Like so many cars that have emerged from manufacturers over the years, the Mercedes Benz 300 SEL commenced life as a private project. Company engineer Erich Waxenberger decided to attempt to fit the 6.3 liter engine from the 600 Series Mercedes into the existing S-Class body. The result became the 300 SEL 6.3 which was the fastest 4-door saloon in the world when it was released. This Mercedes is listed for sale here on eBay. Located in Wylie, Texas, it comes with a clear title. The seller has set a BIN of $28,500 but there is the option to make an offer.
Overall this Mercedes presents quite well. It has been the recipient of a repaint at some stage in the past, but the seller is unsure when this occurred. The underside of the car looks to be very clean, and there are no obvious signs of rust. All of the chrome and external trim is present and looks to also be in good condition. Thankfully the three-pointed star on the hood is present as more than one of these has been liberated by people who found them to be quite desirable.
The interior seems to be a bit of a mixed bag, and there are a couple of things that I would place a question mark over. The dash appears to be virtually perfect and the carpet looks good. While the door trims appear to be reasonable I did notice some discoloration on a couple of them as though they may be dirty. Hopefully a good clean will bring them back. It also appears that the actual card for the right rear door may be warped. The leather seats are showing their 48 years of use, but my biggest concern revolves around the front passenger seat. Looking at this photo it is hard to tell whether there is a tear in the leather or if it’s a really deep crease. If it is a tear and it can’t be repaired then the seat will require new leather. Even the best upholsterer will struggle to match the aged look of the rest of the seats, so it may be that all seats will require new covers to maintain consistency.
This is the heart of what made these cars so desirable. The 6.3 liter V8 backed by a 4-speed automatic transmission produced performance and acceleration that is impressive, even by current standards. The car is capable of accelerating from 0-60mph in around 6.6 seconds. Today that performance still rates well, but when the car was new that placed it in sports car territory. This engine is said to run well, and the transmission shifts smoothly. The air suspension operates as it should, although it takes a few seconds to pressurise once the engine is started. Everything else is said to operate as Mercedes intended.
This particular 300 SEL is quite a nice example that needs a few things to make it perfect. I’m really not sure about the front passenger seat, and would like to get a good look at it. Prices on these vary wildly at present. I have found examples for around the $11,000 mark, but these have needed major (and quite expensive) full restoration. I have also found really nice ones needing no work, but these have virtually all been priced in excess of $70,000. This one sits in that middle-ground between the two, so it is probably priced slightly below its real value.
28-5 is fair for a very nice driver with zero mechanical problems. The 108s and 109s (which have been undervalued for decades) are finally coming up in value as it is. So even with a seat problem, this is an otherwise nice top-of-the-heap 6.3L (with a perfect dashboard) that will only continue to appreciate. Frankly, I think you’d be hard pressed to find a nicer one for less money.
I bought one new in 1969 and it was faster than anything else around. The air suspension bags gave trouble after a year or so but otherwise mechanically it was fine and gas was lots less expensive. Incidendly the car was $14,500 new!
You’d think that with another 30 years in materials advancements, the airbags and pneumatic/vacuum system would have been sorted out. But from what I hear, they’re STILL an endless source of amusement. The vac system on my W123 was completely rebuilt prior to me taking ownership, but still found creative ways to leak.
Fun fact: only remaining Waxenberger version of these cars is located in Finland , it has been on display in this very small car museum. I have seen it many times there.
Owned once by a rich newspaper owner, car is still in the family after his passing. M-B factory has been trying to buy that car for decades for their collection but it’s not for sale…Its still driven occasionally.
Awesome looking car! I’ve always loved this generation Mercedes-Benz SEL.
Sorry but the Australian falcon GTH0 was the fastest 4 door around at that time
Correct Rod you beat me to it !
Nah, 300sel 6.3 came out in 68, XY GTHO phase III in 71.
Sorry. For any Aussie with petrol in his veins the 1970 Ford Falcon Phase 3 GTHO was reputed as the fastest 4 door production saloon. The Phase 3 came with a warmed over 351 (780 cfm Holley, headers, etc.) and was only available with a 4 speed. At the rear it has a 9” LSD Traction Lock diff. It’s accepted that the horsepower figures published by Ford were on the low side (300hp) and it’s generally accepted that they produced between 350 – 380 hp (depending on who tuned it). The road test figures were 0–100km/h (62mph) 6.4 seconds, Standing ¼ mile 14.2 and a top speed of 225 km/h (142mph) @ 6150 rpm with a 3.25:1 diff. Ford only produced 300 Phase 3’s and recently one sold at auction for over $1 million. They were specifically produced for one long distance race for production cars where legally you could only change the tyres and add a roll bar and full harness seat belts. Of course the ones that were raced appeared at many other events. Down here it’s the ultimate find when you want a fast family car.
I love how many Australians read BF!
“one long distance race”
Now, what could that one be…? D.
As a classic collector I like these but even more the legendary 1979 450SEL 6.9 I bought back in 2015 black on tan leather interior with 60K original miles the 6.9s are creme de la creme of of the era only approx 7K produced worldwide maybe less than 500 have survived now ! I paid 36K Not for sale just sharing love for hobby !
Great looking Saloon car. And I have seen many Saloons. Can the Staff help me get the new comments via email back once again? I have asked for help on this ten times and get no responce from the Staff, PRA4SNO gave some advice but nothing from the Staff. As a paying member I should get those. Whats up? Any Staff members read there own posts? I do not think so.
I would caution any potential bidder that I believe this to be full of body filler. My humble opinion is based upon the photos and particularly the inner lower door seams. They do not look ‘factory’ to my admittedly untrained eye.
When I was working in BMW/Merc garage decades ago a client pulled in and said he has a noise/shimmy at about 115 MPH…..Off to Mass turnpike we went with my partner’s 911SC as a chase car. The car were matched for acceleration but I was riding in luxury. (If I remember correctly we had to drop the transmission mount, tilt the engine to get at the two rear spark plugs).
Guess my previous comment was lost in cyberspace. There is the only survivor of Waxenberger version of this car in a small car museum in Finland. I have seen it many times there. Original owner was a rich guy owning a newspaper and publishing company. After his passing the car still remains in the same family. M-B factory has been trying to buy it but it’s not for sale. It’s still being driven once in a while.
I guess they never tested C Body Chrysler products with the 440..
147 to 152 mph those cars did and 4 second range 0-60 when you get some sort of traction.
Again testing was different then,they just let the cars burn rubber off the line and most they just guesstimated the top speed without testing them.
Remember road tests were done on gravel roads,parking lots and even drag strips were like side streets then,they had not track prep like today..Even look at pictures of the early 1990’s tracks were not like today,not sticky compounds like today,they looked just like a side street! Not dark and full of compounds like today!
I owned a 1970 Mercedes 6.3 back in 1992 and it wasn’t as quick as my Chrysler Newport Custom with a 6.3 (383) V8..The Chrysler out accelerated it,not sure of top speed I never tested it..I collected,bought and sold all types of cars since 1987..I just owned a Chrysler and Mercedes at the same time and owned several Chrysler/Dodge/Plymouths and those are a force to be reckoned with! The 383 4bbl was as tough as my Mercury with a 429 4bbl,I was a Ford guy back then but those Mopars were quick!