1981 Mercedes-Benz SL-Class

Convertible

3.8 Liter V8

Automatic

WDBBA45A8BB003426

Clear

Gasoline

From the late 70s through the 80s, it seemed like the Mercedes 107 Roadster was the official car of the entertainment world. Celebrities flocked to them, from young starlets to Movie Moguls and Studio Heads. And a very few of the cars were stars themselves, like this Manila Beige 1981 380SL that was purchased by Lorimar Productions to star in a new nighttime drama called Falcon Crest. Yes, this car was the personal transport of Angela Channing, portrayed by Jane Wyman. "Angela" was purchased by Lorimar from Mercedes Benz of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard on May 18, 1981. The owner's manual, warranty, and original data plate are all in the name of Lorimar Productions. It appears in a number of episodes with Miss Wyman, first appearing in Season 1, Episode 2 "A Time for Saboteurs." It has quite a bit of air time in seasons one and two including the infamous flat tire scene (which was actually filmed in Calabasas, CA.) Note that as with all movie cars, the on-screen license plate was a fake- 963XUJ would have been issued in the late 70s and the car still bears its original 1-series blue plates issued in 1981 as well as its original Mercedes Benz of Hollywood license frame. It was used in the show for two seasons, and reportedly furnished to Miss Wyman for her own use when not needed for filming. After two seasons, the car was purchased by Lorimar Executive Michael Filerman (who was the Executive Producer of both Knots Landing and Falcon Crest, among others.) Mr. Filerman kept it at his Beverly Hills home for the next thirty-one years until his passing in 2014. It was always garaged and well maintained and had just surpassed 100,000 miles. A longtime friend of his who had known the car all these years purchased it from the estate but has difficulty getting in and out of it, so it is being reluctantly offered for sale publicly for the first time since 1981. It has been very well maintained and primarily dealer serviced. The most recent service was at Mercedes Benz of Beverly Hills only 650 miles ago. Among services performed were service Air Conditioning, replacement of rear springs and a full B-Service. Additionally, the coolant, the brake fluid, the power steering and differential were flushed and the car checked over, the service came to $2975.43. Since then new tires and battery have been fitted as well. It's an exceptionally nice and well maintained example of this iconic Mercedes roadster and shows the excellent care it has received over the years. The paint is glossy and smooth, and appears to be mostly original. It shines like new and there's maybe one small door ding on the whole car. The stainless is bright with only minor flaws (and a scrape on the passenger rocker molding, the driver's is fine.) The anodizing, which gets cloudy when exposed to excessive sun, is like new. The rubber is soft and pliable. Inside the original leather is excellent, the door panels are are very good as are the carpets, which are original with slight discoloration from age (somewhat typical.) The old Beverly Hills Motoring Accessory floor mats don't stay in place so we have fitted new Mercedes factory floor mats. Note that the dash wood trim is excellent with a couple of fine cracks around the shift lever. The hard top has been largely stored in its life and is in excellent condition as well including headliner, the cocoa brown soft top (with correct tan stitching) has a couple of small cuts which is not unusual. The soft top is folded in the top well. The wheels are factory alloys which have been chromed, they are in excellent condition as well. The car starts instantly and runs and drives very well. It shifts properly, passed California smog easily and has current registration through May 2016. There are no fluid leaks underneath it. The tires are less than a year old, the battery was new just this spring. All of the gauges work properly as do the power windows and antenna, and central locking. Mr. Filerman replaced the radio with a CD and Satellite enabled one, the sound quality is excellent. The engine bay is detailed and the trunk is neat as a pin. We are unaware of any mechanical issues that would keep one from enjoying the car as-is. Of course no car is perfect, especially one thirty-four years old, there are minor flaws and some patina, but this is a nice car in very fine condition overall. It stands well above the average 380SL today. It gets much attention and admiration from passersby, and that's before they even know it was a television star. The few defects we have noted do not diminish the enjoyment or appreciation of the car. We’ve placed a very reasonable reserve on the car and even if you could restore one to this condition for our price, it wouldn't have the history that "Angela" has. It’s an excellent value indeed. The car is located in dry and sunny Palm Springs, California and may be viewed on appointment before auctions end. Please peruse the 100-plus recent pictures. My name is Jeff and I am listing the vehicle for the owner who is not terribly computer savvy. I live here full time and am generally available to show the car with reasonable notice although I am do travel some in July and August. European customers are welcome, Port delivery for a European Buyer will run approximately $300. Please feel free to ask any questions prior to bidding. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Remember that your bid is a commitment to purchase. Thanks for looking and happy bidding!