1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 - Jay Leno's Garage
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- Опубликовано: 22 ноя 2024
- Jay asked, you answered, so he restored this Benzo to its original state per your request. Take a trip under the hood!
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A new video every Sunday! Visit Jay Leno's Garage, the Emmy-winning series where Jay Leno gives car reviews, motorcycle reviews, compares cars, and shares his passion and expertise on anything that rolls, explodes, and makes noise. Classic cars, restomods, super cars like the McLaren P1, sports cars like Porsche 918 Spyder and Camaro Z28, cafe racers, vintage cars, and much, much more. Subscribe for more: full.sc/JD4OF8
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1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 - Jay Leno's Garage
• 1972 Mercedes-Benz 300...
Jay Leno's Garage
/ jaylenosgarage
Jay's stories of his days at Mercedes/Rolls Royce are the best parts of his book. The best was when he had to deliver a Rolls to a customer in NJ who paid for the car in cash, stuffed in a paper bag. Jay got another Rolls at their distribution center and drove to NYC to do a set at a comedy club, he put the money bag on a piano at the club, did the set and headed back to Boston. Then at a tollbooth realized he'd left the bag of money at the club. He raced back to the club where a girl was singing onstage, the bag still on the piano. He went on the stage, took the bag and sheepishly said to the singer "Sorry...forgot my lunch."
What's the book called?
Cool)
@@daweigo6851 its called ' my struggle'
Hahaha
@@OldSkoolUncleChris 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I found a good 6.3 a few years ago after watching this. It’s my daily driver when there isn’t salt on the road- its presence in the garage is such that it essentially says “drive me now” when I go in.. Super reliable as long as the air suspension is taken care of, and when you have to work on that…as Jay said get your wallet out and find a good mechanic. Thanks Jay!
I would live to buy one.
This is the 1972 gray Mr 300 SEL 6.3 with an 8-cylinder engine 6.3 V8 engine
I’m a driver and back in the early 80s I worked for a limousine company. I would sometimes get hired to drive someone in their car. This one man had a Mercedes 600. I believe it was a 1972. He had done some work to the motor, and this thing was really powerful. The man is still alive and living in Pasadena. I won’t mention his name.
It's not your nostalgia, this car really do is more stylish than modern Mercedes Benz cars. A true classic car, a piece on art.
One of my favorite sedans of all time. Mine is a 1970 vintage that we used as a tow vehicle to haul my race car to the race track. With the trunk full of tools and the wife and three kids as co-navigators. Still have the car but needs restoration.
I so want to buy it but they are so expensive now in South Africa.
Some new Mercedes look like jet fighters the second you open the door.
Chevrolet for Life 454 forever
This isn't just for the grown up peeps. I'm 23 and this is my absolute dream car.
it's OK..it's.for everyone...it's gorgeous...German quality...tech..machines...
H E A V E N..
these turn more heads than newer mercs do.
das classiss are timeless,
das ist wahre...
yawohl meine freunde?
+Arne Hurnik so oder so me in Herr. ..guten morgan!
Lol they thought that smaller version of the 600 would be slower😂
On my wedding party 1971, my uncle from Frankfurt came to Hamburg in his new Mercedes 6.3 and he let me have it for one afternoon....unforgetable! It was the star at the wedding and everyone wanted to look and touch ! Best car they ever built!
Nice! It’s not exactly blue a beautiful car it’s also a performance beast.
a couple of years after I sold my 6.3, I took'over a 280 SE 3.5, the same car without the air suspension and the first v8 engine.That's when I realized why the 6.3 was really outstanding. I have to get another 6.3
THANKS JAY 🤗 FOR SHARING A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE FOR YOU AND I SEE WHY YOU LOVE 💕 IT… just watching this for the first time💚💚💚
It's not just you, Jay. My grandmother had a '69 300SEL (non-6.3). We donated it to the Crawford Auto Museum in Cleveland in the early 2000s when she passed, but I got to drive it twice. Only 25k miles from new and it felt like a brand new car. The thing that got me, though, was the build quality. Truly staggering. Just closing the driver's door was a lesson in craftsmanship. Nothing is made like them anymore. I can only imagine how brutally fast the 6.3 must've been.
My father has been a mechanic since the middle 50's and worked on Mercedes-Benz almost exclusively from the early 60's at a dealer and then his own speciality MB repair business. It is interesting to listen to him reminiscing about cars he worked on when new that are now collector items. Sometimes his opinion of various collector cars is a bit different than that of todays enthusiasts. I think he should write a book. He was a mechanic through some interesting times being associated with high end imported automobiles. He wanted me to share the following with you and your viewers.
"Hi Jay, having been a MB trained mechanic. ( 5 schools) and worked on the 6.3 when new I had opportunity to discuss in depth the testing and power of the 6.3 engine with MB factory reps. They did full throttle destruction test for many hours with the output around 450 hp. 300 hp. was advertised because the US government was trying at the time to limit the horsepower race. We had to chain them to the floor when doing a dynamometer run after a full tune up since the rear wheel hp. would almost exceed the limit of the Sun dyno. Great fun! Joe Taylor"
I'm a European, and can tell you Mercedes-Benz cars routinely get up to 500,000 miles no problem
Karl P I have a 2005 that's already at 333,000
Karl P, my former W210 E55 AMG was sold with 305,000 miles on it with the original engine and transmission. My current car is a newer E55, a W211, with near 180k miles, and I intend to take it to 300,000 before it's sold. Cadillac called themselves the "standard of the world", but that title belong to Mercedes now...
