Lot 479: Mercedes-benz 300SEL 6.3 Saloon

Finished in gold with dark brown leather interior, this rare right-hand drive 300SEL 6.3 comes with all factory options (except a sunroof) and was first registered 'STW 153K' in March 1972. (The car has carried a private 'plate in the past and the current registration is age-related). Original and complete but in poor overall condition, the car was acquired by the current vendor in 1987 having had (it is believed) only two previous owners. The believed-genuine indicated mileage at that time was 80,650. The car was then comprehensively overhauled, including a gearbox rebuild, and many worn components replaced with factory-new parts. This was undertaken in 1988/89 by Mercedes-Benz dealership Robinson's of Norwich, who also repainted the body in its original gold and fitted new brightwork and body mouldings. In May 1991 Robinson's installed a brand-new factory-built engine, for which they charged �8,000 plus installation and setting up costs. The mileage reading was 4,384 (actually 104,384) at that time and is now 26,917, which means this new engine has done some 22,000 miles only. From 1987 to 1994 the owner spent �26,000 and all bills will be supplied with the car as well as an original (well-used) owner's handbook. Off the road since 1997, the vehicle has been kept on blocks in dry storage and started regularly until early last year. Although the car needs work to bring it to top condition, its history suggests that the cost might be warranted. Offered with Swansea V5. No reserve.