Not everything is in the money (nor in gold).

How much does cost you your children, your wife, how much do you cost your self? Noone knows, actualu no one cares.

Sure, one can always live extremly economical life but pleasure only comes when you treat your self with luxuries.

If you love your Merc baby, if you do not think of selling it but rather to keep it (your) life time, it is pointless not to restore it as much as possible an as much you can afford.
My childhood dream came true and any extra buck i can spend on my '80 450 SLC (Bozhana) I'll spend witn no hasle.