Modern Classic: Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3

The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 had a fuel injected V8 engine. Photos: Mercedes-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 was the German brand’s first saloon muscle car when it was launched in 1968. 

Now 43 years later, we have the AMG range offering delectables like the E63 and a long range of “63” vehicles.   

But the sports saloon wasn’t a defined category in 1968 and even more so for Mercedes-Benz that had dropped its attention on sports cars in general since the Gullwing and 300SL roadsters of the 1950’s.  

The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 had a top speed of 200kn/h.

In 1968, the 300SEL 6.3 W109 caused a commotion and deservedly so. Driving via a four-speed automatic its 6.3 Bosch fuel-injected V8 putting out 184kW of power and 500Nm of torque, with a 0-100km/h sprint of 6.6 seconds. It could accomplish the standard quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds and hit a 220km/h top speed.  

Ultra rare was a 6.8-litre engine fitted to three race cars and two test cars by AMG that took power up to 315kW and 610nM torque, with a 0-100km/h of 4.2 seconds and a top speed of 265km/h.  

One nicknamed “Red Pig” took out the second position in the 24 Hours of Spa in 1971 and this example still sits in the Mobilia Automotive Museum in Finland.  

The car was also loaded with goodies well ahead of its time including power windows, central locking, air suspension, air conditioning plus options like a power sunroof, writing tables, and an audiotape deck! 

The car was also loaded with goodies well ahead of its time including power windows.

Apparently, 6526 of the W109 were produced, which is twice the number of the top=end Mercedes-Benz 100 600 that were produced (2700 of them) where the 6.3-litre engine came from. 

The 300 SEL 6.3 was eventually replaced by the 450SEL 6.9 litre in 1975, although it lacked the drama and occasion of the original model.

Last year a beautiful New Zealand example was auctioned by Webb’s that went unsold but I am sure has now made its hands into a happy owner.  

This definitely one car I would put on my wish list if I had the garage space.  That is about to be taken by a new arrival which I am very proud to make the feature of next week’s Modern Classic.  

It’s arrival is unexpected but it is a long manifested arrival and one that I hope will be special not only for AutoMuse and the Jewel Box forming part of the Parihoa Garage, but also to New Zealand.