Euro Spec Project: 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3

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“A man has to know his limitations.” These are the seller’s words when describing this European-market specification 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3. He’s referring to the fact that while he has the Mercedes running and driving under its own power, there’s still more work to be done that’s outside of his comfort zone. We’ve all been here and can relate; the trouble is knowing whether you want to roll the dice and go deeper into a project or cut bait because you sense it won’t end well. Find the Mercedes here on craigslist in Denver for $25,000.

Look at that grand old dame. I tell you, the seller’s words ring loudly in my ears. As some of you may recall, I have that 1986 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.3-16 Cosworth that I rescued out of a salvage yard. It’s going into the body shop soon, and I’m mildly afraid at how much worse it will be than I’m already expecting. Seeing the seller’s car with all sorts of rocker rust due to water getting into the sunroof drains and being “caught” underneath reminds me of the similar damage my car has. The good news I’ve since located complete replacement rocker panels; the bad news is, that’s only half the battle when it comes to combatting rust.

The seller notes the rust also got into the doors themselves, but he has located spare, rust-free doors along with new rockers. So, at least he had a plan, and the next owner will start the restoration with a little bump at the starting line. The good news the drivetrain seems healthy, although the open element air filter is a strange choice on a car like this. The seller has effectively rebuilt the air suspension system, but it still leaks which is why it’s sitting so low in the pictures. The drivetrain’s fuel system has been refreshed as well, with the seller noting he “…set the valves, cleaned injectors and pump along with boiling the tank, new fuel pump, lines, filters and changed all the fluids.”

Interestingly, that’s very similar to the mechanical work undertaken on my Cosworth. Fuel system rebuilt, new tank installed, fresh injectors – the usual checklist for a car that’s been sitting. The interior tells you straight away that this is a European-specification model as the cloth inserts on the upholstery wasn’t offered in the states. The cabin appears to be in good shape with the extremely durable Mercedes upholstery holding up well; the seller believes the 63,000 miles on the clock to be authentic, though the paintwork could make you think otherwise. The Mercedes doesn’t have a title but will be sold with factory books and manuals. What do you think: is this needy 6.3 worthy of a proper restoration? Thanks to Barn Finds reader Gunter K. for the find.

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Comments

  1. alphasudMember

    Yes, the 300se with the M100 is a significant piece in Mercedes history. The first German sports sedan. If I had the funds and a body shop to perform the rust repairs correctly this would be in my hands. Similar to the legendary 600 without the hydraulic everything.

    Like 1
  2. Paul in Ma

    This 8 minute movie of speeding through Paris was filmed from the directors 6.3. https://youtu.be/WJYOMFayruw

    Rendevous C’était un Rendez vous 1976

    If you have not seen it, watch it

    Like 5
    • LMK

      Paul, I’ve seen this exciting video before and I am thrilled to watch it again, however, that isn’t being filmed in a Mercedes 6.3….

      Like 2
      • Paul in MA

        yes my mistake it was a 450SEL

        Like 0
    • Brent J Schneider

      The movie was filmed with a 6.9 and the soundtrack was dubbed with the directors Ferrari exhuast. Awesome movie though.

      Like 2
  3. G Lo

    Nope.

    Like 0
  4. Mr lee

    Bat has a complete restored gol one for auction @28k now do your homework…

    Like 0
  5. Tom Lange

    I remember reading the review in R&T, and their photo showing the 6.3 popping a wheelie at the local drag strip…

    This is one of those bell-weather cars, where buying the very best you can afford is the way to go. The pleasure of restoring one will disappear LONG before the car is restored.

    Like 2
  6. Frank BarrettMember

    In the 1980s, I was looking for a 6.3 to buy on the cheap and do a rolling restoration. I soon realized that was stupid, and with so many of them out there, I bought the nicest one I could afford, one that needed nothing. Over 20 years, it still cost an arm and a leg to just maintain. As the seller’s sign says, he is nuts. This is a $5-10K car.

    Like 1
  7. wuzjeepnowsaab

    He’s also got a rotted Porsche by the looks of it. Guess he had to toss a coin to see which car goes to fund the other. No title is problematic here in Colorado so that’s going to probably slow down his in-state buyers unless they’re totally dedicated to finishing the project. It’s also a few hours from Denver if his location via the ad map is correct

    Like 0
  8. Mike

    ICON just put out a video today showing their modified 300 with a supercharged LS9.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMOBECkR5lk

    Like 1
  9. Jay McCarthy

    Icon is finishing up a 71 6.3 Merc.
    It’s got a custom Art Morrison chassis and an LS-9 and until you get real close, you would never know

    Like 0
  10. Ike Onick

    “Are you feeling lucky,punk?”

    Like 0
  11. Car Nut Tacoma

    Lovely looking car. Assuming parts are available, I can imagine this would make an awesome resto project.

    Like 0

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