1970 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3

Description

Think muscle cars are only an American tradition? Mercedes-Benz created one back in 1968, in their own very Teutonic way, a performance sedan capable of outrunning contemporary Ferraris and Porsches. The 300 SEL 6.3 sedan was developed in secret by lead engineer Erich Waxenberger. It combined the best attributes of the luxurious 300 SEL grand touring sedan with the 6.3-liter V8 and transmission of the imposing 600 “Grosser” to create a conservatively styled automobile that concealed its remarkable performance. 

Built from 1968 to 1972, the 300 SEL 6.3 boasted cutting-edge engineering features such as air suspension with automatic level control, a four-speed automatic transmission, power steering, dual-circuit ventilated power disc brakes on all four wheels, air conditioning, power windows, and a host of other amenities beneath its unassuming exterior. Despite its outward resemblance to other Mercedes-Benz models, it was under the hood and in its trunk badging where the true essence of the 6.3 mystique lay— the mighty “M100” V8 engine with mechanical fuel injection. In a display of true muscle, Auto, Motor und Sport magazine in Germany recorded 0–100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.5 seconds. Not surprisingly, just 6,526 of these exclusive machines were built during the model’s lifetime. 

Highlights 

• Powered by the legendary 6.3-liter “M100” V8 engine with mechanical fuel injection rated at 250 net horsepower at 4,000 rpm  

• Four-speed automatic transmission 

• Finished in Papyrus White (717) with color-keyed wheel covers  

• Quartz (245) Leather interior 

• A well-optioned example with air conditioning  

• Upgraded A/C compressor to more modern rotary style Sanden unit that uses R134 refrigerant  

Features 

• Recent maintenance and updates include: 

  • All soft fuel lines, rear and engine bay, replaced 

  • Fuel pressure damper rebuilt 

  • Fuel filter, replaced 

  • Transmission shift linkage bushings, replaced 

  • Air suspension compressor air filter (replaced), soft lines (replaced) and housing, rebuilt 

  • Air suspension anti-freeze unit, rebuilt with new check valves 

  • Level control valves, rebuilt 

  • Heater lever controls, rebuilt 

  • Under hood freshly painted 

  • Clock, restored 

  • Coolant, coolant hoses, heater hoses, thermostat – replaced 

  • Front subframe mounts, replaced 

  • Rear axle boot, replaced 

  • Tires replaced (2020) 

  • High pressure power steering line, replaced 

  • Fluids changed regularly 

  • Lubrication regularly 

  • Air bellows replaced, air tanks and cones restored 

  • Front flex disk, replaced 

  • Water pump, replaced 

  • Electric fan, replaced 

  • Electric fuel pump, replaced 

  • Points, plugs, wires, and ignition coil, replaced 

  • Timing chain, replaced 

  • Air suspension compressor, rebuilt 

  • Radiator, cleaned and painted (can’t recall if a new core was used) 

  • Center link, sway bar bushings and tie rod end, replaced 

  • Valves adjusted as needed 

  • Retractable seat belts added, original Kangol belts included 

  • Window regulator FR, replaced 

  • Vent window rubber and window run channel FR, replaced 

• Aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/CD 

Known Imperfections 

• A/C inoperable as the compressor needs to be replaced 

• The fanfare horn option is present, and the horns themselves are good, but the switch to change the horn tones does not engage to change the tone 

• The original two-tone carpet shows well but has a tear or two in it.  

• The headliner has a small tear 

• Minor oil and transmission leaks 

• The body line side molding has some dents and worn rubber areas 

Included 

• Keys 

• Owner’s manual 

• Trunk lug nut wrench 

• Spare parts including: 

• Original York AC compressor 

• Original electric fan 

• Original electric fuel pump 

• OEM window run channel 

• OEM window felts 

• Older set of belts 

• Electric window switch set, front console only 

• Spare headlight bezel 

• New fan clutch 

• Original Kangol seat belts 

• Cad plated ignition coil bracket 

• Cad plated exhaust bracket 

• Wiper blade inserts 

• Spare bulbs and fuses 

• Spare suspension O-rings 

Ownership History 

The consignor of the 1970 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 stated, “I have owned it over 20 years, it is a true driver as I've driven it across country several times without fail. It was purchased from a well-respected painter in Denver who had painted the car once before my ownership. The wood had also been refinished at that time. The car had been maintained by former STAR Magazine Tech Editor and shop owner Stu Ritter of Denver.”