G'day folks,

Although I've owned and currently own a number of classic cars & bikes, I've never owned a classic Mercedes.

I've decided to put that right and am currently looking for a classic SL. I've been offered what looks to be a very nice 1980 SL280 manual/stickshift.

Can anyone out there give me any guidance on common and/or expensive faults I need to look out for when checking the vehicle over please.

I appreciate the 280 probably isn't the most desireable model out there but I'll be driving it fairly regularly and the fuel consumption of the smaller engine will be an advantage.

FWIW, I live in South Africa, the asking price is the equivalent of about US$12K and at first glance, the car looks to have been restored to a good standard.