1971 Mercedes-Benz 280SE

• Paint is deep burgundy and glossy on every panel, and doors and fenders line up straight in the close side shots — no paint or body budget from these photos.
• Chrome on the grille, bumpers and sill trim is bright and clean, no pitting shows in the close-ups — no re-chrome money needed.
• Colour-matched hubcaps and blackwall tires look clean and even, no curb damage shows — no wheel or tire money needed from these photos.
• Tan leather seats and both door cards are smooth and unmarked in close-up, no cracking or sagging shows — no trim budget needed.
• Dash wood is glossy and unlifted, and the gauges and radio face are clean — no dash restoration money needed.
• Engine bay is tidy and dry-looking with neat hoses and wiring, and a bright green modern battery stands out — no detailing money needed, just a battery you may want to swap for looks.
• The top is only shown down under its tan boot cover, and the boot sits a little lumpy — the top itself can't be judged, so hold money until you see it raised.
• No underside photos in the sample — the floors and frame can't be judged, so keep inspection money aside.

Money: At $349,000, the paint, chrome and cabin in these photos support a top price, but the unseen top and underside are where the remaining risk money sits.