The Mercedes-Benz 300SEL started its life as a private venture in 1966 by company engineer Erich Waxenberger. His goal was to take the powerful 6.3L M100 V8 engine from the massive Mercedes-Benz 600 saloon and limousine and fit it into the engine bay of the top-end 6-cylinder 300SEL W109 model. This resulted in a prototype boasting an impressive level of performance for the time, a nearly two-ton luxury sports sedan with muscle car power - the fastest sedan in the world for several years.

Following on from the strong reception of the limited production 300SEL 6.3, Mercedes-Benz offered an all-new 3.5L M116 V8 engine with new Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection in 1969. The car was offered with a 4-speed automatic transmission with fluid coupling.

In addition to its excellent performance, the 300SEL was incredibly luxurious for the time, equipped with features including air-suspension, ventilated 4-wheel power disc brakes, power windows, central locking and power steering. Optional features included air conditioning, a power sunroof, an audio tape deck, rear window curtains and writing tables and reading lamps.

AMG today is the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, but back then was a small local tuning workshop founded by two former Mercedes engineers. They modified a makeshift variant of the 300SEL to compete in racing events. The vehicle was nicknamed “Red Sow” and finished second in the ’24 Hours of Spa’ endurance racing event in 1971. At the end of its racing career, the car was sold to the French company ‘Matra’, which used the vehicle for tests of jet-fighter landing gear.

THE CAR

Delivered to Australia in Sydney on the 22^nd of October in 1970, this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 3.5 is in fantastic condition with only 66,082 kms on the clock.

She is finished in stunning White (paint code 050) which stands out beautifully against the gleaming chrome trim, badging and front grille.

The interior of this car is immaculate - featuring brand new mint condition leather seats, tasteful olive carpeting throughout and a burled walnut dash, along with wood-grain trim along the door cards.

Built as a luxury vehicle for 1970, the car is equipped with power steering, power windows, central locking and factory air-conditioning. An aftermarket Alpine head unit has been installed with Bluetooth functionality.

Mechanically, the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel-injected 3.5L V8 engine is strong and puts power to the road via a four-speed automatic transmission with fluid coupling. She boasts a smooth ride thanks to self-levelling air suspension and 4-wheel power-assisted disc brakes for stopping power.

This car has been registered in NSW, VIC and is currently on historic registration in SA. The original owner’s manual and documentation are supplied with purchase.