Is this VIN a Pagota?

[OldGuard60]

If the car was offered to you, surely a figure was mentioned.  It might be more productive to get an informed opinion on that figure.

Less than $45K (but not much less)

[JamesL]

Buy it
Bite their arms off

[Vander]

Less than $45K (but not much less)

A running 280SL for $45k that is supposedly rust free, BUY IT! Or private message me their contact info and I will.   

[Mike Hughes]

Buy it!  It presents well, starts and runs, has been parked long-term in a dry garage by a family member.  Buy it!

[OldGuard60]

Buy it!  It presents well, starts and runs, has been parked long-term in a dry garage by a family member.  Buy it!

Thanks.  Will do. 

[johnk]

Looks like a non-original radio which is odd for a 13k mile car. Still sounds like a deal if rust free.

[Bpackish]

If you don’t have a data card is there a place to order one? Sorry I’m need to all of this and I’m trying to figure a cars numbers out. It seems this is a replacement motor?

[OldGuard60]

If you don’t have a data card is there a place to order one? Sorry I’m need to all of this and I’m trying to figure a cars numbers out. It seems this is a replacement motor?

I haven't put up a picture of the motor (yet).  I am awaiting more detailed photos of the car, motor, trunk, etc this Friday.  Perhaps you are in the wrong Topic?

[OldGuard60]

Looks like a non-original radio which is odd for a 13k mile car. Still sounds like a deal if rust free.

I noticed that too.  Who knows why it was replaced.  I hope to have all these questions answered soon when I get the detailed photos, title, etc. 

[MikeSimon]

I haven't put up a picture of the motor (yet).  I am awaiting more detailed photos of the car, motor, trunk, etc this Friday.  Perhaps you are in the wrong Topic?

It is called "hijacking a thread". To Bpackish: Yes, it is a replacement motor.

[OldGuard60]

Hey Guys,
This Friday, I am having someone go and take photos of the car I am buying.  IF you were doing this, what would you make sure you photographed?
Here is what I am thinking and I welcome input if I missed anything.

In no particular order

Engine bay - Detailed
Trunk (under the mat)
Headlamp bowls
Title (if available)
Service Documents (if available)
Under the rear parcel shelf
Spot welds on inner fender well
Fire wall pad
Original dust cover for distributor
Data Card (if available)
Body number stamped on underneath of hood (up top on drivers side)
Data plate – Drivers side of engine bay next to brake booster
Books/paperwork
Spare tire (to get make and size)
Snowflake Detail: Sticker on windshield on drivers side (Kinonglas-Kristall IRA)?

[johnk]

Also take pictures
Under the floor mats towards the front and the same spot under the car.

Also take pics under the car just below the parcel shelves and around the trailing arm mount.

When you get the pics under
The parcel shelf make sure you can clearly see the low point in the front outer corners. This low spot is where the water sits after it leaks I’m from the parcel shelf.

Take pics of the sides
Of the car standing at the front and rear corners to spot any waves in the paint from previous body work.

Take pics of the backside of the valence lip under the rear bumper to see if any bondo drippings exist from a previous repair.

[kampala]

Hey Guys,
This Friday, I am having someone go and take photos of the car I am buying.  IF you were doing this, what would you make sure you photographed?
Here is what I am thinking and I welcome input if I missed anything.

In no particular order

Engine bay - Detailed
Trunk (under the mat)
Headlamp bowls
Title (if available)
Service Documents (if available).
Under the rear parcel shelf
Spot welds on inner fender well
Fire wall pad
Original dust cover for distributor
Data Card (if available)
Body number stamped on underneath of hood (up top on drivers side)
Data plate – Drivers side of engine bay next to brake booster
Books/paperwork
Spare tire (to get make and size)
Snowflake Detail: Sticker on windshield on drivers side (Kinonglas-Kristall IRA)?

If the photos are to help you decide to buy or not, then many of the items listed are not relevant.  If the photos are just cause you don’t want to wait and are eager, then no issue.

Would a snowflake sticker really help tip the balance on buying this car?
Would the spare tire really help tip the balance on buying this car?
Would books really help tip the balance?
Etc etc. 

If photos are to buy or not — focus on what matters - rust, generally not molested, major accident,  major panel gap issues,  if you are really getting this for 45k, I would not be overly picky.  All the “nice to haves” matter and do tip the balance if you were paying 145k not so much if paying 45k us$

Don’t buy blind, make sure the major important stuff is okay.  As said by others If you hesitate, tell us so we can check it and maybe buy it.

Good luck

[Mike Hughes]

As you might have gathered from some of the recent responses, while not an insignificant amount of money, the asking price is a bargain.  The only deterrent in my mind would be evidence of significant rust, especially rust perforation, or availability of funds.

[OldGuard60]

I agree.  YES!  I am getting the car.  My apologies for any misunderstanding. 
Just looking to make sure it isn't a 'time bomb' awaiting the next steps.

[Norm]

Since you are in Houston you should stop by and visit with Gus Kidonakis at Beverly Hill Motors.  He is located just west of the galleria area by 59 and 610.  You can google his address 5820 Beverly Hill Houston.

Gus can show you examples of problem areas and would probably welcome the opportunity to help you with your purchase decision.  At the very least if you purchase the car you will want to have Gus look over the car and advise what, if any, problem areas need to be addressed.

Watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOE8WTZ9Mec

Good luck with your purchase.

Norm

[OldGuard60]

Since you are in Houston you should stop by and visit with Gus Kidonakis at Beverly Hill Motors.  He is located just west of the galleria area by 59 and 610.  You can google his address 5820 Beverly Hill Houston.

Gus can show you examples of problem areas and would probably welcome the opportunity to help you with your purchase decision.  At the very least if you purchase the car you will want to have Gus look over the car and advise what, if any, problem areas need to be addressed.

Watch this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOE8WTZ9Mec

Good luck with your purchase.

Norm

Wow!  Thank you for this. 

[68_white]

I second Norm's suggestion. If you live in Houston you would want Gus to be your best friend. Don't waste any time, take your car to Gus ASAP. You will not regret it.

[OldGuard60]

I second Norm's suggestion. If you live in Houston you would want Gus to be your best friend. Don't waste any time, take your car to Gus ASAP. You will not regret it.

Thanks 68_white.  I am certainly going to do that once I get the car here. 

[Pinder]

Dont over think it. its a great price for what looks to be a great example.

[OldGuard60]

Dont over think it. its a great price for what looks to be a great example.

I'm getting it for sure.  Now just have to get it to my house, get it checked out and enjoy it!

[OldGuard60]

Guys,
I'm getting close to finalizing the paperwork and shipping the car from SF to Houston.  I would like to know a transport company (covered) that you would recommend?
Thx
OG60

[Norm]

I used Intercity.  Very professional.  I would use again.

Norm

[OldGuard60]

I used Intercity.  Very professional.  I would use again.

Norm

Thanks Norm!  Also, what Insurance company do you use?

[Norm]

I did use Hagerty and liked them but USAA had me switch to American Collector.  Now all of my insurance is under my USAA umbrella policy.

Also, I have my collector cars registered in Texas as "Antiques".  They renew every five years and I don't have to deal with safety inspections every year.  The driving "limits" may not work for you but the limits are fine for me.

Did you get a chance to stop by and meet Gus yet?

Norm