Auction sites are popular destinations for classic car enthusiasts looking for their next purchase, or even just to browse what’s out there. Bring a Trailer is one such site and it shows some stunning models dating back to the 20th century. At Classic Auto, we love a good vintage vehicle as much as the next classic car enthusiast, and today, we are featuring four models that recently sold at auction, including a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC.
1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC
First on the list, we have a 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC that underwent some cosmetic and mechanical changes before being sold at auction recently for $41,000.
The original finish was silver, but during upgrades, it was changed to a cool Mystic Brown Metallic by Bells & Vaughn Collision Center in 2018. Additional exterior features on this model include fog lights, a sunroof, MAcarbon European-spec bumpers, dual side mirrors, chrome bumpers, a power antenna, and polished aluminum trim.
This 1981 Mercedes-Benz also features 16” MAcarbon Bundt-style wheels mounted with Michelin Pilot Sport tires, and the braking is handled by four-wheel discs. The interior has gorgeous Saddle leather upholstered seats along with color-coordinated door panels and lower dashboard.
Some of the amenities in the interior include refinished wood trim, automatic climate control, a cassette stereo, power locks, cruise control, and power windows. The steering wheel is leather-wrapped with wood trim detail and frames an 85-mph speedometer and gauges for oil pressure, coolant temp, and fuel level. The odometer at the time of the auction showed 54,000 miles.
Power is provided by a 3.8-liter M116 V8. Work performed by Coast Motor Works in 2017 included a valve job, resurfacing of the cylinder heads, and a rebuild of the power steering pump.
1985 Toyota MR2 5-Speed
Next up we have a 1985 Toyota MR2 5-Speed finished in a stunning metallic blue. It was originally registered in Florida before selling at auction for $16,000.
Exterior features on this model include pop-up headlights, a rear spoiler, a sunroof, MR2-logo mud flaps, twin exhaust outlets, and a right-side air intake. The 14” alloy wheels are mounted with Toyo Extensa tires and braking is handled by power-assisted discs at all four corners.
The interior is coordinated to match the exterior with bolstered seats trimmed in corded black upholstery with blue panels. Amenities include power windows, air conditioning, and a Bluetooth-capable Pioneer stereo, as well as speakers installed behind the seats.
The steering wheel is wrapped in leather and frames a 150-mph speedometer along with ancillary gauges. The odometer at the time of auction read 54,000 miles.
Power for this 1985 Toyota MR2 is provided by a 1.6L 4A-GE DOHC inline-four and was factory-rated at a horsepower of 112. Power is sent to the rear wheels of this model through a five-speed manual transaxle.
1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback
This 1969 Shelby Mustang GT500 Fastback is a beauty. It spent most of its life in Florida before acquisition by the selling dealer and was sold at auction for $88,500.
The car is finished in an eye-catching red and features white GT500 side stripes. Additional exterior features include a vented hood, an integrated rear spoiler, quarter-panel scoops, body-color mirror caps, Shelby badging, chrome bumpers, and center-exit dual exhaust outlets.
The five-spoke 15” wheels feature black Shelby center caps and are mounted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A white-letter tires. This 1969 model is equipped with power steering and the braking system is handled by power-assisted front discs and rear drums.
The interior has beautiful white vinyl upholstered high-back front bucket seats and a Sport Deck folding rear seat. The headliner and door panels are color-matched. Additional interior features include a roll bar, faux teak wood trim, a padded center console, Shelby-branded emblems, a clock mounted on the right side of the dash, and a push-button RetroSound radio.
The steering wheel frames a 140-mph speedometer and tachometer and is flanked by gauges for coolant temp and fuel levels. Power is provided by a 428ci Cobra Jet V8 featuring a four-barrel carburetor.
1970 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe 4-Speed
The last model on our list is a sleek and very cool 1970 Chevrolet Corvette Coupe. The selling dealer acquired the vehicle in 2023 before selling it at auction for $32,750.
This stunning muscle car is finished in blue and features a front spoiler, pop-up headlights, a removable rear window, removable roof panels, twin front grilles, fender vents, quadruple taillights, and dual rectangular exhaust outlets.
The wheels are 15” Rally and are mounted with BFGoodrich Radial T/A tires. Braking power is handled by power-assisted ventilated rotors at each corner and the vehicle is equipped with fully independent suspension and power steering.
The interior was completely refinished under previous ownership and includes black leather-trimmed bucket seats with color-coordinated carpeting. Additional interior equipment includes a cabin heater, three-point seat belts, a leather shifter boot, and Corvette-branded floor mats.
The steering wheel frames a 160-mph speedometer and a 7,000-rpm tachometer with auxiliary gauges mounted in the center stack. Power comes from a 350ci V8 crate engine and is equipped with a Be Cool aluminum radiator, a PerTronix Ignitor electronic ignition system, and Flowmaster mufflers.
Get the Best Insurance for Your 1981 Mercedes-Benz 380SLC
If you have the privilege of owning a 1981 Mercedes-Benz or another classic vehicle, you need to ensure that you do everything in your power to keep it running for years to come.
You can protect your cherished piece of automotive history with Classic Auto Insurance. We offer customizable policies designed to suit the needs of our clients and their stunning cars, and our policies include great benefits, such as inflation guard, rollover miles, nationwide roadside assistance with flatbed towing, and more.
Learn more by calling 888-901-1338, or you can get an instant quote for your classic vehicle here.
***Photos in this blog courtesy of Bring a Trailer Auctions***
