1972 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 Sports Saloon
Chassis no. 10918-12-003411

'The greatest sedan in the world,' according to Road & Track, and few would disagree with the authoritative American motoring magazine's assessment of what in its day was the last word in high-speed opulence: the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3. First shown at Frankfurt in 1965, the 'S' Class Mercedes range, designed by Paul Bracq, was outwardly distinguished from preceding models by a new sleeker bodyshell with lower roof and waistline as well as increased glass area. Joining the range for 1968 was the 300SEL 6.3, created by installing the powerful 6,332cc overhead-camshaft V8 of the leviathan 600 limousine in the long-wheelbase 300 saloon, while other refinements included the 600's air suspension and power-operated brakes. Automatic transmission was standard equipment. According to The Motor: 'The rich smell of expensive cow hide and firm but shapely seats welcome you aboard. The door shuts with a muffled donk, like that of a railway carriage in an acoustic chamber, and suddenly the outer world is remote and strangely silent.' A superbly appointed luxury conveyance endowed with sports car performance, the 300SEL 6.3 could attain 60mph in around seven seconds and had a top speed approaching 140mph. Autocar commented: 'The tremendous superiority in handling is the key to what makes the 6.3 Mercedes such an exciting vehicle, and so essentially a driver's car. The responsiveness of all its controls makes it a delight to drive.' It is not at all surprising that the 300SEL 6.3 was such a favourite with racing drivers of its era. They would have been among the relatively few individuals wealthy enough to afford it, for with a price of £8,200 in the UK, which included a radio and air conditioning – both 'extras', it cost more than Ferrari's fabulous 365GTB/4 'Daytona' sports car. Finished in anthracite metallic, this left-hand drive example benefits from a new beige leather interior and features the desirable option of a factory-fitted sliding steel sunroof. Described by the vendor as in generally good condition, the car is offered from an exclusive Italian private collection and comes with Italian registration papers.