Other thoughts

Recently there was a Flaminia Berlina up for sale, and a number of friends were discussing how lovely it was, and how interested all of us were in it. That, plus some interest in the Flavia 2000 coupe, has heightened attention to the issue of conservative design, and build quality. 
Recently came across a related couple of interesting articles about Mercedes 2 seaters, with in-depth study of the design for the 230/250/280SL of the 1960s and the 350SL, of the 1970-80s. The writing is very good and can inform the thoughtful Lancista. Well worth reading and sharing: 

driventowrite.com/2021/05/02/1971-mercedes-r107-history-profile/

​auto-didakt.com/cars_blog_leser/mercedes-r107-450sl-friedrich-geiger-joseph-gallitzendorfer-ferdinand-hellhage-car-design-history-review.html