Joe Taylor Great anecdote! You should write the book with him!
I've got a 1999 E430 4.3 liter V8 with 328,000 miles on the original drivetrain and it just loves to gobble up highway miles with nary a fuss. I'm the original owner and it runs and drives as well now as it did when I drove it off the dealer lot 20 years ago . .... albeit I am OCD about maintenance and it has been garage kept it's whole life. Mercedes Benz is the best production car maker in the world as far as I'm concerned.
When RUclips allowed us to download without cost, I had this video and the one for the 3.5 and 600 downloaded to watch off-line. From '71 my dad started buying Mercedes and we took several from this era and repaired the wrecks to drive and sell. Loved working on these cars. It's like classical music. Never gets old just sweeter to hear and drive and watch. Thanks Jay :)!
I enjoy your program because of your terrific knowledge on all aspects of a car. I have a DeLorean 1982 with 2600 miles & hasn't been driven since 1983 & I would like to see it go to someone with appreciation of cars. I am retired & in my 80's.
Hopefully Jay see's this and does a video on your car, I would be thoroughly interested in seeing it.
Wow, you've got my vote. That's one mint Irish auto!
Jay Leno
Upvote this!
I hope it goes to a steward, Darrell.
What a genuine good Human being!
Thank you Jay Leno for all the laughter all the stories...
dude you rock!
As we know Leno has a lot of cars but noteworthy is just how much he praises and coos over this 6.3, which really confirms that it's just about one of the finest automobiles ever created. Yes, it's an automobile, not merely a car. A Toyota Corolla is a car.
A timeless classic for sure. You're right for loving this car, Jay.
My father back in the day worked for Mercedes Benz Toronto and one of the best memories I have is being on the road in this car. My mother saying, Darrell please slow down you will get a ticket. My father responded with “they will never catch us”. Boy do I miss my dad and those drives in these cars right of the lots
My parents had the 1969 280SE variant (in-line 6). It was the car I learned how to drive in. What an experience. The odd delay of the accelerator, the road feel, the precise steering. It was a wonderful car exceptionally thought out. The chrome, dense quality materials, the real “Rose wood” dash. Great memory.
In the 70s, my dad bought one of those, except it said 240D on the back. It did 0-60 in about 10 minutes.
I have the 220D. I have never been up to 60. True story.
you are sure that it was not the equivalent of the a-class in the 70s because they also had a similar appearance
I drove a 1980 240d with a 4 speed manual that the previous guy who owned it turned up the fuel pump. It still wasn't fast but it was a nice car to drive, untill I wrecked it atleast lol. The most amazing thing was it drove away from the head-on collision, but the minivan I hit was totalled, I'm thankful no one was hurt
In the 1970s in Nassau, Bahamas where I live, the 240D was a standard taxi car.
My first car was a W201 190D 2.0 1986
I win. Or lose, depends.
Thank you, Jay for bringing back memories of the first time I drove a 6.3 in about 1978 when I was a young man - you & share the same passion for this iconic motor car. I could not believe the power & acceleration of the 6.3 every time I planted my right foot! Bulletproof, this rocket ship would launch itself every time and would keep pulling hard until I backed off at 100 mph! I have owned many Mercedes since driving the 6.3, however, none of them comes close to the fun of driving this wonderful piece of iconic German engineering.
If you can check out the new S class (W223) in a nearby dealership then please update us with your opinion which would be interesting due to your experience.
Amazing, beautiful car. These old Benzes just deal with the years so well.
In high school, around 1980, when 6.6L Trans Ams were about the fastest cars commonly seen on the roads, a good friend had a 1969 300 SEL 6.3. It was a blast being able to surprise the unsuspecting American muscle cars of the day. I completely understand Jay's fond memories of this car, it's not just him.
*Point of fact. How many T/As of that era are still driveable? Cheers!*
I like this cars styling better than alot of new cars.
That's nothing unusual since most cars from the 60s and early 70s look much better than most modern cars with their generic design.
Checked out the video to rekindle some old memories and was blown away by the idea that Jay Leno & I were kindred spirits . My first job in 1974 was in a body shop at a VW Dealer working for a guy named Guenther, from the "Fatherland". By 21 I was running a body shop at a VW dealership that was failing. I made the jump to Mercedes-Benz and found a home. One of the first vehicles I had a hand in was a 600 Pullman. I did not get an opportunity to drive a 6.9 'till many years later . However one customer had a 1971 280 SE 3.5 Cabriolet . That is my all time favorite car ! Followed by the 300SL Gullwing . Although a pleasure to drive the 600 SL V-12 later in my career, those early Benzes were the best . Unfortunately , Buffalo, NY is not the best market for high-end restorations and I chose another career path. Had I been wealthy my collection would be a lot like yours , only primarily German . Jay .....if you see this as you say you sometimes do, Cheers my friend :) . Helmut
Jay,I owned a foreign car sales and service shop back during the time the 6.3 was produced. Drove many of them and owned a few as personal drivers. Like you I think the 6.3 was beyond a doubt the best ride there was at the time. All that power and an absolutely beautiful passenger space. The air suspension system is marvelous, handles the same regardless of the load. Blasting down the road at 110 or 120 with four people in the car, sunroof open, handles like a sports car and rides like a limo. Nothing better. I ran across your video because I'm looking to buy one Of all the cars I owned and drove over 30 years it was my favorite. I always sold the ones I had back then because of the ungodly cost to maintain and repair them. But I'm at an age now where cost can be damned.
