This 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380SE is a European-market example that was ordered via the Mercedes-Benz Bielefeld branch in Germany. Reportedly this SE was imported to the United States in the 1980s after being sent to AMG for the modifications in Germany. It later was acquired by the infamous collector Barry Taylor until being auctioned in 2025. Finished in Lapis Blue Metallic (932) over a Beige leather (235) cabin, this 380SE is powered by the high-compression M116 V8 and paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission with a 3.27 rear end reportedly installed by AMG. Factory features on the car include a power sunroof, manual wind windows, a heated driver seat, rear defrost, and dual-zone climate control. Additional AMG features include an authentic first generation AMG body kit, authentic 16” AMG Penta wheels, and an Atiwe AMG steering wheel. The seller purchased the car in 2024 with the intention of a mechanical refurbishment. Recent refurbishment work reportedly totaled approximately $35k and addressed the fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, transmission, driveline, suspension, braking, belts, seals, and fluids. A complete breakdown is provided in the listing. This ex-Barry Taylor collection 380SE is offered for sale in Utah with recent service records, two keys, and a clean Montana title.
The body is finished in Lapis Blue Metallic (932) and features a period-converted SEC front end along with an authentic AMG body kit. European headlamps are shown up front with lower fog lamps, rear defrost, a power antenna, and a power adjustable right side mirror. The SEC front end was reportedly installed by AMG in-period shortly after the car was purchased new, along with the body kit and wheels. Records from AMG have not been kept with the car. Detailed photos of the body and exterior are included in the gallery and a paint correction along with a ceramic coating were performed in preparation for the sale.
The 16” AMG Pentas were refinished and trued under the seller's care. The wheels measure 16x8 all around and wear Continental ExtremeContact tires showing 2025 date codes. Work performed under the seller’s care includes new shocks, a new steering damper, new idler arm bushings, new brake hoses, and new rear sway bar links.
The cabin is trimmed in Beige Leather (235) with Zebrano veneer featured throughout. The factory build notes a power sunroof, manual-wind windows, a heated driver seat, rear defrost, air conditioning, rear speakers, and a power antenna without a radio. An aftermarket Kenwood head unit was added under previous ownership. The cabin shows well with little wear noted. Ribbed MBZ-embroidered floor mats are shown and the vinyl window trim is shown to have shrunk over time.
The Atiwe steering wheel was produced for AMG and wears the logo. It frames the gauge cluster consisting of a speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, and oil, coolant, and economy readouts. The odometer shows 49k kilometers (~30k miles).
Power comes from the Euro-spec M116.961 3.8-liter V8, rated at 215 horsepower and 225 lb-ft of torque. The engine sends power to the rear wheels through a 4-speed automatic transmission, and the car is equipped with a Quick Silver exhaust system. Recent refurbishment work reportedly totaled approximately $35k and included service to the fuel system, cooling system, ignition system, transmission, driveline, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, belts, seals, and fluids. Noted work included cleaning the fuel tank, replacing the fuel pump, fuel filter, fuel distributor, warm-up regulator, and fuel injectors, flushing the coolant, replacing the radiator, water pump, coolant expansion tank, battery, drive belts, spark plugs, valve cover gaskets, lower oil pan gasket, transmission modulator valve, and shift linkage bushings, flushing the transmission, differential, brake, and power steering fluids, and replacing the steering damper, idler arm bushings, shocks, brake hoses, and rear sway bar links. Altogether the seller notes the car is capable of being driven regularly.
Now offered in Huntsville, Utah, This rare 380SE is offered for sale in Utah with recent service records, two keys, and a clean Montana title.
The W126 S-Class has always carried a quiet authority, but this European-market 380SE brings a much sharper enthusiast edge to the mix. Finished with Gen-1 AMG bodywork, Lapis-matched AMG Penta wheels, an early AMG Atiwe steering wheel, and the unmistakable front end conversion it presents as the kind of period-modified flagship sedan that feels equal parts discreet, muscular, and 1980s AMG iconic. At the heart of the car is its Euro-spec M116.961 V8, rated at 215 horsepower thanks to the higher-compression European-market specification. That detail matters. Compared with the softer U.S.-market cars that followed, this 380SE carries the AMG styling, stronger performance, and more direct character that make gray-market Mercedes-Benz models so compelling today. This example is further distinguished as an ex-Barry Taylor Collection car and benefits from approximately $35k in recent refurbishment. That allows this to be a true driver example rather than another meant car to sit in a dusty museum. For buyers drawn to W126 sedans with real European-market appeal, period AMG presence, and meaningful recent sorting, this 380SE is a rare and highly compelling find.
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