Estimated Price: £60,000 - £70,000

Few performance saloons of the period carry the same presence as the 300 SEL 6.3. Introduced in March 1968, it combined the 6.3-litre M100 V8 and automatic transmission from the mighty Mercedes-Benz 600 with the more discreet W109 saloon body, creating one of the fastest production four-door cars of its era. Mercedes-Benz recorded output at 250hp, and period performance figures helped cement the model’s reputation as a true autobahn express.

This, right-hand drive example is described as one of only 712 produced in that configuration worldwide and is believed to be among a very small number currently registered for road use in the UK. More importantly, it has clearly benefited from long-term care, with just four owners from new and an impressively detailed history file supporting its provenance and maintenance.

Accompanying the car is a substantial file containing invoices, correspondence and letters of provenance, all helping to build a clear picture of a cherished and well documented example. Our vendor acquired the car in 2017, and the history file includes invoices from that point onwards, together with more recent expenditure aimed at maintaining the car in the manner to which it has evidently long been accustomed. Although used only sparingly in recent years, it is understood to be a turn-key example.

Of particular interest is the specification, which includes a single rear headrest. We understand this was requested by the original owner, whether for the comfort of an elderly passenger or simply to aid rearward visibility. It is an unusual detail and one that adds further character to an already distinctive motor car.

Also included is a folder of restoration photographs from earlier in the car’s life, along with handbooks and various period and later magazine articles celebrating the 300 SEL 6.3 and the impact it made when new. Launched in 1968 and built in 6,526 examples overall, the model remains one of the great Q-cars of the era and an important chapter in Mercedes-Benz performance history.