It’s a bit of an understatement to say that this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 has a few things going for it. The obvious one is that it’s likely one of the best examples of this model in existence, as it is a verified Senior AACA First Place award winner. Not only that, it was formerly owned by none other than Graham Nash of Crosby Stills and Nash, so it has some pretty incredible celebrity ownership in its history file. This was already a desirable model just by virtue of being an exceedingly clean W109 equipped with the powerful 6.3L M100 V8, but the history just pushes it over the top. Find it here on craigslist for $135,000.
That’s very real money, but it’s also likely one of the best ones left. The Mercedes is fresh off of a three-year restoration which should be completely evident when you scope out these pictures. The bodywork is rust-free, the chrome is outstanding, and the paint is just miles deep in terms of depth and clarity. These are not inexpensive cars to restore, especially to do it right. There are many driver-quality examples out there and while those are still fine cars, there are miles between a car like this and one that has a respray and some fresh leather. Honestly, the details all appear to be spot on, from the location of the badges on the trunk lid to the mounting of the bumpers.
And look at the dash shot: I chose this close-up versus the whole interior because you so rarely see the wood trim in such outstanding condition. This was from the era when luxury cars had actual wood in the dash, and when it’s broken or otherwise damaged by years of sun exposure, it’s not pretty. You can tell this car has either had the wood completely replaced, or it somehow survived in mint condition. We all know which scenario is more likely, and you don’t have to be good at math to know this was an expensive fix. Of course, you love seeing all of the original details, particularly the Becker radio and cassette player. The rest of the cockpit looks just as nice in the rest of the gallery photos.
The V8 in the engine bay honestly looks better than new; I cannot imagine they looked this stunning when you purchased one off the dealer lot. The listing doesn’t go into a ton of detail but it’s easy to believe this 300SEL would live up to even the loftiest of expectations. You will pay top-of-market money for a car like this, but you’ll get pretty close to spending this much if you buy one as a restoration project. The connection to Gramham Nash? Take it into consideration or don’t, but it doesn’t hurt that this 6.3-powered sedan was owned by one of the more iconic musicians of his generation. Find a better one!
Why would you put a $135,000 car on craigslist,unless
you don’t really want to sell it.
I would AACA would have a place to sell vehicles like this.
Some years back at the local bar guy tells me about a Benz that was at his brother’s muffler shop. He said I could buy it for the price of repairs. He had the title. I asked him what the number and letters on the trunk lid read. About a week later he tells me 300 SEL 6.3. GASP! Let’s go now and see. Yep the banker’s hot rod!!! Bought it for $900. Still have it. It runs and is Quiet. Needs paint but who cares.
Show us!
That is definitely one beautiful car but I would think the ask might be a little strong. Often times you see these cars listed on Craigslist when they are in a queue for a upcoming sale or auction. This could easily be on BaT or the Mercedes marketplace and bring top dollar.
Stunning car but rather take a 4.5 version for 100k plus less.
I still remember the road test in Road & Track, with a picture of a 6.3 popping a wheelie at the dragstrip…
the rear tail lights are European (orange) and not the red US tail lights. Given the side markers and orange fog lights I would tend to say this is a US version with the wrong tail lights.
Otherwise, a splendid model especially with the zebrano wood. Unfortunately, this car marks the end of the real cars with great materials made by MB; from the mid of the 70s everything is declining in terms of quality and cost efficiency is the driven key factor.
The summer of 2019 issue (# 28) of ‘Classic Mercedes’ magazine had an article about this car, bought by Graham Nash on the same day that David Crosby bought the same model. The article details the restoration completed by Dom Mari from Pennsylvania. He apparently did a fine job according to the article, which contains quite a bit lot of information.
I’m disappointed. This car doesn’t fit Graham Nash at all…
I was fortunate to have driven 6.3 and 6.9 MB’s. This one just blew me away In it’s presentation. Of course, the highly detailed engine compartment had me drooling. Needs a very appreciative owner, everything, I mean everything, is done!
Thank you for your kind words ,owner