Agreed polishing is a lot of work. Not sure how it compares to painting. The stripping is the same for both. This is just hypothetical at this point. Wheels would not have tires on them.
Chrome is too blingy but polishing is more subtle. I may explore some paint options.

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Tony H
W111 280SE 3.5 Coupe
Manual transmission

Past cars:
Porsche 914 2.0
'64 Jaguar XKE Roadster
'57 Oval Window VW
'71 Toyota Hilux Pickup Truck-Dad bought new
'73 Toyota Celica GT