Cold Engine Idle Too High

[knarf]

Greetings from Asbury Park via Bean Town

Happy to be a forum member. This is my first post.
I just picked up a 72 350sl #69 from the original owner.
The car is in very good unrestored condition with the original paint.
I intend to restore it gradually as my budget permits. The car runs fine, all systems function but when starting the engine cold it idles too high to drive off right away (around 1500 rpm for 5 minutes). After warm up, the engine eventually settles into an operating idle of 750 rpm.

Any trouble shooting tips, comments, suggestions regarding this problem would be appreciated.

Also is there any added value consideration beyond the car's overall condition due to the low production number ?

Thanks,
Knarf

[ctaylor738]

Sounds like a nice car. I have not ever seen a premium placed on an early 350/450SL. I think the 350's were all considered early.