Used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300SL for sale in Lakeland, FL

As a Mercedes Benz badge is one of the most coveted in motoring, it seems appropriate that the same company should also offer the most envied suffix in premium price sports motoring: SL. The initials were first seen in 1952 and factory literature translated the appellation into English as "Sport Light", a cross-reference to the "L" for lightweight tubular chassis and an inline six cylinder engine developed from that of the 300S.That gullwing competitor and its 1954 production descendant eventually led to an appraisal of the commercial worth of selling a luxury sports car under the SL badge, a process which has been incredibly profitable even by Benz standards. The original gullwing series were far from rare beasts (the factory reports that "a total of 1400 gullwings were built") and the commercialization of that emotive SL badge has seen production by the thousands as routine: some 25,881 of the 190 SL were made from 1955-63 and 49,912 of its "pagoda" top 230/250/280 SL successor.The car to bear the 300 SL badge today is a very different animal to the competitor of 1952, and is anything but lightweight at a curbside 33.2 cwt, over 1.6 tons. There is a six cylinder, 3-litre, engine in the variant we tested. It has all the right power-producing credentials; fuel injection, DOHC, four valves per cylinder. However, it is hitched up to a 5-speed automatic with a curb weight which means a power to weight ratio inferior to any mundane "hot hatchbacks." The result is the finest of touring 2 + 2s, one that pampers its owner beyond belief (but not to the peaceful travel standards of Jaguar) and yet remains fun to hustle in ungentlemanly manner. Truly the 1991 debutante 300 SL should be renamed 300 TLS, or "Touring Luxury Sport," as comfortable speed is its apparent priority. This particular Mercedes is an exceptional car with low miles. She has a clean history and maintenance records. There is also a matching hard top for the car. For more information on this vehicle or any of our luxury cars, give Austin a call at 863-226-8590