1984 Mercedes-Benz 380SL

Founded in 1969 by 23-year-old Hans-Albert Zender, Zender GmbH grew from a small German operation producing bucket seats and fiberglass fender extensions into one of the best-known names in European tuning. By the 1970s and ’80s, Zender offered body kits, wheels, and aerodynamic upgrades for everything from Volkswagen and Fiat to BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Its styling was sporty and aggressive without going over the top, making it an especially good match for the Mercedes-Benz R107 SL.

This 1983 380SL, chassis 001064, received a comprehensive Zender treatment with front and rear bumpers, molded rocker panels, a decklid wing, and modular wheels. Finished in Lapis Blue Metallic over Palomino, it retains its original service booklet documenting delivery through Prestige Motors Inc. of Paramus, New Jersey, on October 3, 1983.

The CARFAX history begins in 1993, when the car showed 96,800 miles. It remained registered in New Jersey for roughly three decades before moving to Virginia in 2024 and joining The Patina Collective later that year. With its original owner’s manuals, it remains a distinctive example of 1980s German tuning culture.