As a proud and relatively new owner of an '86 300E, I'm obviously biased. The more I learn about this car, the more impressed I am with the build. Pay the $7500, and ask the gentleman if he would mind your contacting him on occassion as certain problems develop in order to get his expertise on recommended fixes. If he's really that meticulous about the car, he'll appreciate the invitation, and you will benefit from the as-needed counsel. Sounds like it's ready for you to pick up. Buy a more contemporary set of rims, and some of the reservations your duaghter might have about a dated look will disappear.