1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 | The Summer Serenade Auction | 18th July

• Exceedingly rare UK supplied right hand drive example
• Over £10k of improvement in the past 12 months
• One of approximately 25 examples remaining in the UK

Widely regarded as the world's first true super saloon, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 rewrote the rulebook when launched in 1968. Conceived by engineer Erich Waxenberger, who installed the mighty 6.3 litre M100 V8 from the flagship 600 limousine into the discreet W109 saloon, it created a car of remarkable performance and refinement. In many respects, every modern AMG, Audi RS and BMW M super saloon owes a debt to the 6.3, which established the high-performance luxury saloon formula more than half a century ago.

This matching-numbers, UK-supplied right hand drive example was first registered in 1972 and is finished in elegant Mittelblau metallic with a blue velour interior. Equipped with automatic transmission, it is one of a relatively small number of UK supplied examples, some believe it to be less than 200, and presents as an appealing driver's example rather than an over-restored show car.

Having formed part of our vendor's particularly impressive private collection, the car is now reluctantly offered due to a lack of suitable storage space. Unwilling to leave it exposed to the elements, he feels it deserves to pass to an enthusiast who will enjoy and develop it further.In February 2026, respected classic car specialists Hawthorn's Garage of Farnham carried out a substantial programme of maintenance totalling £7,620. Works included an engine and gearbox service, fuel system attention, brake refurbishment, suspension fettling including rectification of a minor air leak, repairs to oil and fuel leaks, radiator repairs, odometer repair, fitting of a period Becker radio, improvements to the woodwork and numerous other detail improvements. Another £2650 was also spent recently on a set of correct Michelin XVX tyres, further showing our vendors attention to detail.

Today, the car offers exactly the sort of characterful ownership experience many enthusiasts seek. The driver's seat bolster shows some wear and there are a handful of blemishes, but the interior retains a wonderfully original feel and the car possesses an honest patina throughout. With particularly good examples having achieved in excess of £80,000 at public auction in recent years, this highly charismatic 6.3 is excitingly offered without reserve and represents an enticing opportunity for the next custodian. Consigned by Fraser Smith