Beth - you've got the makings of a really, really sweet car ther";-] .... Possibly the best year of the 450SL before MB got radical with the HVAC system. And the original radio adds lots of value to the car.

Probably what you want to do is lean over the fender and listen for activity from the Hirschmann antenna motor inside your trunk while somebody turns on your radio with your key turned to 'ignition-on' positition just before the starter motor kicks and does its job.

If you think the antenna motor is good, then contact Hirschmann about getting another antenna pole.

http://www.hirschmann-usa.com/aa/amfm.asp