1971 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series

- Very Original 6.3 - Sedan

6.3L V8

Automatic

10901812004763

Clear

Gasoline

1971 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Two owners from new Very original example Rare factory black over red Here's a car that probably needs no introduction. Mercedes engineer Erich Waxenberger gets credit as the daydreamer who in 1966 pondered taking the M100 motor from the 600 limousine and wedging it into a stock 6 cylinder sedan. Most said it wouldn't fit. It did, but just barely. The result is the storied 6.3, which officially debuted at the Geneva Motor Show in 1968 and was an instant hit. This 300HP 2-ton monster was capable of 0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds and a top speed of 145mph, making it the world's fastest production sedan at that time. Roughly 6500 were built over a 4 year period, garnering universal accolades and wide celebrity ownership. Car and Driver wrote that "This automobile is the most stimulating, desirable 4-door sedan to appear since the Model J Duesenberg." Road & Track put it more succinctly, simply calling it "The greatest sedan in the world." This particular example was bought new in California on April 4th 1971 at the Mercedes dealership in Hollywood, right on Sunset Blvd. It came to Seattle with its 2nd owner in the late 70's and remained with him until this year. A well preserved example, the car wears mostly original paint and has an all original interior. There's a fair amount of patina to both, but the overall impression of the car is striking. 6.3's are special cars no matter which color, but there's something about black on red that really tips the scales. Click to enlarge any of the images below, OR click here to view a gallery of all of the enlarged images. The car's air suspension works correctly and stays up for weeks. Tires are new Hankook's in 205/75/14. Wheels are date coded 6.5x14 originals. The hubcaps are original and show some paint fading but no road rash. The passenger side quarter and driver's side fender have been repainted in the past, the remainder of the paint is original. It probably looks better in the photos than in person, expect to find a multitude of touched in chips and light scrapes. The good news is that the body is exceedingly straight, I've counted just 2 dings on the entire vehicle. Being black, the sightlines down the sides are laser straight and unbroken, it adds up to a very impressive presentation in spite of any paint flaws. The paint finish itself is still very nice, with good gloss and depth. Panel fit is perfect, the doors close like a vault. Headlamp assemblies and indicator lights are all in super condition but the rear lenses show some minor cracks. Neither bumper has ever been replated, they still show well but have some minor flaws. The remainder of the brightwork on the car is in excellent original condition, the only exception being some light pitting on the trunk lid handle. Most of the paint chips will be found on the nose, too numerous to count. The grill, emblem and star are all in terrific shape. All of the glass is original except for the windshield, it's a high quality Sigla replacement with "Made in Western Germany" branding. All of the glass is in outstanding condition with no chips, scratches or hard water spotting. The anodized window trim is in overall good condition with a few light scratches in spots. Original Bosch wiper arms and blade holders. Cowl vent filter is present. The trunk is solid and carries the factory jacking equipment but alas, no tool kit. The car comes with a large assortment of original manuals including three data cards. The interior is all original, from the headliner to the carpet. The 6.3's featured Roser leather, which has a look, feel, and smell all its own. Roser leather was surface dyed as opposed to vat dyed, so when it wears you see the original hide color showing through. The driver's side left bolster is showing evidence of this but I wouldn't dare have it replaced. Genuine Roser leather material haven't been available for over 20 years and the "replacements" available don't quite match. Above all, the aroma of a car with Roser leather can't be duplicated, and this car has that in spades. The seating in this interior is akin to settling into a favorite old chair with a cigar. And a glass of scotch. Back seat is in very nice condition. The car carries five sets of date coded Kangol seat belts. Dash top is mint with no cracks, the Zebrano wood accents in this car have held up beautifully. Headliner is tight from front to back. Door panels show some staining. Windows all work but the vacuum actuated door locks don't. All the car's weatherstripping is original and still doing its job. Most every accessory works correctly except for the clock and A/C system, which I haven't diagnosed. Gauges all show good readings, heater levers move freely and the fan actuates correctly on the top left slider. The radio has very good sound and the antenna raises and lowers in tandem with the radio power. Original windlacing throughout, all in great shape. Underdash area is undisturbed. Shifter gate plastic is intact, this '71 still has the preferred early style shifter knob. The carpet shows some discoloration is areas but the fidelity of the material itself is very sound. The car runs and drives with authority. Recently tuned, it produces ample power and will chirp the tires if called upon. The ride quality is first rate - solid, square and stable at speed - the very definition of an autobahn cruiser. The engine is matching numbers per the data card. Door jamb id plate shows a build date of 6 / 70. Be advised that the motor has an exhaust leak somewhere on the passenger side, very noticeable on startup, quiets down somewhat when the car reaches operating temperature. Very solid underneath with excellent floor pans and rockers, still showing remnants of the factory cosmoline treatment. Click here for a gallery of all of the enlarged images. About the reserve price: Out of fairness to all bidders the reserve is held in confidence, please just bid at the level you feel comfortable paying. This auction ends Monday June 29th at 10AM Pacific Time , 12 Noon Central , 1 PM Eastern, 5 PM GMT . About Payment: I will contact the winning bidder via email within 3 hours of auction completion. I would like a $500 deposit via paypal within 24 hours. Balance is due (bank check or bank wire transfer only) within 7 calendar days of auction end. The car will be securely garaged until pickup. About this auction: This auction process is a legally binding contract into which you enter when you click "confirm" on your bid. Please have finances in order before you decide to bid and please ask all questions before you decide to bid. Basically, please only bid if you are ready to purchase this car. Car is sold as-is with no warranties express or implied. Due to its age and 5 digit odometer the car is sold mileage exempt. License plate is not included. Any disputes regarding the sale of this vehicle shall be resolved through binding arbitration exclusively in Multnomah County, Oregon under applicable state laws. By bidding you agree to these terms. About me: Please check my feedback, I take customer satisfaction very seriously and am a licensed, bonded and insured dealer in the State of Oregon. I own this car outright and the pictures were taken last week. Clean and clear title. You and/or your representative are welcome and encouraged to inspect the car in person before the close of auction. I can be reached at 503-891-7702 between the hours of 9-5. Previously sold inventory is available to view at www.cascadiaclassic.com Post Auction details: The transport cost is the responsiblity of the winning bidder, although I'll be happy to help with logistics. I have a wholesale account with a shipping dispatch service and can help you find a reasonable rate. Overseas bidders may contact any of these international shippers for a quote: Schumacher Cargo CFR / Rinkens California Shipping Thanks for looking!