1969 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 had the essence of a hot rod, bankers hotrod, muscle car, or 'sleeper car', birthed from company engineer Erich Waxenberger's vision of shoe-horning the large and powerful 6.3-liter M100 V8 from the 600 saloon into the engine bay of the 6-cylinder 300 SEL W109 model. The prototype was well-received by Mercedes-Benz management, including chief Mercedes engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut who was impressed by the performance and the fact that it could fit in the confines of the smaller engine bay.

In March of 1968, the prototype had evolved into a production model and was on display at the Geneva Motor Show. Production continued through 1972, with 6,526 examples built. It came powered by a 6,332cc single overhead camshaft V8 engine with Bosch D-Jetronic Fuel Injection delivering 330 horsepower at 4,000 RPM. Power was sent to the rear wheels via a fluid coupling and four-speed automatic transmission. It had four-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes, power steering, and an independent suspension with pneumatic springs. It introduced new generation styling but retained the sophistication and exclusivity of the 600.

Optional equipment included air conditioning, writing tables, reading lamps, rear window curtains, power sunroof, and audiotape deck.

Zero-to-sixty mph was accomplished in 6.6 seconds, and top speed was achieved at 220 km/h. The 300 SEL was capable of performing the standing quarter-mile in a mere 14.2 seconds.

by Daniel Vaughan | Sep 2020