I doubt that you will ever get your money back if you have to pay to do a restoration. If you can donate your labor you might come out a head but overall, if your labor is worth anything to you, you won't make money. Go to www.collectorcartraderonline.com and read what people have put into sls and what they are selling for. I track slcs and there are often ones with new engines, new trans. new wheels, tires, seat covers, etc., that can be had for a song. There was an slc last year with both a new engine and trans. for about $3500. That hardly covers the cost of the trans. if it was done by a dealer. The sl is not a rare enough car that you will ever get your maney back if you do a major restoration. Now a Dusenberg or a Bugatti is another matter.