The VIN is a "Euro" VIN. See the thread on "euro headlights" for elaboration. The car, if first registered in California, would have received a lot of modifications to meet state standards, to the point the car is probably identical to a US market model. In addition, it would have had a catalytic converter added to meet US specs. 1980 was not a good year for horsepower in general on the 450. It started out with over 200 in the early 70s, and was down to about 160 in 1980 on pretty much all the models due to pollution and energy criisis restraints. On the plus side, it is proabably the most reliable V8 Mercedes ever produced, and the 1980 model was a very mature version of one of their very best engine designs ever. There are also a lot of middle-aged Mercedes mechanics who know and love the car, and will make it go faster for you if you want to spend the money.

You can purchase the parts to restore ithe exterior to the original Euro look from these web sites:

http://www.kkmfg.com/107cat.php
for the bumpers

http://www.************************
for the Euro style headlights.

Kirk Vining
1983 280 SL Euro 97K and mint
1984 Porsche 944
1977 280E Gone but never, never forgotten