1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 – M100 V8 | Restored Systems | Papyrus White | Euro Muscle Icon

THIS… is a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, finished in classic Papyrus White (717) over a Quartz (245) leather interior, and powered by the legendary M100 6.3-liter V8—the same engine found in the opulent 600 “Grosser.”

Widely regarded as one of the world’s first true Euro muscle sedans, the 6.3 was developed by Erich Waxenberger in a skunkworks-style initiative at Mercedes-Benz. The result? A subtly styled, luxury four-door capable of shocking Ferraris and Porsches in period tests — 0–100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds.

This well-maintained and thoughtfully updated example retains its factory character while benefiting from extensive servicing and modern enhancements, including an upgraded A/C system and fully overhauled air suspension. With just 6,526 examples built from 1968 to 1972, the 300 SEL 6.3 remains an incredibly rare and desirable icon.

🔧 Powertrain & Performance:

6.3-liter M100 V8 with mechanical fuel injection

Rated at 250 net horsepower @ 4,000 rpm

4-speed automatic transmission

Dual exhaust

Factory air suspension with automatic level control

Power-assisted four-wheel disc brakes

Power steering

🛠 Recent Mechanical Updates & Service Highlights:

This example benefits from extensive recent service aimed at ensuring long-term reliability and drivability:

Air suspension: compressor rebuilt, air filter and soft lines replaced, tanks and cones restored, air bellows replaced, level control valves rebuilt, anti-freeze unit rebuilt

Cooling system: new coolant hoses, heater hoses, thermostat, and water pump

Fuel system: soft fuel lines replaced, fuel pressure damper rebuilt, fuel filter replaced, electric fuel pump replaced

Ignition system: new points, plugs, wires, and ignition coil

Suspension & steering: sway bar bushings, center link, tie rod end, front subframe mounts replaced

Timing chain replaced, valves adjusted as needed

Transmission bushings and front flex disc replaced

High-pressure power steering line replaced

Radiator cleaned and painted

Electric cooling fan added

Retractable seat belts added (original Kangol belts included)

🧊 Interior & Features:

Quartz leather upholstery in excellent condition

Modern Sanden rotary-style A/C compressor with R134 refrigerant

Aftermarket Kenwood AM/FM/CD head unit

Power windows

Fully functioning heater controls (rebuild documented)

Restored clock

Replaced front window regulator and vent window rubber

Color-keyed wheel covers

Cleanly painted under-hood area

🛞 Wheels & Tires:

Factory-style steel wheels with color-matched hubcaps

Modern radial tires (replaced in 2020) for improved drivability