Looking over old answers, but not much specifically on the 380SLs. Any owners/former owners want to comment?

I would use the car for occassional commutes (55 miles round trip) and other short rides. It might get a trip of 200-500 miles once a year or so. Price wouldn't be too much of an issue-should be able to pay cash when ready to purchase at what the SoCal prices seem to be from Autotrader/eBay/Craigslist browsing.

No. Not a good choice. There money pits. Parts and labor is extremely expensive.