JAS, thanks for your thoughts...lets see: power windows, bolt on cup holders, gold trim.... sorry, bad dream
. But I just went through half a summer here without air in the 300E (now R134 but working). Its not that its bad (no city traffic in my commute), but that with AC its so much better. Assuming the 280SL is as described, I will be bringing it home in a few weeks (long road trip, 1600 miles). That drive and the temperature on the way should help firm up the decision (also parts availability as it took a year of on and off looking to find a 5 spd donor for the 300E).