Does Respray diminish a car's value?

[Stratis]

I have been on the lookout for a local SL as a Sunday Driver for some time now...One that I can examine and have examined by local sources that is rust and body filler free and looks almost new with all components in working order. I found one, (a 280sl constructed in January 1971), however based on the plate it was resprayed about 20 years ago from tobacco brown to red and it had euro lights installed that function correctly (an enhancement in my opinion)...the respray was perfect, (I mean perfect and in showroom condition)..additionally the 1990's enhancement included "chroming" of the optional alloy wheels (chrome is still perfect), and the addition of a "Moma" steering wheel. Everything else on the car is in working order and the car has been examined by an expert - he gave me the go ahead. No rust and all numbers match except for the paint. The car was driven about 12,000 miles since 1992 and prior to that was an Arizona car with great service history. What discount should I be negotiating for change in color, chroming of the wheels and the Moma steering wheel?

Thanks in advance

S  

[abe280SL]

It sounds like a good find....   So what if  the color is not original ... your not going for that 100pt show.  Now, if the car had original 20k miles on it and it was a near perfect car and they wanted top dollars...but they were stupid enough to respray on 20K car because they wanted a different color...well thats a different story.
Sorry, I don't think you can make an arguement for  a perfect different color respray.  Besides, it may be a more desirable color than the original.
my 2 cents...
abe

[Stratis]

Abe, I have not found a better SL locally (DC Metro Area) at the price and condition. I am just looking for a sanity check...you paraphrased the auto inspector's comments...thanks for the reassurance.

[Mike Hughes]

Sounds liike a nice local car.  I'd love to see it when you get it.

[Khurram Darugar]

Is the car red or signal red?  
Chrome wheels are not a big deal they can be swapped out fairly easliy.  Steering wheel choice is a bit odd though, for what you are describing as an otherwise fairly original car.

[abe280SL]

Show us some pictures if you buy the car..I like red.
abe

[Stratis]

Thank you all for the reassurances. The 280 SL is now purchased. Seller was kind enough to keep car garaged until the salt clears off the roads.  Attached are pictures of the 280 and a M6 from my red garage - missing...a 2005 red porsche and a 1981 Henna Red BMW 635 CSI - This is my first attempt ever at uploading pictures to the web ...hope it works

http://picasaweb.google.com/voutsas/MyRedGarage88RedM628KMilesPristine1971280SL#5430155479653107138

[abe280SL]

Looks very nice...I like the original steering wheel followed by a Nardi wheel.  I think your car would look much better without the black wheel it has on..IMHO. Tire wheels are personal choice I like my hubcaps but yours looks nice too.
enjoy it
abe