Mercedes Man,
FYI, I think your estimates as to what 80's Mercedes go for at auctions might be a little low, at least in my part of the country. For example, my '81 300D was purchased at auction in November of last year for $1500. My best friend is a used car dealer and we bought an '82 300SD last month at an auction for $1600. These are relatively nice cars - no rust. Don't know what part of the country you are from, but if nice '80's Benz's are cheaper than that at auctions there, I'd like to know!
Anyway, my $.02.
Jim