new member, need advice

[bsherman]

Greetings:
This is my first posting on this board, although I am an active member on the Roadfly BMW 8 series board and have a bit of experience with cars and DIY stuff.

My question: My father recently passed and I have inherited a 1972 450 sl. Apparently it was originally badged as a 350 sl. It has the thin bumbers (not the larger shock-types). It has sat in his garage for atleast 15 years undriven, as it was his hope to sometime restore the car. It is, frankly, a mess. The hood lock failed and the hood came up while driving many years ago leading to a front-end fender-bender (frame ok). It was then parked where it has remained.

Is this car worth restoring? If so, I would do it over 2 - 3 year period. Where would one start? I wouldn't even think of trying to start the thing. My German mechanic is interested in a redo but I am unsure of the value of such an endeavour. It was a beautiful car at one time (AMG package with euro lights etc).

Advice and comments, please......bsherman