The period 300SL was offered with an inline six-cylinder engine displacing 3.0 litres.  Mated to a four-speed 4G-tronic automatic transmission, the stout six drove the rear wheels to the tune of 228 horsepower when new, attained at 6300 rpm.  Dual camshafts and four valves per cylinder are key offerings of the engine.  Torque checked in at 195 lb.-ft. when new, at 4600 rpm.  This engine has powered the car a distance of 189,000 km.  It is due for an oil service, which was last done Summer 2020.

The cabriolet features advanced safety features, even for 1991.  Not every vehicle at the time offered air bags for both driver and passenger but the SL checked in with this offering.  Next, this is the first car to ever have seat belts fully integrated into the seats at all three points.  Next, there is Acceleration Skid Control (ASR) in place.  Much further evolved is the rollover protection from the invisible roll bar.  It is invisible because it is stowed away until needed:  it extends when needed based on sensors diagnosing an impending rollover.

Wheels are 16”, show a few imperfections and are wrapped in 225/55 Zeta tires.  There is some chipping in paint aft of the front wheels, as well as some minor stone chips on the front bumper.  An original full-size spare rim with tire is stored in the trunk.  Seller has included extensive photos of paint metering.  The grand majority of photos show paint thickness in the 4-7 mm range.  A counter-intuitive detail about this car is that it is badged as a 500SL.  While someone in its history likely had some fun with this, we confirm the title’s description that this is a 300SL, with a 3.0 litre inline six-cylinder engine.  Good thing, too – it beats its V8 cousin on fuel economy by over 20%.

Inside, occupants find automatic climate control and a power antenna button.  Cruise control is in place and the leather seats are heated and power controlled.  An upgrade to an aftermarket Clarion head unit has been installed.  Burl wood accents and a black upper dash provide effective contrast to the otherwise light-colour of the interior; the black steering wheel is wrapped in black leather.  Driver’s seat shows light cracking.

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Under hood, the engine bay is quite tidy, belying the reading on the odometer.  The inline Mercedes sixes have a reputation for being robust and the appearance of this one is promising.  The underside is also included in the gallery.  Naturally showing some wear there is little evidence of even surface corrosion.

Likely the area showing most wear cosmetically is the soft top.  No tears are noted, vinyl windows are in place and sealed; however, signs of use over the years show as expected.  It should be noted that the soft top must be operated manually, with a factory-supplied tool.