Possible 81 Euro 280 4 Speed Purchase...

[WINTS]

Hi All...

I'm contemplating a Euro 81 280SL with 4 speed box, and can't quite make the call.... Chuck has given me some great help, and I'm still stuck on the fence...I was hoping the experienced and the enthusiatic minds here could help me fall one way or the other.

Owner imported the car in 84 and has been garaged since. 83,000 miles, with only 10K in the last 12 years. In that period, it's had new clutch master/servo replaced, sub frame and motor mounts, brake master, calipers, pads, all new belts, alternator, fuel tank and injection regulator, and last week a new fuel pump and filter. Soft top as well. New Michelins recently fitted too...

There's some rust on a rear panel that was repaired 20 years ago by a local shop, and a little superficial rust under the rear seat. Apart from that it looks good. My main concern was that the engine has not had a valve adjustment for 40,000 miles, and it's been a long time since the oil was changed. Basically, he just hasn't drove it, only 3000 miles in the last 6 years. The engine was noisy, and I know they are compared to other Mercedes engines, but it seemed consistently "clackity loud" at around 2000 rpm. I did watch a video of someone else's 280 and it sounded exactly the same...

It had a warm idle of 900 rpm, but pulled well when driven. No blue smoke after the run, temp was solid at just over 80, and oil was at 1 on idle, and pulled to 3 immediately on revs. Clutch and box were solid with no noise. There is a oil leak on the front left bank of the engine, which is common it would appear, and a brief, but harsh vibration at @60mph where the steering wheel chattered.

I love the looks of the car and especially the manual box, so, what do you guys think. Am I being too cautious? Help me out here guys!
His asking price is $4K firm....

Many thanks in advance...