Promising Project: 300 SEL 6.3

1971 Mercedes-Benz 300-Series Additional Info:

Up for auction is a 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. This particular car is in finished in its original color of 350 medium blue with parchment leather. Current mileage is listed at 37,250. We would assume the odometer has rolled over and that this is 137,250 miles.

Recent work includes the following: Check underhood fluid levels and top off as needed. Change engine oil and filter. Lubricate hinges and latches. Check all exterior lighting. Replace fuel feed hose from tank to fuel pump and hoses at the lower firewall. Replace fuel filter. Replace spark plugs and resistor as needed. Clean, lubricate, and adjust throttle linkage. Set fuel mixture (high and low). Replace exhaust hangers as needed. Assemble interior and exterior trim with what parts are available.

Items noted during service: Fuel tank is dented at the bottom. Inner frame rails are dented from improper jacking/lift usage. Front inner rocker panels have rust. Right side rocker panel has dents. Front bumper support is damaged. Front airbags have dry-rot cracks. Engine leaks oil at the rear main and left side headgasket. Blower motor is operational. Left side upper heater control lever is functional but not factory. The turn signals do not always work. The transmission cross-member is incorrect. The transmission kick-down is inoperative.

Items noted as missing (but not limited to): Underdash A/C unit, ash tray, glove box wood, left and right door sill chrome strips, four door panels, left and right trim at the base of the windshield, left side rear window trim, screws for the console, seat belt assemblies, carpet set, and I’m sure a multitude of interior wood trim pieces.

Cosmetics: Overall, the car presents as a solid foundation for a rolling restoration project. The paint is poor to fair but would shine up nicely with some thoughtful detailing. All glass is present and in good condition. Headlight lenses are clear and free of cracks. Exterior chrome ranges from fair to good. The interior is the biggest let down. Unfortunately, much of the interior is missing. A carpet set, lower dash panel, and door cards would get most of the interior back together and put the car solidly into driver status. Someone with access to a parts car could take this a long way. I have done my best to photograph the vehicle as well as what parts are supplied with the car. It will be up to you to determine what is and isn’t present.

Mechanicals: The car is a strong runner. It starts up immediately and idles smoothly. Engine acceleration is very strong, turning the rear wheels over from a stop as well as when hitting second gear. The car shifts well. The brakes pull the car down quickly with no pull. The car does not run hot. The engine bay is tidy and presents as factory correct. Underneath, the exhaust system is factory and appears to be in good condition. While the airbags for the front suspension have dry-rot, the system is fully functional. The air suspension will hold for a week before really noticeably starting to drop.

Accessories: Windows, sunroof, and vacuum door locks work well. The blower motor for the heater is functional. We are unable to evaluate the A/C due to the missing underdash assembly. Of note, the vehicle is fitted with auxiliary driving light and has Hella H4 headlights installed.

Overall, this vehicle represents a great opportunity to gain access to an iconic Mercedes-Benz at a reasonable price. The vehicle is certainly not without its needs but allows the new owner to make improvements as they go, rather than being forced to restore the car entirely or paying big money for what has become a rather valuable car. Additionally, the great color combination, late year of manufacture, and factory sunroof are all great attributes.

A note to bidders: Please be aware that I will not answer questions about my reserve or what parts are missing. I’ve done my best to photograph what is present and alert you to what is not there. I can assist in vehicle shipping but payment and vehicle ownership must be transferred prior to shipment. Finally, you are bidding to own this vehicle, not inspect it. Please make sure any and all questions have been answered satisfactorily prior to your bids. Bidders with ‘0’ or negative feedback must contact me prior to placing a bid or your bid will be cancelled.

Good luck!