Insurance low-balling totalled 300D

[TomJ]

Haven't posted in a while (not on forums much anymore, more about paying bills with little time left to me...), but was rear-ended this winter, slippery ice, etc., and the drivers insurance says car is totaled. Then they only want to pay 50%, offering me $1300 for a 1984 300D with perfect body (before), rebuilt engine (with porting, head work, etc.), custom parts throughout (I have a machine shop), 4-speed conversion (custom Sach's clutch was $500 alone), completely rebuilt front end, upgraded (SD) brakes, new Michelin's all around ($500+), etc.

As far as they are concerned, it's just an old car, not worth the fuel in the tank. For me (and most of us here), it's an ultimate reliable, safe, worthy machine worth more than any of the new throw-away cars out there. But..., they don't see it that way.

Do I get an attorney? Anyone here an attorney and want to make a few bucks helping out a fellow MB'er writing a nasty letter to State Farm??