confirm my theory?



Here's the vin: WDB10704512005505

FIN WDB10704512005505
Model 380 SL
Engine 116960 12 008286
Transmission 02 076943
Order Number 0 1 219 02108
Order Location HAMBURG BRANCH
Interior FABRIC - BLUE (032)
Paint 1 ASTRAL SILVER - METALLIC PAINT (735O)
Paint 2 ASTRAL SILVER - METALLIC PAINT (735O)

[rowdie]

You are correct about the VIN but even a North American model would have that VIN format stamped on the upper radiator support. If it has a fabric interior it is a Euro.

Pretty sure even a 1981 North American model would have a 116.960. Does not matter that much.

[Dr. Sternschnuppe]

Yes, it is euro 380 SL. Early model with 116.960.

[fonzi]

Bought a cool 380sl yesterday!

No holes for US license plate would make sense to be a euro. Big bumpers are a bummer, but you can probably switch ack to the slimmer euro bumpers pretty easily.

The option code 491 or 494 would indicate a US model, but I suspect you don’t have that option code.


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[Gasbeard]

Thanks for the info guys.
I took a chance and bought it.
Will be digging into it over the next week.

It seems to have some of the features of a grey-market, but then not other features.

Either way - excited to have a new project!