<![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons - Jalopnik Comments]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Stay tuned, I have a 1970 W108 with a new crossmember, motor mounts, tubular A-arms, coilovers and R&P ready to stuff in a Chevy LT1 and 5 spd. This is not a pipe dream car that people have bs'd about over the years. Fatman Fabrications in Charlotte did the front end and it comes back from getting sheet metal repairs this week. Email for updates over the next few months: barqsnut@aol.com

daverichey

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @wheels OF satan!: That's torque, not necessarily performance.

You're thinking of the 450SEL 6.9, which Claude Lelouch used to film C'était un rendez-vous.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> come on....
"outrageous in 1967. "!!

my neighbor had some behemoth 440 chrysler station wagon that would smoke the tires all the way up to 60 mph!
0-60 in 6.5sec?
that was NOT fast in 1967...

BTW, this was the car ...that the film was made... the french one...
where the guy runs across paris in the time it takes a 16mm reel to run through... shit, i am not thinking today...

wheels OF satan!

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I grew up riding around in the back of a white '70 280 SE. It had no headrests or seatbelts but had a red leather interior and a massive white steering wheel.
In those days there was no child restraints and I liked to sleep on the rear parcel shelf. It also had airconditioning and central locking which was suitably luxury for the time. Even from a young age I was acutely aware that this was a wickedly good car - far and above anything that my friends' parents' had.

Sadly (and Happily) it has condemned me to a life of lusting after and buying German lux-mobiles. However, my modern BMW just doesn't have that milled-from-granite feel of that old Benz. I'd love to restor one with a modern drivetrain and drive round with a hipper-than-thou expression.

If you need proof of how tough these old benzes are, watch the James Bond movie Octopussy, where one survives a collision with a fricken train.


brc

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @squablow: Euro-spec 6.3s had dual round headlights--though with more powerful bulbs than the American sealed-beam models-- to differentiate them from lesser models. Many American owners, however, have replaced them with the sleeker Euro lights for the same reason. You can't have your 140 MPH uber-sedan looking just like Aunt Mildred's 250s.

Armand Bengle

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Ronnie Wood has one in Ireland, his is a 1970 version :]

And I learned that from Top Gear because he was on Season 10 Episode 3 doing the "Star in a reasonably priced car"

skulldriveshaft

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Great car, but why did they leave the retarded US-spec sealed beam conversions in it? These things are way better looking with the glass covered headlights in them. I'd also replace the orange signal lights up front with a pair of driving lights from a w115.

Make mine all black and I'll be set.

squablow

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @Armand4: Hmm...

@Beelzebubba: It makes me sad too. At least there are still plenty of the older ones around, since they were designed to outlast the Sun.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> It's sad that this car strikes such a sharp contrast to the Mazda-wannabe hatchback "Mercedes" that was featured on this site a couple of weeks ago.

When I was a kid in the 70's I thought of a Mercedes as being as solid as a Panzer and as fast as a Messerschmitt, and I wanted nothing more than to own one someday.

Well "someday" is here, and a "Mercedes" isn't a Mercedes anymore. And it bums me out.

Beelzebubba

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @Euromobile: You know, if you want to build a hot rod, the American-spec W108/109 4.5 liter motors had low compression and are small enough externally that you'll probably be able to fit a turbo on either side of the motor...

Armand Bengle

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I would never do it with a real 6.3 unless it had already been messed around with, but I've got a bizarre urge to hotrod a W109 along the lines of the AMG 300 SEL 'Red Pig'.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> my boss has one that i have driven on a number of occasions. you're not living till you've blown past a modern v8 in a 30 yo solid steel sled. long live the 6.3!

iolithblue

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Definitely NOT found in a field.

I was looking for an ancient Mercedes back in, oh, the late 70s and the people who had these 60's babies just would not part with them. Finding one for sale was impossible, at least in the relatively boondock location I was in.

Also, those old Benzes were one of the best parts of The Exorcist. Perfectly at home in the ritziest of Georgetown neighborhoods, completely different from the US hulks rolling around.

