Lot 101: 1970 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Litre

The mighty Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 started out as a private venture in 1966 by company engineer Erich Waxenberger who built the car in his spare time unknown to the management at Mercedes! When word got out it was officially approved and development work started on the model which culminated in the worlds first "Super Saloon" or "Q-Car". The body styling was by Paul Bracq. The principle was simple: Take the powerful 6.3 liter V8 Mercedes-Benz M100 engine from the huge Mercedes-Benz 600 model, and fit it into the regular Mercedes-Benz W109 S-Class model with only had 6-cylinder engines at that time. The result was a nearly 2-tonne saloon with performance to shame most dedicated sports cars of the era, like the Porsche 911, and handling to match. Even today, this model can match modern cars at various speeds. What set this car apart from its contemporaries in the late 1960s though, was that it could cruise at over 200km/h with 5 occupants in complete comfort.The 6.3 liter fuel injected engine produces 250 bhp and propels this discreet businessman's rocket from 0-60 mph in 5.7 seconds and onto 100 mph in 15 seconds before topping out at 144 mph at 5,530 rpm. The 300 SEL 6.3 had special air suspension as fitted to the top of the range 600 and featured ventilated disc brakes on all four wheels, power windows, central locking and power steering. Truly a vehicle for those who have the power, without the need to flaunt it!The example you see here today comes from long-term ownership. Other than a repaint approximately 20 years ago the car presents itself in un-restored condition. It carries its original black Milan license numbers and the car appears honest: straight, fully functioning and is reported to be corrosion free. The car starts on the button and the all important air suspension system works with its variable ride height adjusted from the driver's seat. Today's example is one of a tiny number sold new in Italy due probably to the crippling taxes imposed upon a car fitted with such a large capacity engine. Only 6,526 of these vehicles were produced and many have succumbed to corrosion beyond economical repair. This model is very collectable and sought after by enthusiasts of the marque. This represents an excellent opportunity to acquire a straight example that can be used immediately and improved over time.