Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL Caruna

[Duell]

The W126 was first commissioned in 1984 from Swiss coachbuilder Caruna and proved a favorite with Princess Juliana (our Queen from 1948 -1980), so much so that she'd nearly worn out the interior, necessitating the restoration.

Caruna based the vehicle on the stock Mercedes 380 SEL, adding the quilted leather interior and replacing the steel roof with an electrically folding one that can open or close in just 25 seconds. Complementing the roof, the windows in all four doors fully retract, lending the car very clean lines.

[Duell]

Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL Caruna #2

[Duell]

Mercedes-Benz 380 SEL Caruna #3

[cargirl1990]

thats a nice Benz there. nice pics as well!

[Ferrer]

Neat conversion indeed.

[cmcpokey]

i bet there is no chassis flex...

[f6fhellcat13]

That is a very clean-looking machine.
The only awkward bit of styling is the abrupt coke-bottle kick up on the rear doors.

[akrmalas]

very royal

[demonrunning07]

Originally Posted by cmcpokey

i bet there is no chassis flex...

And I bet there is no sarcasm in this statement... lol

But seriously, it looks like a pretty fun car for cruising around town with three ladies on a sunny day, even if it's not exactly a "driver's car" you'd want to tour through the Alps in.

[switters78]

This reminds me of the 740iL Convertible from Newport Convertible Engineering:

[cargirl1990]

Originally Posted by switters78

This reminds me of the 740iL Convertible from Newport Convertible Engineering:

i want that...

[nota]

Clearly then, the '84 Mercedes 380 is a motor car for those of exemplary taste and refinement. Forsooth, a design so perfect, so timeless, that it continues to be coveted by the cream of society, as illustrated by this continued Royal patronage.

Which UCP member among us, I wonder, exhibits such superlative class and discernment through personal 380 ownership?

[Ferrer]

Originally Posted by nota

Clearly then, the '84 Mercedes 380 is a motor car for those of exemplary taste and refinement. Forsooth, a design so perfect, so timeless, that it continues to be coveted by the cream of society, as illustrated by this continued Royal patronage.

Which UCP member among us, I wonder, exhibits such superlative class and discernment through personal 380 ownership?

You.

Altough to be honest most old Mercs exude elegance and class. Or most old german premium cars for that matter

[IBrake4Rainbows]

The kink along the window line sits uneasily. but other than that, yeah, well proportioned & very elegant.

I think I want a similar vintage Merc for my next car...depends on where I'm living....

[cargirl1990]

i have seen a Cadillac version as well, either a Deville or something. their usually older Caddy's that are like sedan convertibles. i hope thats the right name.