Given that your FIL owned the car its history is not a mystery that
needs to be carefully uncovered. He'll tell you all about it!

So is an independent inspection necessary?

You're "taking it on" and expect to do the usual maintenance and light
repairs so why the shop?

Unless you're pressed for time to get it into service trailer it to your
garage, buy some factory manuals and have at it, otherwise pay a shop to
get it roadworthy.

Nice project.

I would do it myself... If the car is in the place where you can work on
it... leave it there... Otherwise flat bed it to your garage.

Don't start the engine. Change oil... drain and refill coolant... check hose
condition... Check other fluid level... Drain gas and refill with fresh one.
Lastly, change battery.

I would crank a little bit to get the engine lubricated but don't let it
start... so for this, you have to pull the coil wire off... Crank 10 seconds
and stop for 5 minutes... repeat one more time and hook up the coil wire.

Start it up. When shifting to gear, if auto, wait like 15 seconds or so to
feel the engagement and let the tranny fluid circulate.

Take it slow... driving... to get all the grease and lubricant coating all
parts.

Probably should have added a few historical comments...

The 220 has had 2 loving owners - my father-in-law and a Stanford
professor - so we have all history, all original manuals & docs.
Engine has been rebuilt, but it was done right at reputable garage and
it ran fine before my FIL mothballed it.  I think it has 160-180K
miles on it (over 35 years).  Interior is immaculate - it even has
sheepskin seat covers protecting the original red seats.  Paint is
cream and is original.  Chrome is shiny bright.  

So, given my mechanical inclinations, I just wanted to verify that
this was not something wild and crazy to attempt.  I know that these
cars (especially the older classic ones) were built to last so I
wasn't expecting crazy, unfixable problems.  I've already ordered shop
manuals as well.  So you guys are telling me to tow it home and start
playing with it!

One other question: any particularly good specialist parts suppliers
for older (30+ years) Benz?  I've already found DriveWire.  I used to
use German Auto Parts for my Audi.   And someone mentioned the classic
parts divsion of Benz.

Thanks much for the reassurance, Joe

Joe,
Just did the exact same thing last week with a '73 350 SL
that had been sitting in Marin county.
Here's what I did;

drain the gas tank, flush it with a gallon or so of new gas
drain the engine oil and radiator fluid, replace with new
new oil filter
remove all spark plugs, and put a small amount of engine oil
 in each cylender
remove high tension wire from coil, and crank the engine
 until you get oil pressure, then crank it a bit more
this is a good time to check compression....this will tell
 you if there are stuck valves, or other serious problems
replace the spark plugs, coil wire and fire it up!

of course, check for cracked fuel hoses, belts and brake hoses
before driving it

                     Steve

Joe

Was just over in 1/2 Moon Bay yesterday (Miramar Beach).
Recently brought a 73 450SL with around 300K back to life.
It had been in the garage for 7 years too, but did started it up and
drive it around the block every 6 months or so
Had Star Machine in Emeryville do the block and heads.
Still needs paint $$$ and a new soft top.

My 2 bits of advice..you might need some front end replacement parts at
that mileage
K