350SL Project Purchase, starting without key?

[marshcat]

I'm in contact with someone selling a '72 350SL. I've always loved the look of the SL's, and I'm sorely missing driving a Mercedes (I sold my '91 560SEL over the winter).

I'm not a master mechanic, but I am capable of doing my own work so labor cost isn't a factor. The seller of the car reports that the engine was rebuilt two years ago.

The key has been lost, however, and I want to make sure the car starts before I make an offer. Is there a good way to start the car without a key?

Here are some pictures of the car.

http://img691.imageshack.us/i/002ora.jpg/
http://img62.imageshack.us/i/003fp.jpg/
http://img685.imageshack.us/i/005qq.jpg/
http://img263.imageshack.us/i/007kkd.jpg/