Sleeper: ’69 Mercedes Benz 300SEL 6.3
In 1968 Road & Track headlined their coverage of the 6.3 with “a big-engined option for a semi-big sedan.” By the time they had major seat time in it for the November issue, they were in love, concluding that it was “merely the greatest sedan in the world.” Car and Driver’s Brock Yates had a similar opinion declaring it “the most stimulating, desirable four-door sedan to appear since the Model J Duesenberg.” This 6.3 luxury sedan had the M100 engine that powered the massive 600 stuffed into the smaller W-109 chassis engine bay. Then they ladened it with a complex air suspension system and turned it into a 140 mph Bahn-burner. Of course, 300hp and 424lbs of torque helped get it moving quickly and elegantly making it one of the fastest sedans of the day. A real sleeper dressed for a night out on the town. The interior had special wood, automatic 4-speed transmission, power everything and orthopedic seats. It cost $14,000 in 1969. Today’s offering is just about perfect. We want it but we already own 2 gas guzzlers. It is elegant in dark olive green with bamboo interior. Today’s 300 SEL 6.3 is a 1-owner California car that has been treated to a major recommissioning. Okay, so the cruise control still doesn’t work and they ditched the Becker radio probably back when it wasn’t a classic. But you could replace the radio with a rebuilt Becker Grand Prix and get an iPod adapter to boot. Hagerty has these 6.3s ranging from a #3 at $25,000 all the way up to $56,000 for a #1 car. So depending on what it looks like in person and how well the recommissioning went, this could be priced right at $27,900 or see what the auction brings. These cars are expensive to get right and could easily try your patience and your budget so a PPI by an expert is essential. But we think this one just might pass the test. Check it out by clicking here.