Classic: Mercedes Benz 280 SL



1970 280 SL

Lately, I've been lusting after a classic Mercedes, known as the 280 SL...when you google this particular model, certain words come up, such as "classic", "Beverly Hills, Southampton, Palm Beach" and "John Travolta, John Lennon, Audrey Hepburn, and Sophia Loren". Since these cars have become very collectible, the price has doubled in recent years, and I could have bought one in good condition for $22,000.00 but it now appears that they are much higher- (depending on the condition)- but I did test drive the baby, and I loved it.  I also recently bid on one on ebay- but the reserve was probably $45K.  You see a LOT of these in Naples- we have relatively flat roads here, and they are the perfect car for tooling around a small resort town such as Naples.
My friend, Stephen, has one, but then, he has other modes of transport, and you really don't want this for a daily driver- the parts are hideously expensive.  Of course, Stephen is the sort of guy who spends his Summers in a flat in Mayfair, London. 
Having owned in the past two BMW's, three Mercedes, and one Porsche, I'm not so sure I want the headaches attached to owning something so undeniably precious- since the love affair can be so terribly emotional- but if the right one comes along...my heart may win!  Now, if I can just decide what colour I want... DF*****