Mercedes-Benz made no substantial changes in their 2-seat 380SL convertible, but a major change was wrought on the 380SEC four-seater sports coupe: it was now the 500SEC, which meant you could have the Mercedes-Benz potent 5-liter aluminum V-8 in its nose. The bigger engine produced 184 horsepower, compared to 155 from the smaller 3.8-liter V-8. And it carried a $750 gas guzzler tax.
Mercedes estimated about 5,000 buyers would opt for this country’s first air-bag option. Mercedes would offer the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) in six models, including the 560SEC. It was an $880 option.
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