Vehicle Description
Some of history's truly great automobiles have been born from
engineers working off the clock, building experimental projects far
from the prying eyes of company brass and the meddling of the
accounting department. Especially within large companies, radical
ideas will surely be nixed if merely presented on paper. One such
engineer was Erich Waxenberger of Mercedes-Benz. In the late 1960s,
Herr Waxenberger came up with the simple but elegant idea of the
ultimate factory super sedan. Starting with a standard W109 sedan,
a car that left the factory with nothing bigger than a 3-liter
inline-six, and working on his own time, he shoehorned in the
mighty 6.3 liter all-alloy M100 V8 into the mid-sized saloon. The
M100 was designed specifically for the highly exclusive 600 sedan
and limousine, but Waxenberger believed that not only could he
build a superb sporting saloon using the smaller body, he could
better utilize the specialized production facility that was
building these massive engines. He and his team built a prototype
and handed the keys over to Mercedes-Benz factory test driver Rudi
Uhlenhaut. The legend is that Uhlenhaut had to stop and open the
hood at the first traffic signal to see what on earth Waxenberger
had crammed into the 300SEL! Buoyed by the enthusiasm from
Uhlenhaut, the car saw rapid approval by company bosses, especially
given that the expensive M100 engine could now be sold in another
car. The production version of the 300SEL 6.3 featured
sophisticated air suspension, a four-speed automatic transmission,
four wheel disc brakes, electric windows, sunroof, opulent wood
trim and leather upholstery. Upon its introduction to the public in
1968, it was declared the fastest four-door car in the world and
could easily keep pace with American muscle cars of the era. In
fact, the 300SEL 6.3 could give a contemporary Porsche 911 a
serious run for its money. Road & Track magazine declared it
"merely the greatest sedan in the world". While less expensive than
the 600, the 6.3 was still a costly car when new, and just 6,500
were built between 1968 and 1972. The 6.3 served its purpose as a
regular production outlet for the M100 V8, as well as forming the
foundation of a legacy of high-performance luxury sedans that
Mercedes-Benz still upholds with the AMG line of super saloons.
This 1970 300SEL 6.3 is an attractive and understated example,
finished in Light Ivory (code 670) over red leather upholstery
(code 242). It is a very well-maintained and largely original car,
accompanied by extensive service records from model specialists.
The body is straight and clean, with an attractive, good quality
respray over an excellent body. Gaps are factory precise and all
four doors operate with that signature vault-like feel. The
original bumpers, body moldings, grille, window surrounds and other
brightwork are all straight and in good order, benefitting from a
recent polish. It rides on a set of beautifully finished factory
Bundt alloy wheels that lend a slightly aggressive and purposeful
look to the otherwise restrained Paul Bracq-penned styling. This
6.3 is in many ways the ultimate sleeper: Understated, with only
its discreet badging and a slightly wider stance giving the
slightest hint at its massive acceleration and 140mph ability.
Stepping into the luxurious cabin, you may still be hard pressed to
realize this is a serious performance car. The atmosphere is very
much about comfortable touring over outright sportiness, with high
quality and attractive leather trim and wood moldings. The leather
is believed to be original, and presents in very good condition,
showing a slight bit of wear on the driver's outer bolster, but
remaining attractive and supple with an inviting light patina. The
rear seat is in similar condition, showing little use. Wool carpets
are excellent as are the door panels and recently refreshed
headlining. Beautifully restored wood trim adorns the dash fascia,
dash top, as well as door and windscreen surrounds. It is also
equipped with an original Becker Mexico cassette player and correct
ivory steering wheel. Mechanically this car is in very sound order
and is essentially turn-key and ready to enjoy. Records show the
air suspension was fully rebuilt, as was the complex fuel injection
pump; rebuilt by respected specialist Jerry Fairchild. The steering
box was removed and resealed, and many bushings and ancillaries
refreshed in the chassis. It works as it should and is a strong
performing example, a very important factor when considering any
6.3. Included in the sale are original books, manuals and tool kit
along with the extensive service records and factory service
information. The 300 SEL 6.3 is a car that should never have
existed in its day yet went on to become a legend, the father of a
line of performance sedans that continue through today. This is a
cherished example that has had thousands spent to ensure it
continues to thrill drivers for years to come.
