US owner of abandoned Mercedes in dire condition offers it to detailers for free if they can clean it
- An Ohio-based detailing team was offered an abandoned Mercedes
- The 1982 380SEL was theirs for free if they could clean it
- However, it wasn’t going to be an easy job
Published on Apr 26, 2025 at 7:55 AM (UTC+4)
by Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
Last updated on Apr 24, 2025 at 6:36 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Amelia Jean Hershman-Jones
This Ohio-based detailing team was offered an abandoned Mercedes 380SEL for free if they could clean it.
The 1982 model had lived a good life until it was abandoned and left to sit for over a decade.
As a result, it was in pretty poor shape with signs of both furry critters and tree debris.
However, despite being structurally solid, this wasn’t going to be an easy job.
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The abandoned Mercedes 380SEL
The team of three detailers at WD Detailing was made an offer that was impossible to refuse by their friend, Brett.
They could keep the 1892 car for free if they could get it running.
If they got it working, the car enthusiasts pledged to donate the proceeds to local school athletic programs – or its scrap value if not.
No easy task, the rare, extended-wheelbase Mercedes had been sitting in situ for more than 10 years.
Brett bought the Mercedes 380SEL from a collector who once owned around 80 of them.
Thankfully, the car was structurally sound, however, a severe rodent infestation and tree debris had taken their toll.
Sad, not least because the abandoned 1982 Mercedes 380SEL was a top-tier luxury model in its day, costing $45,000, which is the equivalent of around $145,000 today.
The clean-up operation
After inflating the tires and towing it back to the shop, the team began deep cleaning the car using degreasers, foam cannons, and clay mitts.
The process included pressure washing, removing tree sap, and detailing the interior and engine bay.
During the rescue, the dual hood latch system revealed the car’s original 3.8L V8 engine, which only made about 155 horsepower.
After verifying the oil and air filter condition, the team attempted to start the car, and while it turned over, it wasn’t getting fuel.
After further investigation, the team was able to diagnose the issue as an electrical problem, related to the fuel pump relay and delivery, a known issue with these cars.
Now the team is tasked with finding a functional W126 1982 380SEL fuel pump relay – and they’re not easy to come across in 2025.
Keep an eye on the channel to find out if their gamble was actually worth it.
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With a dual English and French degree and NCTJ diploma, Amelia began her career doing award-winning writing and editing for titles and brands spanning Women's Health, the Telegraph, Boots, and Vitality. Amelia joined the SB Media family in September of 2023, bringing her expertise in SEO and reader takeaway. As Lead Editor, her superpower is translating technical jargon about the mechanical workings of a supercar into a shareable story.
