Eric, Sorry dude but in response:
Knowledgeable MB forum moderators always mention the risks of cars posted in the boards being nitpicked to death by armchair lurkers. In the spirit of freedom of speech see answers:
(1) Third brake light put in to comply with federal and Texas state safety mandates by NHTSA after 1986; it is a MB original item put in later model SL's.
(2) Rims are not "beat to death" and do not have any curb rash at all; in the spirit of the 80's art deco times they were chromed at some time and after 28 years chrome is flaking showing beautiful original aluminum finish.
(3) No fading in rear lights; the different euro lights look new.
(4) Emblem has white baked enamel common to SL's rather than blue enamel common to MB sedans that do not show in bright sunlight.
(5) Suspension is tight and drive as new; no spring sagging; SL's did not have much weight at the rear and they carry more weight bias towards the front. Original Pirelli Cinturatos CN 36's 205-70's are long gone except for the original spare tire. Replacement U.S. tires of same size have a much wider sidewall that fit whole fender.
(6) Original chrome wipers are in the trunk; mandatory replacements by state of Texas inspection stations in compliance with NHTSA to cut glare are installed in order to get safety sticker.
(7) Mercedes sold different styles of convertible tops depending on models and markets; not all MB's carried the top expensive tops.
(8) Euro 500SL's of which not many were imported in 1983 have a host of appearance, performance and looks different from the U.S. 450SL's, 380SL's and 560SL's. In particular less desirable U.S. 380SL's equipped with a troublesome lighter engine have lees of a front rake.
But of course you knew all that!
In spite of Texas Governor Rick Perry talk to declare Texas an independent nation free from federal government rules, its agencies are heavy enforcers of federal mandates.
Pictures of interior sent so you can nitpick them to death!