$3200 for a 82 280SL? I'd buy that car in a heartbeat for a hobby, but for a "driver", that will turn into one expensive driver. You might want to get a mechanic to look at it first. You can probably count on a frontend overhaul, new a frames, etc, about $4 grand if you pay someone to do it. But for a hobby, great car if the engine and tranny are in good shape. That 2.8 liter is indestructable as long as you don't overheat it - my 280E clocked in 350k when it went to the scrap yard, and it was still drivable. One hint: replace the cooling system as a unit, all hoses water pump, radiator, all in one shot, unless it all looks new, the aluminum head on that engine warps in about two minutes if you overheat it.