David Perry hi i have a silver 1972 300sel 4.5 on new york craigslist right now,comes with a free 450 sl
David .. Air suspensions are horrible regardless of their foolish maker. Rotary engines seem very "techy" as well ... till you blow a seal or 2 and realize the 2 stroke dirt bike sound coming from your engine bay is your subpar hampster wheel. Springs have evolved by leaps and bounds because of their use in motorsports. Replaced my air suspension w motorsport bred matched springs in my Lincoln. Ride quality equal to better and no embarassing rear bumper on the ground and a $1500 compressor estimate. Springs don't have airlines to freeze in the winter either when your air dryer gives up unexpectedly. Remember the fable .. the "Emperors New Clothes" .. written for air suspension use in vehicles.
@@serenedreams4611 what's the link please?
@@Closeoutracer I'll have to disagree. Although I HATE newer air suspensions, the suspension in these cars was beyond compare.
This is the best JLG episode yet. It is clear Jay loves all of his cars and has a profound respect, and depth of knowledge about his automobiles. This episodes longer form and more relaxed cinematography stood out from the other videos and I hope it is a new direction your moving in. I know not every car has as a relationship as long as this one with you but I wish you would go more in depth about the details you like and dislike on the other cars. It is also great to hear about contemporary opinions and conceptions of your cars, as you are uniquely informed of them and supremely articulate when sharing them with us. Great work Mr. Leno and co, keep up the good work.
Maybe throw that SLS stuff in a less revered, rusty Mercedes. That will quell the RUclips masses.
A doctor customer of the dealership I worked in had one of these. I'd take his wife home (slowly) on service days.
Of course, I never exceeded the speed limit on the way back to the shop. An incredible car in every way.
I STILL can't afford one, but I still appreciate them - and reminisce what a superb, all-beating piece of engineering they were :)
You're right too ... best ever part of the job. Even better than our Prime minister's car - which I also drove as a 19YO.
I can totally relate Jay. This was my dream car back in my youth. The engineering is legendary but what's so hard to relay in a video is the sheer joy and excitement one feels when driving this car even by 2020 standards. The only other car that blew mw away was the 1978 450 SEL with the 6.9 engine.
it was not a 450 sel w/ the 6-9 ,it was a m-100 class by itself , m100 class the 600,6.3 and the 6.9
I thought they did put the 6.9 in a 450 SEL
Thx, Mr. Leno. Yes. The 6.3 was a parade example of German engineering at its best!
I never tire of watching this video. I own two 1970 6.3s, unfortunately neither are currently operational. I have owned this since 1975. They each have approximately 125,000 on them. Once along with two of my brothers, we drove from California to Florida without ever turning the engine off (not even to refuel). It is truly an amazing vehicle. I have owned several Mercedes and like you, this is my favorite.
I wish Jay would produce a lavish DVD boxset featuring all his beautiful cars, possibly with guest commentary's and restoration videos.
Its alway's a pleasure to watch these cars, and particularly that statement, " Let's take it for a ride", brings great pleasure every time i watch a fabulously rare and valuable car being driven, and not hidden in a museum.
Peter Lewis a DVD box set? What is this 2004? It's all online?
Vhs complete collection
Peter Lewis would be nice
Amazing car. I'm around your age, and grew up in Alabama. My dad was a photographer, and he started buying Mercedes in the early sixties. I remember when he brought home the first one he purchased new, a W108 1966 250S. I used to take my dates out in that one when I turned sixteen. Later, in art school in the early seventies, I was working for a Jaguar dealer, an got to drive a customer's 6.3. Wow. I wanted one then, and still do today, especially after watching your video. Really enjoyed watching, especially after you figured out that the hood wasn't shut!
you can get one for pretty cheap nowadays.
Jay, you’re one of those few people I’ve always liked. I’m 46 and have been a fan since you first took over for Johnny. Thank you for sharing yourself with us. ❤️
This is just great. Fuel always has been very expensive in germany, so the big engines are very, very rare over here.
Jay, I owned 2x of these for 15 years until a few months ago. The interior of yours says 1968-69 all over. My VIN's ended in 1181 for my 1969 and 3724 for my 1/1970. By Jan 1970 the dash with the centerstrip horizontally across its length, the surface-mount window switches on the door were moved to the center console, the "Air Spring" lamp at the 6 O'clock position on the Speedo was eliminated and became an illuminated white center on the pull rod for the air suspension control in the driver's kickpanel. By Jan 1970 they also covered that exposed blower. The shifter on pre-1970 models typically had the gear positions reversed in a top-down 234NRP rather than traditional PRN432config. If your Title says 1972, check the metal tag on the B-pillar post and see if it is dated ie "3/72" and also if it has a VIN were the last 4x digits are higher than 4000. If the tag is riveted to the frame ahead of the driver's door instead of between the doors, it is a '68 or '69. If the Mfg/VIN plate is on the top of the frame in front of the radiator, it is a Euro model / gray-market import that had to be modified to US-DOT/SAE before entering the US. I have seen such cars registered at times as a later year than their original European manufacture, based on their conversion/import date. Either way, I strongly suspect your car was manufactured before Jan 1970 and may not have been titled in CA until 1972. Having owned both era's of 6.3's, I am familiar with the differences. I would be interested to see if you are still monitoring your comments a year and half later. BTW: I very much enjoyed your video!
