I am looking at a 1987 560 SL with 37K miles. It generally looks great. However, on the floor behind the passenger seat under the carpet there is some sand, and a plug under the carpet behind the driver's seat is missing. Do you think the missing plug indicates major leakage problems in the past? How could sand have gotten under the carpet? Anything to be concerned about?

Check the car's history- I have carfax until 7/4. Email me with the VIN and I would be happy to run it for you.

Could be a flood car.

If it checks out OK (CarFax wise that is), remember that MBs are made to be driven. It could have a leaking main seal and/or other dried/rotted gasket "issues". Problems you may not discover until the miles start piling on.