![\"Mercedes,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/uJeWGnI26fvkruYBr6cnxbL5rE825iS1xKuIDJHP-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nWhat is it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nThe 300 SEL, or W109, needs little introduction. Debuting in ’65 it was Mercedes’ flagship model. Designed by Paul Bracq it was a step in the sleeker direction by the German firm and marked a bit of a departure from its earlier models. The fins of cars gone by were replaced with a lower, cleaner aesthetic. Refined and powerful enough whatever engine was optioned (various six and eight-cylinder motors were available) the 300 SEL was and still is a truly capable car.<\/p>\n
It may not be everyone’s first choice when it comes to a track weapon but the concept of a race-prepped 300 SEL had already been well and truly proven way back in 1971 when a fledgling AMG breathed on a production model and subsequently entered it into the 24 Hours of Spa. History was made that day when the car, nicknamed the ‘Red Pig’, not only won its class but finished second overall too. No mean feat in a car typically associated with wafting rather than whizzing and it helped AMG cement itself as a serious player in the tuning world.<\/p>\n
![\"Mercedes,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/4G11VitV8GyfUYVHQUdVksVIJgI2SGEE5Bb5RrQg-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nThe car we have available here<\/a>, it would seem, is destined for similar glory. Imported from America with the intention of turning it into a Red Pig replica racecar it is fitted with a full roll cage and the larger 6.3-litre V8. A perfect candidate then, but what is required to transform this particular 300 SEL into a race-winning hog?<\/p>\nWhy is it a project?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\nWell, it hasn’t run in a while, which is generally pretty prohibitive as far as scooping up silverware goes. It’s also pretty dowdy looking, including some corrosion to the arches. It has been partially stripped, however, which saves you time and effort and everything required is included in the sale apparently. Much of the interior trim has been removed too, but again it saves you a job and everything except the seats and carpets will come with the car. Carpets aren’t necessary anyway and a proper race seat with harness will be required so it’s no big deal, unless you plan on restoring the car to original spec, which, while perfectly acceptable, wouldn’t be the route we would take.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/1MRbTozlSv6SAD4Eq4eOYLUqEBPax50HQgsDFDGF-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\nFive things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n1) Engine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nThe first port of call would be to assess the condition of the 6.3-litre V8. It’s a hardy unit but does require maintenance. On top of all of the usual checks make sure the timing chain has been replaced regularly (every 50,000 miles generally speaking) as they can be prone to stretching, causing damage to the valve train so listen for rattles from the chain and tensioner. If it has been sitting for a while make sure all of the fuel lines and other degradable items are not completely shot.<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/1jzcItwnK1xNtkmFs8q8Y43nOOrhWo36POYZ410G-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2) Chassis and body<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIf you do choose to go full rouge pork with this car<\/a> then you’ll want to strip and repaint it in the classic AMG livery but it’s still worth checking the chassis and body for any extensive damage or rust. We know the arches are affected but has that corrosion spread? It’s no good having a fire-breathing V8 if it’s sitting in a rotten chassis. Have a chat with the seller and make sure all of the stripped exterior parts do in fact come with the car.<\/p>\n![\"Mercedes,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/AugKo0YeuPNJWfJYPg7L6JdwJh3w5oxJMtkImYBT-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3) Suspension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nWe’re assuming that the original self-levelling air suspension is still present, in which case you’re probably going to want to upgrade this to a more race-inspired setup, just like they did in ’71. If not then you’ll need to ensure that it doesn’t leak, causing the suspension to sag. It’s a well-made system but it’s a fairly complicated affair and can be costly to rebuild.<\/p>\n
4) Interior and roll cage<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nThe interior is pretty much non-existent because racecar but with the exception of the carpets and seats it hasn’t all been chucked in the skip. It’s going to be easier and cheaper to continue down the track car route and as mentioned earlier the installation of a bucket seat and racing harness would be required. The car does have a full roll cage fitted but has it been done professionally and is there any paperwork to back this up?<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/csjHiuNuLp1G55SnihpdlNBAdmCde7RKofhe9Sqp-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n5) Paperwork<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\nIf this 300 SEL does indeed end up being a racing car then it won’t necessarily need to be road-registered, but the car does come with its NOVA certificate should you wish to do so. With regards to any service history it would be pertinent to know how well the car has been maintained which will help you assess the condition of the engine and other mechanical parts, all of which will need to be in tip top shape if you’re thinking of entering the thing into competition.<\/p>\n
What should you do with it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nThe car we have available here<\/a>, it would seem, is destined for similar glory. Imported from America with the intention of turning it into a Red Pig replica racecar it is fitted with a full roll cage and the larger 6.3-litre V8. A perfect candidate then, but what is required to transform this particular 300 SEL into a race-winning hog?<\/p>\n Well, it hasn’t run in a while, which is generally pretty prohibitive as far as scooping up silverware goes. It’s also pretty dowdy looking, including some corrosion to the arches. It has been partially stripped, however, which saves you time and effort and everything required is included in the sale apparently. Much of the interior trim has been removed too, but again it saves you a job and everything except the seats and carpets will come with the car. Carpets aren’t necessary anyway and a proper race seat with harness will be required so it’s no big deal, unless you plan on restoring the car to original spec, which, while perfectly acceptable, wouldn’t be the route we would take.<\/p>\n 1) Engine<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The first port of call would be to assess the condition of the 6.3-litre V8. It’s a hardy unit but does require maintenance. On top of all of the usual checks make sure the timing chain has been replaced regularly (every 50,000 miles generally speaking) as they can be prone to stretching, causing damage to the valve train so listen for rattles from the chain and tensioner. If it has been sitting for a while make sure all of the fuel lines and other degradable items are not completely shot.<\/p>\n 2) Chassis and body<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n If you do choose to go full rouge pork with this car<\/a> then you’ll want to strip and repaint it in the classic AMG livery but it’s still worth checking the chassis and body for any extensive damage or rust. We know the arches are affected but has that corrosion spread? It’s no good having a fire-breathing V8 if it’s sitting in a rotten chassis. Have a chat with the seller and make sure all of the stripped exterior parts do in fact come with the car.<\/p>\n 3) Suspension<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n We’re assuming that the original self-levelling air suspension is still present, in which case you’re probably going to want to upgrade this to a more race-inspired setup, just like they did in ’71. If not then you’ll need to ensure that it doesn’t leak, causing the suspension to sag. It’s a well-made system but it’s a fairly complicated affair and can be costly to rebuild.<\/p>\n 4) Interior and roll cage<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n The interior is pretty much non-existent because racecar but with the exception of the carpets and seats it hasn’t all been chucked in the skip. It’s going to be easier and cheaper to continue down the track car route and as mentioned earlier the installation of a bucket seat and racing harness would be required. The car does have a full roll cage fitted but has it been done professionally and is there any paperwork to back this up?<\/p>\n 5) Paperwork<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n If this 300 SEL does indeed end up being a racing car then it won’t necessarily need to be road-registered, but the car does come with its NOVA certificate should you wish to do so. With regards to any service history it would be pertinent to know how well the car has been maintained which will help you assess the condition of the engine and other mechanical parts, all of which will need to be in tip top shape if you’re thinking of entering the thing into competition.<\/p>\nWhy is it a project?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\nFive things to look for:<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\nWhat should you do with it?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Mercedes,](\"https:\/\/www.carandclassic.com\/magazine\/app\/uploads\/2022\/12\/JDeZAR0Zqbq0trmw5lBr6gnXOufEnZieIOBPKy2p-800x533.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n