NovaloadMissesPolar

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @BMWFANATIC: Unfortunately for dragons, the tailpipe tip of the 6.3 is the same as the one on the garden-variety 280s: a single muffler with two chrome tips about two inches across. Someday, when I have one, it'll have a full dual exhaust with Cherry Bombs.
Only kidding. Maybe.

Incidentally, I know a guy who used to manage European Motors, the San Francisco M-B dealership, in the late '60s. He said that these things idled as quietly as any luxury car of the era, and were perfectly docile at low speeds, but when you stepped on the gas that massive motor (384 cubic inches!) would send the car forth on a tsunami of torque. It was unbelievably fast--not "unbelievable" in the sense that a new 'Vette ZR1 is unbelievably fast, but in the sense that nobody who saw the car would assume it was anything more than an everyday luxury sedan. Legend has it that these cars surprised many a Corvette Stingray, Jaguar E-type and Ferrari 330GT.

Armand Bengle

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> There are not one but TWO of these beasts for sale at a local repair shop near where I work in Salisbury, Conn. I think they are asking for something around 6k each.

Jimal

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> A hu ahub a hubba hub hub.

13thfloorelevator

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I love my '72 280SE 4.5, but this is The Bomb.

Just think, that motor's powerful enough to push THAT GRILLE through the air at 140 mph.

The last REAL Mercedes.

Zarba

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> If there is a heaven and I somehow manage to get in, this is the car I will drive.

Brian B

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @mechimike: Everything I've ever read about the 6.9 has said that it was a 3-speed. I don't know.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Actually, the 6.9 was a 4 speed close ratio box. Just like the 240D and 300D slushboxes.

And the Eurospec 6.9's are on my "WANT" list, but so are these 6.3s. An MB with American Cu Inches. Wow.

(but don't want to mess with the timing belt!)

mechimike

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Love this car ... the current CL/E/ML/S63 cars pay homage to the old 6.3 cause they're technically 6.2L. Although the later 6.9 was the same M100 engine bored out even more, the earlier 6.3 had a 4-speed automatic (compared to the 3-speed in the 6.9) and had the same 250hp or so that we got in our US-spec 6.9s. And the 6.3 was lighter, too - so it was faster.

Eric Lai

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I love 108/109 Benzs! After driving newer cars, mostly BMWs, for years - I went on a mad 108/109 buying spree. They are just so solidly made, beautifully detailed and I love that they are full of quirks (swing axles anyone) yet drive like modern cars. While I don't own a 6.3, I have 3 six cylinder cars, and a rare (~20 made) 300sel w/3.5L V8 and 4 speed manual. I have driven 6.3s before - they are Saweet!

rapgomi

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I love it.

944turb0

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> That's a beautiful machine. I think UDman nailed it.

Euromobile

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Subtract me from the list of those who would prefer a 6.9. Did we punt the "German Dodge" from the JFG?

I'm 6.3 all the way.

This is Wax'l's baby, but this is what Rudolf Uhlenhaut always imagined a Merc could be.

The 6.3 is a clapdoor Continental. The 6.9 is a Town Car with a half-vinyl roof.

thatguy01

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> This very car was at the otherwise pathetic San Diego show - my dad didn't understand why I was drooling over it so. To make matters worse my digital camera's battery had just died so I was forced to try to take shots with a camera phone :(

Reasons I miss Chicago - food, food, food, culture, autoshow.

bugattatra

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> That's hot! I'll take 2!

RawAutos

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> if it's going to turn any of us into dragons we're going to need a better picture of that tailpipe.

bmwfanatic

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I'd rather have this 6.3 than any current model Mercedes-Benz. Maybe the MB senior managers should spend some more time with this car so they can figure out what the current cars lack. But then these are the same people who think that Mercedes should be more 'approachable' so they probably wouldn't appreciate how beautifly engineered the 6.3 is.

Acd

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> For the record, that's $310,730.52 in '07 money.

