The 300SEL 6.3 was hit from the first day of summer 1966 was revealed. And before long, strategic planning that lay behind the introduction at the end of 1967. There were actually some frustration with Daimler-Benz engineers, journalists, in the mid-1960s, leaving only their employers as a producer of cars for farmers, managers and retirees. Since there is no initial budget for the new Benz, it was developed without knowledge of the top brass. It was a mixture of 600, as the plant operators and 300SEL, donor of the body and the frame received.
Both cars were seen as big cars, but the 600 was for most European customers (and government) is too large, and 300SEL is not strong enough for its price.
Although the division was not initially believe in commercial success, the 300SEL 6.3 The niche they were full of the most successful made. It was not as large as 600 and it was not not as slow as the 300SEL. Running at 6.3 are entering another world, and it was no wonder that magazines like Road & Track was just the best car in the world.
With 250 hp at 4,000 rpm, compression ratio of 1:9.0 and a maximum. Torque at 51 MKG (368.9 ft-lbs) at only 2,800 rpm, offered many growl of the engine to be satisfied with. Average consumption was reached around 21 l/100 km (11.2 m / g), but most journalists just to this figure to around 30 l/100 km (7.8 m / g). Despite its dry weight of 1830 kg (4000 lbs), acceleration in 7.4 seconds from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour (faster than a Porsche 911s and Ferrari 330GTC) and reaches a top speed of 121 mph (137 km / h .)
The interior is generously appointed for a Mercedes-Benz at the moment. It gave electric windows, Vacuum locks, a tachometer and suede upholstery. Leather seats were optional. The Benz offered a surprisingly efficient over a wide speed range and would not bother crossing at high speeds for hours if your wallet. The wood on the dashboard and the window surrounds are walnut veneer and other options such as Macassar ebony be ordered. There was a limited slip differential and the front of the U.S. style headlights with halogen bulbs. These headlights quickly became synonymous with the 6.3 because it gave a lot of prestige German Autobahn.
In Germany, the 300SEL 6.3 39,160 DM ($ 9,790 .-), which is certainly not cheap on offer. While the car costs $ 15.120 .- in the U.S., it was more expensive in the United Kingdom. It took nearly 7,700 .- EUR ($ 18 500 .-) when taxes were fully priced, but compared to a Maserati Quattroporte, or even a Bentley T, the price was fair weather, and options such as leather and sunroof was added. Jaguar XJ12 was not a competitor because it was only in 1972. In 1971, after replacing the first in North America 6.3 3.5 liters and 4.5 liters in a year, Europe and worldwide, was sold until 1972. Despite initial fears turned out to be 6.3 to be remarkably successful as 6526 cars a buyer is found.