Does this 1979 280E sound worth it?

[DieselHead]

Hi,
I've been looking for a "cheap" car for a while and found this one. The only problem is that it's about 2 hours away so I don't really have time to visit it. Do you think it's worth buying sight unseen? Below is what he sent me. As always, thanks so much for your help. Oh, and it has 144K miles on it.

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Hi Alex, this sounds like the car for you. Yes, I will be honest about what's wrong with it. I know how that is. No there is no rust on the body that is visible. Maybe a spot or two the size of a dime, but it is in remarkably good condition as far as rust. The hood was dented, but popped back out and looks alright. The latch, although it works, needs repair. The passenger side of the rear has a small hole in the floorboard, but it has gone unnoticed with the mat over it. No fumes. The exaust is completely rebuilt from the engine back. Many new parts. The biggest problem now is the alternator. The light has just startedcoming on again. I replaced it with a cheep alternator when I got it and it went bad. Should have bought a high performance one. My fifteen
year old daughter changed it (I got too frustrated with the tight German fit of everything). I have been driving it about sixty miles a day though and just top off the battery with the charger at night. But you will have to replace that right away. I have also been carying another battery for safety as I live in the woods. Can't be totally sure you would make it back to Westchester without any trouble. You might want somebody to follow you. I should have pictures up on the web in a few days.

Oh yes, it is old and there are things that don't work. One electric window in the back seat, the instrument light, and the climate control. I have replaced the carpeting and put a new cushion in the drivers seat. I don't really want to give it up, but I have a fleet of cars and just picked up a lincoln Town car in flawless condition that I am driving now. I believe for a person like yourself that can fix a few things and is a realist about what to expect you would find it a delight. In another few months it will carry CLASSIC status so it will probably be worth a fortune. Right now I am only asking $1,200. firm and cash only. Although it is not registered, it can be test driven up a private road a short distance. I would like to see it go to somebody that would restore it or at least maintain it. It's a solid machine. I was told
by a Mercedes mechanic that it should get 300,000 miles. Classic silver in color. I will also throw in two studded snow tires for it.

Phil.