And... it's... stunning. I actually gasped "oh my god" when I saw it(Which solicited a weird look from the guy next to me)

Finally... A fast Mercedes which Britney Spears would neither want, drive, or understand! And for that matter, abandon in the middle of an intersection.

AustinMiniMan

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I miss the old Mercedes-Benz.

ApolloV

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Yeah, this is why my W126 is so appealing. It's the 4.2, so it's a little pokey, and I have to be content with 17 MPG in the city, but gimme some lottery winnins, and I'll have an ultra-tweaked AMG in there.

I'd not do any body work (doesn't need any), paint (the random door ding and rock chip add to the mystique), just enough go hunt the last-gen Z06. I love a nice sleeper.

Kelly

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I know retro's in right now, but this is getting out of hand...

And yes, so very hot, so prototypical Benz.

Maymar - now with 37% less anonymity

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Wow, you have found the best looking and best designed car at the entire auto show.

Triborough

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Oh and in 1970 the cost was slightly more than 10K

chasensteele

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> My father has a 1970 version of this same car. I remember the MB Fatcory Rep out of NJ calling it the "Popes Car". When questioned why he said "only the pope could afford to keep it repaired".

It was not a good car for a Dr. in the North East as in winter months it took forever for the Air SUspension to pump up and for the white light to appear to let you know it was ok to drive.

Other than that at 160MPH driven by a MB Rep. it was better than any thrill ride!!!!!

chasensteele

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> If I may quote the venerable Ms. Posh Spice: this is so MAJOR!

m3_of_doom

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Needs a HASLHOF license plate.

If my wife outlasts her Jag, this will be her next car...but with the SMALL motor.

lemondriver

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> ohhh. ooooooooohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh. want.

pferde_schwanz

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> The ultimate proper car. Sorry, Rolls.

brandegee

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> This monster reeks of class. The only thing better was their Pullman.

goatrope

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Awesome.

I love the W108/W109. They're gorgeous cars, and the 6.3 is just an amazing machine, even 40 years later.

Paul Y. -- Now With More Sodium!

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> The 6.3 deserves a permanent spot in your Fantasy Garage.

Gearhead's Garage

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Classic, Understated, Powerful, Hushed, Mesmerizing, Elegant, and Beautiful. What else can be said about this gorgeous Benz?

UDMan

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> @reefer: Not to worry, the rugrats are over at the DUB booth...

zweirad

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> And I used to think ford 5.0 volvos were sleepers.

mzs

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> And 16 mpg, despite all the weight. Woo hooo!!!!

TPSreports

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Where is the armed guard so the snot nosed kids and other delinquents at the auto show don't tear this thing to pieces.

reefer

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I heart old Benzes. I'd have one of these in a second; nothing says class and style like a unique old car.

Who am I kidding, to the hoi polloi will just see this as an old car, and me as some weirdo who is too dumb to just buy an SUV or crossover like everyone else.

I don't care. As a dragon, I have discerning, if different, tastes.

Bret

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Best. Merc. Ever.

The only thing I'd like more than a 6.3, would be a clone of the "Red Pig".

[www.conceptcarz.com],10498,0,0/1969_Mercedes-Benz_300_SEL_Photo.aspx

[www.conceptcarz.com],10498,0,0/photo.aspx

Scroggzilla Raids Again!

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> $55K in 1968? That's like...a zillion dollars today! (give or take a jillion).

Skydiver

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I'd feel safer in this than in any of those armored vehicles you've shown.

POLAЯBEEЯ

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Hey the air-suspension is working on that one!

j6r

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Man, I've gotta settle for the "Motor Trend International Auto Show in Baltimore" this weekend. You just know there will be nothing this interesting there.

SwatLax

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> Nice.

jbarrow

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> That would be a sweet classy ride to cruise around in. It definately the predecessor to the AMG S-Class.

dbol1977

]]> <![CDATA[Chicago Auto Show: 1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3 Turns Us Into Dragons]]> I'd hit that.

arowsell

]]>