Registration No: T.B.A
Chassis No: 10901822003081
MOT: Exempt
Dr Eric Waxenberger, Head of Passenger Car Research at Mercedes-Benz Stuttgart, was a keen and able competition driver and, inevitably working were he did, a lover of very fast cars. He had the idea of employing the 6329cc V8, with its single overhead camshaft per bank of cylinders, along with its enormously strong transmission from the huge 600 limousine and trying to squeeze them under the bonnet of the 300SEL. With 200bhp, massive torque and 137mph top speed, the model also boasted self-levelling air suspension, four wheel disc brakes and power assisted steering. By any standards this was an amazing car with unexpectedly excellent handling. Making its debut at the Geneva Salon in March 1968, the new 300SEL 6.3 stunned the world's motoring press. Indeed, when Road and Track got their hands on it, the US market leader headed their feature "Merely the Greatest Sedan in the World!".
This extremely rare Crayford Estate was first owned by Kenneth McAlpine, ex-Works Connaught Formula 1 driver and member of the McAlpine civil engineering dynasty. It is believed to be 1 of just 12 such Crayford conversions and possibly the only one to have survived. In the current ownership since 1989, the car registers a credible 71,000 recorded miles and benefited from new air suspension units in 2010. Finished in Olive Green with cream trim and green carpet, it is offered with V5 document, owners wallet, handbooks, 1970 letter from Mercedes, Crayford brochure copy, original 300 SEL sales brochure, collection of old MoTs and service invoices plus service manual. One of just 702 300 SEL 6.3 cars built to right-hand drive specification, it is perhaps the ultimate 1960s estate car.
For more information, please contact:
James McWilliam
james.mcwilliam@handh.co.uk
07943 584760