GloucesterLGB you ever done body work on a w126 long wheel base?
Bump again. Where's Jay? I'd like to read a follow-up on this.
@@Mr.NiceGuy80 I think Jay does not have time for comments, I have never seen him to respond here.
@@Spazik86, that's understandable. It won't stop me from watching all the great content.
I've owned a few of these and have worked on a number more. A lot of differences happen between Euro and US cars, but I have seen others with variations between car to car. His looks 100% correct for a '72 except for the shifter, which is an ofddity, but I wonder if it began life as a column shift car, which would change a lot. Next time I am out at the shop, I'll have to look at both '71s there, as they are different, even from each-other, though both are US cars. I also have a 280SEL '72 there as well.
When I was young my Grandad had a white 6.3 in Bundaberg, Australia. I drove it many times and I am with you that it’s a true great. Wonderful car
This video brings a tear to my eye. Mercedes cars back then were the foundation of the reputation the manufacturer profits from to this very day, they were really *that* good. To see such an old machine, restored to perfect condition, is quite something, it is as you heard Mozart playing on his piano or if Goethe (for Angloamericans: say Shakespear) write you a poem.
This was the pinnacle of “analog” engineering, and those times will never come back.
@@TheFalseShepphard Exactly. It was for only the richest and not the average person. Nowdays the car scene is more democratized.
@@jayspice4987 the average Joe could buy a 1yr old Mercedes, in Germany atleast. There were plenty of jobs.
@@sv_cheats1970 Really? Good to know. I always thought the average car would be a Volkswagen or an Opel, etc. Not a Mercedes.
@@jayspice4987 well of course most would go for a VW or Opel. Those who loved sportier cars would go for Audi or BMW. But generally the older folk favoured Mercedes, lots of them were exported out of Germany by people retruning to their gome Countries.
@@jayspice4987 but you need to remember I ain't talking about leather interior and heated seats examples, I'm talking about the bare bones examples with MB Tex, and a manual trans. Of course those who had more cash to spare (or wanted a flashy benz) would go for better equipped cars.
I had one, and the 6.3 made me happy for many years.
good. because if it didn't, what would? my dad had a new 300 sel 4.5, and even that was just amazing.
My dad bought this make and model in 1972. He went to Germany and ordered it there..it was delivered to Australia. Same silver colour .. he loved it! Beautiful car. I remember when he switched it off it would hydraulically lower. Wood on dash and doors. Yes!!! Cost him an arm and a leg when it went for a service !
I love the way how Leno talks about cars. He is definitely a petrol head.
+jebojsa He is the Petrol head King.
jebojsa yeah, you think?
You mean THE petrolhead. He is the archetype of a petrolhead. The greatest.
yea a real car guy, not a poser who just wants to be seen driving a fancy car or take pictures with it and post them on social media... refreshing to see
Here in America, we don’t know what a petrol head is, and we say GASOLINE
These are the best car videos on the Internet hands down.
In the late seventies I came up behind one of these in my 1963 Cadillac Convertible. We were sitting behind a slower car, waiting for an opportunity to overtake. It came. The Benz’s exhaust revealed that the driver had put his foot down hard and the transmission had kicked down. I went with him, and was slightly catching him, which surprised me, since the engines were similar -sized. I guess that the Caddy’s extra horsepower made the difference.
When I was 17 I worked for a Buick dealership in Tampa, Florida. Well the owner's son ran the dealership and he had a taste for expensive cars and he didn't particularly like anyone but for some reason he chose me to go pick up his new car from Tampa International Airport. The old man that drove our courtesy van took me to the airport and told me that I couldn't drive any faster than him and he was doing 55 in a 75. Anyway, he drops me off and I go to the office on the top deck of the parking garage and the man gives me the key to the car. I looked at the key and laughed, it was a Ferrari key. I walked outside and there was a brand new red Ferrari 360 Modena. I hit 145 mph on I75 and that car wasn't even breaking a sweat. Highlight of my youth...
Robert Keeton Danngg epic story!! The 360 Modena is one of My favorite Ferrari's (especially in silver or space Grey)
Robert Keeton I'm 16, and I can't even drive!! I bike across the 3rd largest metroplex in The US DALLAS (34 miles)!!
Ferris, Is that you?
When you was a ’kid'
nice to see a person appreciate so many different types of vehicles , its so sad that people narrow things ( more than just cars ) down ,so as to miss out, as well as need to put something or someone down to make them or what they have seem better or RIGHT . your take on cars would serve many well to adopt in all aspects of peoples lives . You have a very thoughtful conversation of the cars you share with us
I owned a 71 280 S for the five years I was posted to Baden Sollengin, in southern Germany with the Canadian Airforce. It did not accelerate like the 6.3 but it would cruise the autobahn all day and it was a pleasure to drive. I had hoped to find an SL to take home, today I would be happy to have the 280 S.
