Despite its haggard condition, this 1967 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 still looks incredibly stately sitting on its deflated suspension with flat tires and faded paint. The seller notes it is a project that never got off the ground, and one that has some rust issues that will need to be addressed. The engine still runs, so you have that much going for you – but it’s not entirely surprising given the car’s reputation for being overbuilt when new. Given the odometer features kilometres instead of the typical miles that U.S. cars have, it seems likely this is a gray market example, which is absolutely worth restoring back to good health. Find it here on eBay with bids approaching $8,000 and the reserve unmet – and just a few hours left in the auction.
The 300SEL 6.3 is a benchmark of the Mercedes brand and its ability to produce highly reliable luxury cars that could pound interstates for years in complete comfort and quiet speed. The interiors were never what you’d call ornate, but they were well finished and extremely durable. Still, that hasn’t stopped the interior of this car from falling into disarray, with a cracked dash and seats that have had their leather upholstery destroyed by longtime sun exposure. The seller doesn’t provide any explanation for how it got so rough inside, but this kind of damage usually stems for being parked outdoors for years and rarely moving from what had to be a spot with zero shade.
The mighty 6.3 V8 is one of the most overbuilt engines ever dropped into a production sedan, and also had a reputation for delivering impressive straight-line speed – certainly the likes of which had not previously been seen in a mass-production vehicle capable of carrying five adults in total comfort. The seller notes his friend (the owner) has had the Mercedes transported to a local German automotive specialist and gotten the car to run using an external fuel source (figure that the tank is full of nasty old fuel and needs to be professionally drained and resealed), so at least the next owner has the comfort of knowing there’s a running engine under the hood. Still, the M100 is not exactly cheap to refurbish, and I’d still count on the installing the usual array of engine service parts before driving.
One of my favorite details about this tired Mercedes sedan is that it still wears its California blue plate, complete with vanity inscription. You have to be a codebreaker sometimes to determine what the meaning of the inscription is, but it’s still a cool feature nonetheless. These are prized collector’s items among Mercedes-Benz fans thanks to low production numbers and impressive performance, certainly a classic you can drive while keeping up with modern traffic. The seller notes some rust in the bottom of the doors, but doesn’t disclose any other major hotspots of corrosion. An expensive restoration, yes, but one that seems completely worth it.
An $8000 bid on this has to be the work of ol’ Sam, Sam Hill, otherwise known as S Hill!
It’s a complicated and expensive mess. But If you want to own a supreme example of what Mercedes genious can do, this is it. Another one for Mercedes Classiche in Whittier California. Let them do it. Have deep pockets. Keep it for the rest of your life. There are few cars finer than this.
It is always incredibly sad to me when a car as well built and engineered as this is allowed to fall into this state of decay. I understand when it is a rusty, rotted Yugo left behind the barn as a chicken coup. But not this.
Those crafty Germans build some strong stuff. Best thing to do ? Check the oil, attach a can of gas to rail, new battery & fire it up ! The rest is flipper talk.
I remember working on one of these when I was a kid, our family doctor had one, around 1973 or so, took it out to road test it and scared the crap out of myself ! Might as well have been a big block hot rod Chevelle or something- awesome car, very expensive to fix now unfortunately, maybe I’ll win the lottery !😀
Sold with a high bid of $8,601.
Steve R
I wonder which parts the buyer is hoping to reuse.
My son salvaged a fully depreciated, junked, 1979 450 SEL 6.9 liter while in high school. It was really cheap.
He got it running well and fixed the pneumatic leaks and drove it to school every day. He started getting hassled by a kid with a new Monte Carlo about driving such an old piece of crap. He added some politically incorrect descriptors as well. My son finally asked the kid to show him the Monte Carlo. It was a V-6! The kid added it would go over 100 mph. My son opened the hood on the 6.9 and it is wall to wall engine. He explained the 12 quart dry sump oil system was to keep it from losing lubrication during high speed maneuvers. The killer was when he asked the kid to look at the speedometer. My son casually added that although the speedometer went to 160 mph the car tops out at little over 140 mph. The kid never bothered him again!
There were no ’67s, the car introduced in March of ’68.
Hopefully the new owner doesn’t have delusions of restoration.
From the Mercedes Benz museum.
In 1966 company engineer Erich Waxenberger transplanted a massive 6.3 L Mercedes-Benz M100 V8 from the company’s flagship 600 (W100) into a W109 chassis, creating the first Q-car from Mercedes-Benz. Full-scale production of 300 SEL 6.3 began in December 1967. 300 SEL 6.3 could reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in 6.5 seconds and the top speed of 220 km/h (137 mph), making it the quickest production sedan, a title it held for many years.
Horrifically expensive parts, many unobtainable even through Mercedes classic. Have a 300SE cab five speed in the shop now, and it’s been a huge pain tracking stuff down.
This will likely be parted out.
This thing would beat up my savings account like a high school bully beating up on a 98 lb. weakling. But glad somebody has the money. I’d be a little concerned if they never made a 1967 model though.
The gaping maw where the grille should be will make it much easier for this car to suck up all your money and then some.
The buyer will be WAY north of $100,000 if the car is actually restored to proper condition. But what a car he will have.
And that’s if he’s doing it himself…writing cheque’s he’ll be into it three fold plus.
You can tell that it’s a ’68 model by the side marker lights mandated for all vehicles in 1968, and beyond.
You can tell that it’s a ’68 model by the side marker lights mandated for all vehicles in 1968, and beyond.