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I've owned 2 M-B 450SLs in the past, a '72 and a '73. Both were in pretty much the same shape on the outside and had the same mileage. I happened to be the second owner of the '73 (shown below) and got to know the original owner. He always put the top up when not driving and I can assure you the difference it made in the unrestored interior of the car over the long haul was incredible compared to my '72.
Do yourself a favor and put the top up even if you aren't concerned about where you are parking it. Your interior will last a lot longer, particularly in very sunny areas.
top down but the cockpit cover on. mine is a weekend/date car so the boot cover is almost always on and i don't drive her in bad weathe so I don't worry about putting the top up.
the cockpit cover is probably the best accessory I bought for mine and I highly recommend it. It doesn't take the space in the trunk a full cover does, can be installed easily and quickly by one person, and gives you great protection for the interior of the car (from lurking eyes, UV rays, the elements).
Agree with Da Hapa. I have a cockpit cover and a motion sensor alarm. Combination works better than just the top up in AZ with the heat since the entire cockpit is covered from front to back including the sides. Top up you still have the windshield, side windows and rear window.
Also, if someone wanted into the car (even with the alarm), they will slash the top ($800), the cover costs $50. Even if insurance would cover the top, it is much easier to deal with the cover and you are not having the insurance rates on the S2000 go up.
I work and live in nothern Chicago burbs and have no problem keeping top down when I run into Home Depot for 15 min. It really depends on the neighborhood.... Now on my Lude, I really have no prob keeping moonroof open with windows down. As long as locale is decent. Never had any problems.
I've seen some risky ones though. Top down at a Cubs game on a newer Miata (obviously parked on the street). That is 3 hrs away from the car and there were a few clouds in the sky.