Jay, this is probably my favorite era of MB too, the stacked headlight cars with the interiors that exude quality.. the comfy buckets with the thick leather as you said and the beautiful integrated dash design and the beautiful planted ride..get one with 300 horse and you have the perfect car 😄
I drove one quite a few times working at a Mercedes dealership when I was in my very early twenties. I smoked a Mopar muscle car at a light. :D
Catching up on some videos after watching Tyrrells Classic Workshop doing a video on a old M/B 600 Pullman it’s worth a look as most of his videos are 👍🏼
Jay it's not just you. Germans who are now around 50-60 also think this car was and is a masterpiece. It's one of their great heroes. A car that changed everything. They say so in their classic car magazines.
BTW next time close the bonnet correctly. That panel gap hurts my eyes.
DolleHengst I remember this back in the day.
Love it when jay says GOOD DAY MR BOND
Jay i love the 300SEL 6.3.. and everything you have stated is pure fact! my dad owned 1 of only 3 to be ordered in 1969 into South Australia..the most impressive car i have ever been in for comfort and could it corner and fast..faster than the book said and adjust the fuel pump & magneto (It did have it's original dizzy with twin sets of points..though it came with the Judson electronic maggy for some reason..and dad swapped them about..and she ran better at high speed..fastest 4 door in the world bar none and look out..she really pushed out some 300 DIN horses..a real magic Mercedes the best,they ever made..sold it in 1990 to a man 116,000 miles ..i did love the fact when you pulled back the Nb plate to fuel her up..it said warning..up to 125 mph have 34-36 psi in tyres over 125 mph have 40-42...i drove the 6.3 for 14yrs and loved every drive and one night held her flat,down hill 180-5 mph 6,900 rpm's down the freeway out of Adelaide and as a young lad when dad got it.did we do some smokeys..4 wheel turbo cooled disc brakes..incredible car...i still think it's the greatest Merc ever made.!
I agree with Jay's comment on the Three-pointed star hood ornament. I had a '72 280 SE (108 body style), with that kind of hood ornament. It sparkles as you drive, especially under the city street lights. The light reflects from each of the facets on the ornament and constantly sparkles as you drive along. Just a beautiful design detail on a beautiful car.
Jay: “I’ll just drive it ‘cause the engine’s gonna wear out soon.”
6.3: “.....Halte mein bier.”
Hold min bajer
@@mrloop1530 *bayer
Ja, es ist mein Bier zu halten
Das Bier wird er noch lange halten müssen
Das Bier muss noch lange gehalten werden müssen. :)
I grew up around these Benz 300sel 6.3's , one of my great uncles had 2 of them brand new, he bought an ivory one with navy blue seats in 1969 when they first came out , then he bought a second one in 1971in pale metallic blue with navy blue seats . I started driving in 1973 & had the opportunity of driving both when they were almost brand new . My mum had a brand new 1971 Jaguar 420g , i.e. the renamed mark 10 after BMC/Leyland's more than 50% ownership .
These drove just as well as the big Merc's , as here in Australia most of the big monster Jag mk10's/420g's came with the high compression heads, there were several head & compression types for these big Jags . I had cousins that lived stateside in 'Frisco & 'Diego & a relation there had one of the Jag's but it only had the 8:1 compression head for the Californian EPA laws. Jay , you mentioned in your drive watching out for the rear suspension on the bends in the hills , I had a mate back in the day whom inherited his great aunts 1967 250se Benz sedan & I felt the rear wheel lift feeling in his Benz. The first car I bought was a LHD, 10yr old high compression 1965 4.2ltr Jag mk10, it had pretty serious punch it went like stink with the ultra high compression head, but it needed 102 octane leaded fuel giving the Jag 295 horsepower, with Jag's great independent rear suspension you kind'a get the best of both irs & live axle in one setup & their standard factory coil over suspension helps & when new they came with either Girling hydraulic oil shocks or Koni gas shocks. Mine had the Koni's & it way improved the the handling . re the gear box , like the Benz , the big Jag's autobox is a "rough" shifter, Jag bought from Borg Warner type 8A's, basically a "full house" B&W/Ford C4 cruiseomatic, with all the "goodies" & Jag set the valving to a hard, quick change like Benz did to stop the slip/loss of power from a slower slurpy smooth syrupy change. Jay you are right the luxury cars from this era are something special. I still own one of these big Jags , a 1967 420G , my original 1965 4.2ltr mk10 was damaged in an accident back in 1983, was fixed , but was odd , so I sold it , and, over here in Sydney , Australia , I replaced the Jag with a 1974 Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham Talisman also a seriously rare car being fitted wit the optional ABS brake system & an air cushion restraint steering wheel (gm's 1970's air bags). It's a export Caddy with the metric dash pack, when bought in 1983 it had 102,000ks on it , today right now in July 2020 it has 701,584ks yep, in almost 40 years I've racked up 600,000ks on the Sable Black Caddy, its been given aircraft quality servicing & drives like new, can you imagine how many people ask you questions here in Australia when they see you driving a 45+ year old 1970's, American monster Caddy as your daily drive as being 19ft 10in long, 3180kilos in weight & in funeral black it really stands out. then people ask re engine size when you open the bonnet & they are shocked to find its size 501cubes or 8.2litres as a late may 1974 model in export spec, these whoppa Caddys even make your 1966 Lincoln Conti' seem compact !!
