Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
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The mighty Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3 started out as a private venture in 1966 by company engineer Erich Waxenberger, which culminated in the world's first "Super Saloon" or "Q-Car".
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Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3
The principle was simple: Take the powerful 6.3 litre V8 engine from the 600-series model, and fit it into the W109 S-Class model. The result was a nearly 2-tonne saloon with performance to shame most dedicated sports cars of the era (and handling to match). What set this car apart from its contemporaries in the late 1960s though, was that it could cruise at 200km/h plus with 5 occupants in complete comfort.
Performance
Acceleration (0 to 100 km/h): 6.5 s
Top speed: 222 km/h
6,526 of these vehicles were produced, and though quite costly to maintain, they are very collectable today. Truly a vehicle for those who have the power, without the need to flaunt it.
Motor Racing
AMG, the sports tuning subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, produced various special versions of the 6.3 (usually with the engine enlarged to 6.9 liters or more) to compete in racing events. The car had a successful, but short-lived racing career.
Preservation, and where to see them
Many owners take pleasure in regularly driving their 6.3s, but because of the complexities and cost involved in preserving these old vehicles, special interest groups are formed that regularly meet and share information. The International M-100 Group, officially recognized by Daimler-Chrysler, is the most prominent of these, and their web site is at: http://www.m-100.cc/. Another highly owner-oriented special interest group is the International Association of M-100 Owners (IAMO) with web site at http://www.m-100.infoTemplate:Mercedes-Benz vehicles