Highlights
- Flagship W109 in desirable colour scheme
- Well preserved car that is very original
- One of the greatest saloon cars of the 70s
- Solid and smart with scope to lightly improve
- 3.5litre 197bhp M116 V8 engine
The Appeal
The W109 saloon was Mercedes-Benz’ mike drop moment. Brilliantly engineered, handsomely styled by Paul Bracq and equipped with the firm’s powerful straight six engines, nothing else came close.
These cars used the long wheelbase version of the chassis shared with the W108 and featured advanced technology like self levelling rear suspension. The 300SEL was available with a range of engines, including the new M116 3.5litre V8 fuel injected engine that delivered close to 200bhp. Rocketship stuff in 1969.
Imported to the UK in June 2022 and correctly registered here, this 300SEL 3.5’s silver over black colour scheme perfectly suits its understated styling. It is an early example in solid, very presentable condition. There is scope to improve if the buyer wishes – after all, this is a 54 year old car – but perhaps the first thing anyone will want to do is settle into those big seats, soak up the quality and hit the road.
History and Paperwork
- Recorded as a 1969 model by the DVLA
- The 300SEL was launched in August 1969 so this is likely an early example
- The 3.5 model was only available for three years
- Unfortunately there is no MOT history
- Some maintenance invoices from its time in the UK
- These indicate attention to the engine
- VIN records confirm that this is a factory 300SEL 3.5
The Condition
- Attractively finished in silver metallic with black leather interior
- Bodywork in good order with only a couple of chips and small rust spot to note to arches
- There is also a bubble of corrosion on the offside rear C post
- A couple of the panels appear to have been resprayed but the colour match is close
- Otherwise the structure presents well with no notable deterioration in particular arches and sills
- The underside is in similar condition appearing solid with no issues to report
- Doors are well kept with no rot visible to bases
- Beautifully detailed car with stack headlamps and ‘clap hands’ wipers amongst other features
- Sunroof model with big steel panel electrically operated
- W109s are differentiated from 280SEL W108s by the additional chrome trim around the doors
- The chrome door trim on this car is well kept showing only very light tarnishing to small areas
- Boot area presents well with solid floor and well kept trim with spare wheel present
- Lights in good order being complete and with crack only visible to offside rear indicator
- Black leather interior in good order appearing original with only light wear
- Carpets in similar condition with no visible fraying or holes
- Dashboard is generally in good order but with crack visible in front of passenger seat
- Interior veneers appear original with good finish including under screen
- There is a small mark visible to the veneer on one of the door tops
- Handle appears to be missing from the glovebox lid
- High specification includes electric windows all round and air conditioning
- Face off stereo fitted with Pioneer speakers let into rear parcel shelf
- VDO factory dials are complete and generally good but with some misting to Perspex faces
- Headlining appears to be factory original and shows light staining to sunroof surround
The Mechanics
- 3,499cc M116 V8 engine with fuel injection developing 197bhp
- 4spd automatic gearbox with sequential shift options for all gears
- Recent maintenance work shown in photographs including to engine
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