I'm with you Jay....simply the best 4-door sedan ever made.......it's a luxury beast!
I do almost feel like I'm taking a ride with Jay. Very nicely produced videos. Jay is a very generous man to share these wonderful cars with us regular guys who will never get so see most of them much less drive or even ride in one.
I’ve owned and restored a few 108 109 Mercedes Benz saloons. My last one was a 1972 300 SEL 4.5, dark green over tan leather. I freakin loved that car. My wife just caught me watching this video and was like, “honey please don’t get another vintage Mercedes.” Once you own one, they get in your blood. You long to watch the road over those sweeping lines of the hood, with that three pointed star as you compass. My sons would always ask me to take them for rides in the old Benz, and I always obliged. They’re older now, and driving on their own now, but I still remember their smiling faces from the baby seats strapped in the back. These are timeless automobiles, but they don’t suspend time. Thanks for showing us your 6.3 Jay, she’s a beauty.
Great video Jay. I am also a huge 6.3 fan, and have owned four of them over the years. Your car is definitely not a '72, it looks more like a late '68 or early '69 car. The VIN would tell all. However, the front turn signal parking lights are the later version.
If you're going to do a complete restoration, you may want to consider upgrading the engine to Euro specs with 10:1 compression. It really makes a noticeable difference.
A couple of minor things. The a/c blower should have a carpeted shroud to hide it, which also cuts down the noise a little. Also, almost all U.S. cars came with Becker Grand Prix or Mexico radios. Not sure how yours got a Blaupunkt.
I'm so happy that you decided to keep it stock.
yes it def not a 72 body
I've watched this video over and over. I just love the 6.3. I have a 1971 280se 6cyl w108. Someday i'll graduate to the 6.3. Thanks for sharing Jay
I had a friend in high school who’s dad rehabbed old Mercedes. He had the 6.3 in brown and would let my friend drive it to school, she would let me drive it once in a while. 30 or so years later I still remember everything about that car. Especially the power on the back wheels. One of the greatest cars I’ve ever driven!
Don't touch a thing on this car! Repairs are sometimes necessary, but I like an uncorrupted version better than a so called "improved" one. I love your 600 as well. Thanks for documenting your vast collection, and networking to document the cars you don't have on your channel.
I *totally* agree. Unless there's a functional benefit to the modification, I'd say don't change a damn thing. It's fine as it is.
Absolutely. There are plenty of standard examples that could be used for powerplant swaps instead.
Such a great car, and I love your enthusiasm for driving it. It probably is mostly nostalgia, but watching the video, your passion is infectious! Thanks, Jay!
Jay forgot to close the hood before driving the 6.3L hahaha
I do the same from time to time with my cars, lol
We had one of these growing up. Such a dope car.
Amazing how life can be...started his dream/ passion by driving something he could not pay for someone else, and finally buying it to show to someone else who can’t pay also few years later...circle of life i guess
Thanks Jay. I don’t know a lot about cars, but I absolutely love your passion and knowledge! Keep up the great work!
Jay...I always enjoy your genuine appreciation for quality cars and your sentimental reflections of the time that you first experienced these special cars.
My 6.3 Sedan was a 1970, the same color as your 6.3 short wheel base limo, with white leather interior.
I owned it in early '80's. You are right they are expensive to maintain and often it is difficult to find someone to work on them when you are out on the road. One vacation I drove it 700 miles to Colorado from OKC. Two miles from the Dude Ranch where we were headed, it quit. I walked on to the ranch, borrowed a pickup to bring the family back, wondering the entire time why it quit. When I got to the car I thought I would try to start it. Of course it started right up. The next day i drove it to the nearest town and found a Chevrolet dealer. They kept it the entire week, it started every time. A week later we started back to Oklahoma. 50 miles from Clayton NM, it quit. I figured it had to be an electrical problem. After checking plugs and coil connections, I saw it. The distributor had a hairline crack and as the temperature rose, it expanded enough to lose connection with the coil wire going in to the top of the distributor. Knowing I had to come up with fix, I peeled off the tin foil of a Juicey Fruit gum wrapper, wrapped the foil around the wire and stuck it in the top of the distributor. It started right up and we made it home with no further problem.
Keep up the good work! Bill Ware
So casual, yeah when you're doing 10-20mph over the speed limit drives great. So many shows hide the speeds Jay's just like yep speeding like usual. Love the Massachusetts 22yr old story though
I had one about 14 years ago. After 6 months the mechanic told me. This car can be scary fast....... but not as scary as the repair bill
Hey Jay, your video review of the 6.3 brings back great memories to me as young man; My Best Friend's Father purchased his 6.3 new from Bill Becker Mercedes-Benz in Charlotte, NC in 1973, and He maintained his 6.3 with no expense spared for whatever the automobile needed; At the time, there was absolutely NO automobile, I mean NO automobile anywhere in Charlotte that could out run this automobile, whether on the drag strip, or flat out on the Interstate; When I was fortunate enough to ride in his 6.3, you knew you were in a high-end Mercedes with that wonder smell of the leather Interior, and the somewhat quiet ride versus those American land yachts; It really was truly the most beautiful hand-made Mercedes Sedan that I have ever seen; I have owned several Mercedes, but the 6.3 is truly a Special automobile unto itself - Thanks for making the 6.3 video, hope you restore it, I believe it will be well worth your effort and investment - Thanks
OMG, I had 72 300. While I'm not really a car guy, but I lived in Germany in the 80's, and back then it was just a run down oldy but goody. It started life as a 180, but with the Autobahn i blew up 2 engines, and another drive train. The 300 & train were in another wrecked 72, so we spent a month swapping them out. The local german volunteers on base really got into helping us out. Now that you show this, it's obvious why.
