SKU:Lot 19
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 V8 (1971)
Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 V8 (1971)
| Bidder | Amount | Date |
|---|
Facts & Figures
| Estimate | CHF 65'000 - 75'000 |
| Condition | 2 - Good |
| First registration | 1971 |
| Odometer | 17'645 |
| Veteran registration | |
| Engine | 6.3-litre V8 |
| Power (KW/HP) | 184/250 |
| Fuel type | Petrol |
| Transmission | 4-speed automatic transmission |
| Drive type | Rear-wheel drive (RWD) |
| Steering | Left-hand drive (LHD) |
| Exterior color | Dark blue |
| Interior | Brown leather |
The Fastest Saloon of Its Time – The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3
When Mercedes-Benz introduced the 300 SEL 6.3 in 1968, few could have anticipated the significance this saloon would have for the development of high-performance luxury motor cars. Development engineer Erich Waxenberger had the deceptively simple yet ingenious idea of transplanting the mighty 6.3-litre V8 from the prestigious Mercedes-Benz 600 state limousine into the considerably more compact W109 upper-class saloon. The result was an automotive sensation: the 300 SEL 6.3 combined the commanding presence and exceptional comfort of a Mercedes-Benz luxury saloon with performance figures previously associated primarily with sports cars.
With 6,329 cc and 250 bhp, the large V8 delivered formidable reserves of power. A top speed of more than 220 km/h made the 300 SEL 6.3 one of the fastest production saloons of its era. Yet its appearance remained remarkably discreet. The elegant bodywork gave little indication of the performance potential concealed beneath its classic lines. It was precisely this combination of understated elegance and dynamic performance that became a defining part of its appeal.
The 6.3 also offered a remarkably sophisticated overall package for its time. Air suspension, power-assisted steering, electric windows and a high level of comfort made it a luxurious touring car, while the powerful V8 provided effortless acceleration whenever required. Mercedes-Benz thus created a concept that redefined the boundaries between executive saloon and high-performance motor car, exerting a lasting influence on the tradition of powerful luxury saloons that followed.
The example offered here dates from 1971 and today presents an exceptionally well-matched combination of dark blue paintwork and a leather interior. The indicated mileage is just 17,645 kilometres. Of particular interest is its international provenance: its history takes it to California and subsequently to the Netherlands, before the car was acquired there by its current owner in 2025 and imported into Switzerland.
A particularly fascinating chapter in this history is its former ownership by Toine Hezemans. The Dutch racing driver was one of the outstanding touring-car competitors of his generation. Among his most notable achievements were victory in the 1971 Targa Florio and winning the European Touring Car Championship in 1970 and 1973.
The car's present condition further reinforces its compelling overall impression. It is described as presenting in a well-preserved and coherent condition. The interior was renewed in 2020, while the exhaust system and tyres were also replaced. A suitably chosen Retrosound radio complements the equipment without visually dominating the saloon's classic character.
Of particular note is the most recent confirmation of both its mechanical condition and historic registration status. In September 2026, the Mercedes-Benz successfully underwent a fresh Swiss veteran inspection. The 300 SEL 6.3 therefore presents today as a well-maintained and road-ready classic with Swiss veteran status.
Preview Event – Vehicle Inspection
Preview Event – Vehicle Inspection
Take advantage of the exclusive opportunity to inspect the auction vehicles in person before the official online auction begins.
At our Preview Event, you will have the opportunity to view the vehicles offered at your leisure, assess their condition firsthand and discover the individual features and details of each vehicle. Our experts from Emil Frey Classics AG will also be available in person to answer any questions you may have regarding the vehicles.
Unable to attend the Preview Event?
No problem. Please feel free to contact the Auction Management Team. Upon request, we will be happy to provide you with the vehicle inspection report prepared by our experts for the auction vehicle of your choice. This will give you additional information about the vehicle and its condition, even if you are unable to inspect it in person.
We recommend that all interested bidders make use of the opportunity to attend the Preview Event or request a vehicle inspection report in order to obtain comprehensive information about their desired auction vehicle before placing a bid.
Terms and conditions of participation
Terms and conditions of participation
Only natural persons of legal age and with unlimited legal capacity, as well as legal entities, are eligible to participate. Legal entities must be represented by a natural person who is either authorised to represent them according to the extract from the commercial register or who has the appropriate power of attorney. Emil Frey Classics AG reserves the right to exclude participants from the auction without giving reasons.
Registration
Registration
To participate in the online auction, a one-time registration is required in advance. Please provide your personal details, including your name, address, place of residence, telephone number, and email address.
Once we have received your registration details, we will review and verify your information. Your customer account will then be activated for use as a bidder. Within 24 hours of successful registration, you will receive an email confirming that your account has been verified and activated on our auction platform.
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Please register well in advance to ensure that your account is activated before the auction begins, allowing you to participate without delay.
Auction hammer price and minimum bid
Auction hammer price and minimum bid
The bid is accepted by the highest bidder after the minimum price or higher has been reached, either after the bidding period has expired or at the moment when no further bids are submitted and the auction is closed by Emil Frey Classics AG.
Acceptance of the minimum bid – “Sold”
When the bid is accepted and the minimum bid (minimum price) or higher is reached, a legally binding purchase contract is concluded between the seller and the highest bidder.
Bid accepted below the minimum bid – “Reserved, not sold”
If a bid is made at a price below the minimum bid (minimum price), the vehicle is considered “not sold subject to reservation.” Vehicles that could not be sold during the auction or for which the minimum bid was not reached can be renegotiated after the auction in consultation with the consignor or owner. In such cases, Emil Frey Classics AG acts exclusively as an intermediary between the potential buyer and the consignor or owner, unless it expressly acts as the seller itself. A purchase contract is only concluded with the express consent of both parties.
Reservation of Emil Frey Classics AG
Emil Frey Classics AG reserves the right to decide freely on the acceptance of bids. In particular, it may refuse or cancel the bid, interrupt or cancel the auction, withdraw the auction item or put it up for auction again, and reject bids.
Auction terms – Purchase price & fees
Auction terms – Purchase price & fees
The purchase price corresponds to the highest bid (hammer price) plus an auction commission of 11% of the hammer price.
General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
General Terms and Conditions (GTC)
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