Coys Auction - Automoto D‘Epoca
Padova Fiera
Padova, Italy
Saturday 24th October 2009
Admission by catalogue only - admits two
Registration Number: EU registered Chassis Number: 11102512000292
Although Mercedes-Benz replaced the popular W111 series in 1966 with the W108 model range, followed in 1968 by the smaller W114/115 series, it was old style bodyshells that were initially chosen to house the company’s all new 3.5 litre V8 engine. The existing 300SEL saloon, which used the otherwise discontinued W109 shell, was available with either 2.8 litre straight six or 6.3 litre V8 engines and there was a considerable performance gap between the two. This was finally filled in September 1969 when the 3.5 litre engine was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the iron block V8 being fitted to the 300 as the 300SEL 3.5. It was also available in both fixed head coupé and cabriolet two door body styles.
Production, though, was short-lived and consequently these desirable cars are now