Lot 258 - 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL (3.5 Litre)
| Lot Number | 258 |
| Registration | YKO 681 |
| Chassis Number | 10905622009427 |
| Engine Number | 11698122008698 |
| Odometer reading | 18,588 miles |
| Result | Sold - £18,112 |
- Desirable 3.5 197 bhp V8 example
- Rare example with a division
These cars were Mercedes-Benz's first V8 powered luxury cars. A combination of elegant styling together with effortless performance made them highly desirable and they were every bit as prestigious as their competitors. From the outset, these German automobiles emphasised quality and the cars featured a new interior with more wood and leather upholstery as standard. The 3.5 litre V8 engine was highly advanced with electronic fuel injection and transistorised ignition. Following the strong reception of limited production V8 powered 300 SEL 6.3 in 1967, Mercedes-Benz offered the all new 3.5 litre M116 V8 engine with new Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection in 1969. The V8 engine would move W108/W109 further upmarket in many export markets and allow them to be more competitive in the United States where many passenger vehicles, especially the American luxury marques, were fitted with V8 engines. The new 197bhp V8 engine was first fitted to W109 in August 1969 as 300 SEL 3.5.
Owned by the current owner for the last five years, this well presented example benefits from light but regular use during this time and has recently had a full repaint from white to the black coachwork we see today. First registered on 13th October 1972 this long wheelbase example has the extremely rare and functioning glass divide with opulent blue velvet rear seats in contrast to the standard front seats. Purchased by our vendor as part of a significant private collection this example has benefitted from continual maintenance and when not in use stored inside in a professional ventilated Carcoon. We are informed the air suspension is functioning after a recent service as does the glass divide. Elegant and collectable, these examples are powered by the desirable 3.5 litre engine and have no problem in keeping up with today's traffic.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.