I had a German Taxi spec (per data card) 280TE for a while which had a 4 speed manual. No rev counter, crank windows, manual sunroof, no a/c and no 3rd row seat. It was pretty quick but driving it in the Texas summer with no A/C was a deal breaker so I sold it on. The kid who bought it put a BMW M52 and 5 speed manual gearbox in out of an E36 328i after a connecting rod put a hole in the block.
Classic and classy and no getting away from that old gal being why Mercedes have such presence on the road ... awesome.
I just love those unmistakable hub caps, and why ever did they let the the bonnet embellishment go, I know health and safety and sleeker look, but they still have them on RRs right. Nice plate your new gal has too if you read it like me, HST Y ... HASTY by name and not by nature I hope?
Lovely motor kvz and happy days ahead for you I can tell