1971 280SL - Should I buy?

[cobaltfan]

Hi there - new to the forum and hoping for some advice/discussion.

A neighbor of mine has a 1971 280sl,  50K miles, all original in very good (not mint) condition.  All original paint, spare tire in the back, all manuals, took kit, interior, etc.  He hasn't had it running in about 5 years - but when he last drove it there weren't any problems and drove perfectly.

He wants $25K.  Good deal?  Will it appreciate in value?  I've loved the car for years and it seems like a great find....

Thanks

[Shvegel]

Have the car inspected by someone who knows what they are looking at. These cars rust badly and can run upwards of 20k to fix properly. Assuming solid body etc it sounds about right in terms of money.

[mdsalemi]

..and I reiterate the story of when I got my car...

Every restorer I contacted (the usual suspects, paraphrasing the line at the end of the movie Casablanca) said the same thing:

"It hasn't been sitting long, has it?"

Praemonitus praemunitus.  Forewarned is forearmed--do your homework.  You might get a steal, or the car might rob you blind...

[knockmacool]

Hi Cobalt

These are excellent cars. You don't want to start that car up until you've done some basics- check out the fuel tank tour at a minimum
I found this little gem of a thread while looking for a list of things to check before starting a long dormant car
http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=8517.0
This is an excellent forum and you will find a lot of information and help here, so if the car checks out OK you will have great support.
As for making money out of these cars, a lot of people do, but all of them charge by the hour

Drew

[floatinghat]

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