Banker’s Hot Rod: ’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 equipped 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 featured car has 44,942 km and the seller suspects the mileage is correct. The seller has done a comprehensive overhaul of the air suspension, and the brakes. The 300SEL has a European market-exclusive tan velour interior and it remains all original and in excellent condition for its age. The wood veneer on the dash and other interior components are rich in luster and remain original. The exterior of the car has been finished in a metallic brown and shows extremely well with few signs of road use. All exterior chrome shows well with no pitting or peeling. The car does not have A/C. You can get a timely response from M-B Classic in Irvine to discover the original equipment for this car. Since it is a European version, it might not be unusual to have A/C delete. We would check before purchasing. We love these although they are complex and expensive to repair. But don’t let that turn you off. It is a rewarding car to own back in 1969 and will still be today. Hagerty has a range of $41,000 to $56,000 for exceptional drivers to concours quality. This one might be a little below these levels so price it accordingly. Include the “no A/C” into the equation if you get serious. Click here for the eBay auction.