I have some newbie questions to start my journey into the MB world.

I plan to purchase a 1981 model SL. Why exactly a 1981 model? Well, due to Norwegian regulations, a 30 year old vehicle may be imported almost tax-free. Only 25% VAT comes on top of the purchase price. I am going to move to Belgium for a periode of 4 years from August on, and plan to bring back to Norway a 1981 model SL, which will be 30 years in 2011. I could of course go for an older model, but I tend to think that the newest is the best.

I have been searching the web for vehicles for sale in the US and in Europe. It seems to me that I have most items to choose from if I go for a 280 or a 380. Which one do you experts on here recommend? A 280 or a 380? Or another SL instead? I am open for suggestions for any convertibles from the early 80's.

Furthermore, it looks like the cars on the US marked is better kept, and sold at a lower price than the European ones, which brings me on thougts to buy one in the US and have it shipped over to Belgium. What do you think?

Any weaknesses in particular on SL's, apart from the weak timing chain on 1981 380's I should be aware of?