In a time when American muscle cars ruled the road and big displacement meant big power numbers, the Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 may have been the ultimate sleeper. Crowned the fastest sedan in the world at the time, the M100 powered W109 was everything car guys wanted out of what was then the current Mercedes S Class. Zero to sixty miles per hour took a seemingly instant 6.5 seconds and in 30 seconds the four-thousand pound sedan could propel itself to a top speed of 136 mph. This specific 1970 300SEL 6.3 has been submitted to us by one of our followers who also happens to be the seller. It can be found listed here on eBay for $49,000 and is offered with 59k documented miles on the clock.
Finished in its original DB 050 White, this 300SEL 6.3 is a true survivor that appears to have been lovingly kept and driven over the last 50 years. The seller notes a couple small touch ups are barely visible across the body and the paint is all original and nicely cared for. The body panels appear straight and original in the listing photos and the chrome displays equally as well. Even the glass is noted to be original and flawless by the seller. To emphasize how clean this 6.3 truly is, take a look at the undercarriage. The underside and wheel wells have benefitted from a thorough steam cleaning and it really shows in the photos.
Step inside this 6.3 and the cleanliness trends continue. Our eyes are immediately drawn to the nearly flawless wood trim stretched across the dashboard accented by the glistening chrome of the switchgear, shift surround, and instruments. The ivory shift knob and steering wheel offer a pleasantly stark contrast amidst the black interior. The dashboard appears well kept with no cracks or shrinking and all interior lights are reportedly working by the seller. Nicely placed under the dash is a fully functional BEHR air conditioning unit which immediately tempts us to consider this 6.3 a true second driver for any enthusiast.
Since 1970, two owners have meticulously maintained and cared for this W109, in fact, the second owner bought it in 1975 and had the car routinely serviced with their local Mercedes dealer. In the last year the car has received the following maintenance: A full engine service including all new ignition wires, spark plugs, oil, filters, all new belts, all new fluids (including the mechanical injection pump service and power steering flush/service). A complete brake refresh has also been completed including rotors, calipers, pads, and lines along with all new OEM air-suspension bags (bellows) and a rear valve replacement. Given all this work, this must be one of the best running 6.3’s currently on the market.
Considering Steve McQueen’s 6.3 is currently listed for $319,000 in what we would hope is similar condition, this white car strikes us as a stellar deal and we can’t imagine a time when this car will be worth less than the $49,000 asking price given the provenance, extensive records, and largely original condition. The seller offers more than 140 additional photos upon request. These M100 powered 300SEL’s were truly one of the most special production cars from Mercedes and will always be regarded as a marque icon.
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