A very sensible choice, and because they're relatively unloved, prices remain lower than those of the equivalent open-topped R107 SL. Pick of the range is a late 280SLC. You lose the V8, but there's not much in it in terms of performance - and they're considerably cheaper to run. Rust is an issue, and if you're not looking to buy a project (which you could pick up a V8 for less than £2500), then budget £7000-10,000 for a good useable car.

Rust is probably the biggest problem - parts are all readily available.