This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 is a claimed Euro-spec car that has been hidden in a garage for many years. Located in the Phoenix area, bidding is currently over $15K and the seller describes it as a “sleeping survivor.” It does appear quite nice in photos and the M100 V8 is a honey of a motor. This one does not run currently, and the seller does note there is rust present. Find it here on eBay with the auction ending Friday evening.
Thankfully, the rust seems to be the inoffensive surface-only kind, and the seller says the bones of this Euro-spec 6.3 are solid. It’s interesting – I’m still trying to move some of the Mercedes W108 parts cars from the large collection in Georgia, and I thought the 6.3 car would be a quick sell. The V8 models are always desirable, thanks to Mercedes tendency to over-engineer their drivetrains and the impressive speed motors like the 6.3 were capable of – impressive now, and certainly impressive in 1969.
Assuming this example wasn’t extensively federalized, the motor may breathe a little easier thanks to less restrictive emissions equipment and may be even be lighter-weight if it hasn’t had heavy safety bars welded into the doors. The 6.3 would also form the basis for the legendary 6.9, which remains one of the most impressive super sedans to ever come out of Germany. These engines hailed from an era when Mercedes painstakingly assembled its motors and put them through extensive bench-testing to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
The seller doesn’t go to any great lengths to move the W108 into the daylight, but what we can see is exceptionally original with only modest wear noted on the blue leather seats. What we can see of the chrome and wood trim looks to be in fantastic condition, and the seller includes a picture of the original Blaupunkt radio still in the dash. Prices tend to be strong for even non-runners like this with seemingly good bones; I think it’s a safe bet this one will nudge $20K by the time it’s done.
One has to wonder just how ‘solid’ the bones of this 6.9 really are considering it ‘currently doesn’t run’. That could be for any one of a number of reasons from a simple dead battery to a busted crankshaft & bent valves! “Coveat Emptor” people!! Take extreme care if you’re seriously considering this car. The cost to get it running could easily outprice the car itself, depending. Bring your Benz officianado with you to check it out.
This is a 6.3…..not a 6.9. Of the 4 of these I have owned only one came warm and running. They are very solid trouble free cars. Check the fluids, make sure the fuel tank is clean, new battery and try her out. Odds are she will come to life. The one I have now hadn’t been run for 4 years, we pulled it out of a snowbank, we did exactly that procedure and it has been running ever since. This is one of my favorite colors, lovely car that the valets will park in a prominent location. Just put in the shop for winter storage.
That is such a sweet car. So much class and power. I’ve had 6.9’s but never a 6.3. Always wanted to stuff one of these engines in the same body style but a Cabriolet.
Just such a conversion was just the sort of thing the then new AMG concern built for it’s wealthy clientelle.Together with five speed manual conversions and engine upgrades to over 400 hp. http://www.m-100.co/6point3/magazines/carcollector_sep1982/index.html
Is the bad repaint a result of poor prep, dirty application environment or not having a water separator on the compressor? Maybe the “ladder”?
This is a Landmark Car – the quintessence of late ’60’s Mercedes sedans. I claim no expertise here, just an appreciation of what it represented and of what it is now. The exterior chrome detailing from the Germans exemplifies the best of European carrosserie.
It’s perfect just as it is, like a woman of a certain age who has aged gracefully. There is no comparison, as those of us of a certain age know well.
I wish I could afford it. I hope it goes to someone who will cherish it and DRIVE it.
Good luck if it is more than a dead battery to start this car! I happen to have the original 6.3 emblem from one example I owned during the days I sold exotic classics.
Good luck if this car needs more than a battery to start! I happen to own the original 6.3 emblem from the days I sold exotic cars. The 6.3 I had collapsed from extensive rust and I sold it for parts. The engine ran great.
“Euro Spec” car, perhaps not. Spedo in MPH not Kilos. Side marker lamps, U.S. spec headlamps.
We use MPH in the UK. We are at the moment still in Europe. But for how much longer?
What’s the German phrase for: “financial black hole”?
The second 6.3 I owned, I bought at a us Custom’s sale in Long Beach Ca. I was there to buy equipment to resell but there was this unlabeled 6.3 laying down with an ignition switch broken out with a big screwdriver. It had been abandoned at the port after being shipped from Germany. There were a bunch of old dealers milling around the cars for sale……every one had disparaging remarks about the “ junk Mercedes that Must have been dropped off the boat”. So, I looked it over and confirmed in my head what it really was. On the day of the sale, I bought the equipment that I had intended to……..when the Mercedes came up. I bought it too……I think around 1000.00……..the next day my crew and I went back to pick everything up. I took a battery and a can of gas for the Mercedes. It started immediately and in short order the suspension was aired up and it drove onto the trailer. Some of those same good old boys were there…..couldn’t belive there eyes. I drove that car for a couple of years. Mercedes parts supplied the exact key code ignition and key set, I don’t remember ever doing anything but basic maintenance on it. I sold it to a The editor of one of the Peterson’s motorcycle magazines that had seen it where I parked off the 101 freeway for work. He bought it for his buddy the editor of Car and Driver. He did some restoration work and a fresh paint job. We saw it for sale by him 4 years later for something like 45,000, a lot of money in 1990. I enjoyed the car for several years, made 5K clear on it, the editor made a few bucks and we all had the privilege of owning and driving a world class automobile.
Great story !
I’ve also had similar good experiences with a handful of neglected 6.3’s…
Dave, Have you ever had the curiosity to check the 6.3 registry over at the M100 forum and see if your prior 6.3 is registered there?
That would require remembering serial numbers, but I might be able to figure it out. Would be an interesting project.