Mercedes-Benz made its intentions clear when it slotted a V8 into its new R107 SL in 1971; as the 350SL, it had few direct rivals. By 1980, however, a new variant of that M116 unit was ready: more powerful than its 3.5-litre predecessor, it had more cubic capacity and, thanks to an alloy cylinder block, was somewhat lighter.
The Lancashire-based first owner of the Classic and Sports Car Centre’s 380SL doubtless knew what they were getting into when this car was delivered in 1980. Used sparingly, it
