Vehicle Description
Chassis No. 109.018.12.006303
Mercedes-Benz introduced a new category of high-performance sedans
that could outperform contemporary sports cars with the release of
the 300 SEL 6.3 sedan in 1968. The lead engineer, Erich
Waxenberger, secretly developed this car by combining the best
features of the luxurious 300 SEL grand touring sedan with the
6.3-liter V8 and transmission of the 600 "Grosser." The result was
a conservatively styled sedan concealing its remarkable
performance.
The accompanying Data Card shows that this 300 SEL 6.3 completed
production on 28 March 1972, destined for France, as denoted by
option code 629 specifying equipment for the French market. Ordered
new in Silver Metallic (180) with a Black leather (241) interior,
the Data Card also illustrates that the car was lavishly optioned
with two costly options, an electric sliding sunroof (410) and Behr
air conditioning (580).
The accompanying history file shows this 300 SEL 6.3 was imported
to the United States by 1999, and that restoration by Hatch and
Sons Automotive of Wayland, Massachusetts, quickly began in July
1999. The car was stripped to a bare shell, with all the doors,
glass, trim, engine, transmission, and suspension removed while the
car was refinished in its original Silver Metallic (180) paintwork.
While removed, the engine and transmission were cosmetically
restored, with new seals and gaskets replaced where needed. The air
suspension and related bushing on the front subframe and rear axle
were overhauled and cosmetically refreshed. Inside the car, the
interior was removed for deep cleaning, the wood trim was
refinished, the gauges repaired, and a new headliner was installed.
The total cost of this work added up to over $92,000 by July
2000.
Following the completion of this restoration, the history file
shows the car received regular servicing over the next decade. The
most noteworthy work completed during this period was the removal
and overhaul of both cylinder heads and engine work for over
$16,000 in October 2007. The car has remained in splendid
condition, making this well-optioned French market 6.3 the ideal
solution for anyone looking for what is widely considered the
world's first super sedan.