After the rebuild, and knocking off a ton of rust, it would do 110k on mountain roads.Sold it to a buddy after my tour of duty.
I'm no a mechanic, but could still working under that hood blindfolded. ...and that old Blaupunkt radio? To die for.
White exterior, red leather seats. More rust than metal under the paint. For some reason the 70's Mercedes weren't undercoated.
PS In Germany you don't need the AC quite so much.
I subscribe to this channel to see all the wonderful exotic cars you have. Never in a million years would I have guessed one of my old junkers would show up here. Thanks for sharing, and reminding me how nice it was.
For our last ride I looked over at my wife without a word and she just nodded and said "go ahead, I know you want to." With the toddler and mother-in-law in the back seat I cranked it up to 140kph for a few minutes... then just eased it back because we were already pulling up to the airport terminal for the flight back stateside.
Everyone should have the chance to drive the Autobahn in a Mercedes at least once in their life. What a sweet ride.
Kevin Burgess you require the permission of a woman to do things you like to do?
Kevin Burgess I have always over the years thought of Jay as a car and bike nut. So seeing your junk makes a lot of sense to me.
Jay, you and your guys are heros! Greetings from Germany
Jay, thanks for a superb review of the 6.3 SEL. In the mid-1980s, I owned a 1983 300 Diesel (turbocharged) and was driving on the congested 405 Freeway in So. Cali when a driver, who was obviously not paying attention to the cars ahead of her, hit me at about 50 mph. The rear end of the Mercedes compacted like an accordion and saved my life. In a lesser car, I would have probably had a neck or back fracture but was able to walk away from that incident with only a sore neck and shoulder for a couple of days. No whiplash, no headaches, nada. These cars were built like tanks and handled like a dream. Thanks again for highlighting one of the greatest cars ever built!
When I was a kid in Germany the S-Klasse were the biggest cars that could be found on the streets. We kids were always looking for the biggest of them. 250S, 280S, 280SE, 300SE, 300SEL, 300SEL 3.5 and of course, king of them all this 6.3. AFAIK there was only one of then in my hometown.
I love old mercedes, especially pre computerized cars. Much more fun. And actually simpler is better, I dont need bluetooth or anything like that. a basic radio and a sunroof is all i want
So true.
I mean... These cars were FAR from simple. They were extremely ahead of their time
I do like the ability to play music from my phone because radio atations mostly suck these days and often cant be picked up on ling distance rides
P77777777
yes is a big plus having your own music.
I had a very old mechanical skids as my first car 25 years ago.
But fitted it with a nice Sony stereo with CD player.
It was great listening to the tunes.
Older mercedes are built like tanks
I had an 1982 250 four door Euromodel grey Mercedes looks so similar! Best car I ever had fourth-gear had so much power from 70- 110mph.
I drove it at least a 100 miles an hour every day for two years in Southern California back-and-forth between San Diego and Los Angeles. I only had to have the top part of the engine reboard, and the car was a beautiful sleeper it had an in-line six five speed
but looks like a diesel.
It was the smallest big car I ever drove. My favorite car to drive I have ever owned!!!
Thanks Jay Leno love your car talk
Your show is like a comfort meal, I can’t get enough
I just love the stories and the shared experiences. So awesome how these machines become part of our history and create so many great memories!
i can listen to jay talk about cars all day..thanks for sharing!
300SEL 6.3 is one of the iconic legends Mercedes made as it held the record for being the fastest, full sized sedans for years! It truly is a great car to drive. Thank you Jay for the great post!
In 1971 my uncle visited us in Hamburg with his brand new 6.3. Since he had too much beer at the party, he asked me to take him back to the hotel and pick him up in the morning. I had the car all night and must have driven all over town, with the biggest smile I ever had. What a car...it could ride on the streetcar rails without any twitching at 90 mph.
I just bought a E39 M5 I love it for all the same reasons Jay loves his Merc.
+GunfightersINC Last real era of the brand!!
for how much?
Mister Mood
19.5 with 91,000 on the odometer, Silver with stainless interior. All services had been done up to date. I'm never selling it.
Driving a E34 Touring myself.
In my opinion one of the best looking BMW ever(right after the original M1).
GunfightersINC That is the mosT LEGENDARY BMW EVER PRODUCED!! Soo much heritage
Great video! When I was younger, could not afford a 6.3.
Had a 1970 280SEL, 6 cylinder.
Replaced the 6 with a built small block Chevy 350 & TH400.
Bought a 6.3 rear axle from an MB boneyard in Miami.
The 6.3 differential had anti-squat/dive linkage and other bracketry not compatible with the 280SEL axle mounting.
Disassembled the 280 SEL differential (puny U-joint for a pivot), and the 6.3 differential (massive roller bearing pivot), discovered the 6.3 bits fit fine inside the 280SEL axle housing.
Drove it for many years, surprised many other drivers when accelerating on the freeway on-ramps!
This is one of my dream cars, I can’t believe you got it for 5k! What I would give to have a space and one to lovingly restore over a few years 🥰
Love the body styling of this era
???
I own a 72 280 SEL 4.5. I have owned it for the last 9 years and I drive it on weekends only. I love it and I get a lot of nice comments and thumbs ups on it. I bought it because my dad owned one when I was 13-14 years old and it has a lot of nostalgic value for me. Of course, it’s not a 6.3, but still a very nice comfortable ride. I have a new body style S class as daily driver, but I cant wait driving the 280 SEL on the weekends. Mine has a floor shift 3-speed transmission and has adequate power for a 56 year old man.
Thank you Jay! We love these incredible stories and vehicles.
Regular RUclips mechanics: DON'T BUY THAT, IT'S A MONEY PIT, IT'LL WRING YOU DRY!
Jay: When it breaks, oh my God, it's gonna be expensive. *But that's okay.*
You Tube Mechanics, LOL
*coughs* Scotty Kilmer *coughs*
@@kendrickminchew1855 I'm going to be honest, ive always disliked scotty kilmer and his community. They're like the anthony fantano fans of the car community, they inherit whatever opinion he has and don't care about anything else.
@@holymoly849 Like to watch him...but he breathes clickbait.
I was 17 when I learned how to drive on our 6.3. It was a 1971 navy blue exterior with navy blue leather interior My father bought it when the stock market was doing well… Needless to say after the energy crisis and when things went wrong with the car, it became impossible to maintain financially. Parts were hard to come by etc.
My father and sister we’re in a pretty bad crash in 1978, but that car saved their lives because it was a tank. They walked away without a scratch but the car was never the same after the repair shop puttied up the side that was hit. Heartbreaking!
My father and I used to preen this vehicle because it was a work of art. Talk about nostalgia! I truly loved that car, though also had a healthy intimidation for it!
I miss it so much and my dad, in the family trips we would take all over the country in the car. Breathtaking and comfortable even from the backseat, sandwiched between my siblings.
I am actively looking for one to drive, to remember… gosh when that engine turned over, it was powerful! I wonder though, at this stage of my life if I were going to buy one, I might go for a 3.5 convertible. Either way, I’d have to join a repair club to maintain it!😅💙
I owned 2 of these 6.3 ‘s . Loved them , first one to come to U.S. was mine.
Aha ok.
real cars, real comfort good handling and gracieous timeless design .... something far to find in modern boxes
+Alessio S yeah and less plastic
a V6 Accord will smoke it
Have you seen the Kerbelwagen that is one good looking box.
Your videos make me wonder if I have ever driven a 6.3. I do believe I would have noticed. I love the old Mercedes. Bought my now ex wife a 54 190 with a little 4 cylinder in it. Had a child seat in the back for my then baby daughter. People on the north coast of California loved it. I enjoyed the ride and the feel of the old car. I do not need the speed, but it is fun! The longevity of these cars is what I really appreciate. Your '72 with well over 300K, and all original, from the interior to the running gear is like a dream come true to drive, I am sure I would love it. Thank you for all the videos.
This is my dream car, love it. Perfect silver color too.
Ditto.
I got my 6.3 from Floyd's mobil station on Route 66 in Claremont, CA in the early 80's for $5,000. The Corvette killer - what a car!! To this day I consider the 300 SEL the epitome of understated elegance in design. The 6.3 wasn't really a luxury car, but it was engineered to LAST. It was solid and if you get in one today it will feel as solid as when it was new. That's why wealthy people liked Mercedes, value for money. In my case a dropped ring gear and leaky airbags made me realize that I couldn't really afford to maintain or fix this car if anything even remotely major happened. So I drove it to the Swap Meet at the Pomona Fair and traded it for a "66 Caddy deVille convertible. I never liked that Cadillac. The 6.3 spoiled me forever.
It's still my favorite car ever even though it was also the first car teach me that I couldn't afford her. She dropped the ring gear in the rear end on day and I had to have her towed home. Amazingly there was no damage! But when the guy helping me fix it started talking about the cost of parts, if I had needed
Jay my dad in the Army in Germany bought a 1972 300SEL 6.3 as our family car, I learned to drive it in Germany at 15. Great memories, he took it back to the states with us and I drove it through highschool, blew away many mopar big blocks. Super sleeper. Once remember him on the autobahn at well over 320 km, as the gauges at the time were km. Thanks for the memories of driving this car. Ours was midnight blue.
I love that car...
Yes I had a 6.3 when I was in my 20's I remember when i was selling it two guys a lot older came to look at it and I let them drive it on a test drive by them selves . When they got back I could see that they were disappointed, So i asked whats wrong?
They said they were sad it was not as exciting to drive as the road test reports.
I said get in and hang on.
I left my drive way with both rear wheels leaving lots of smoke and two long black lines up the street. I then proceeded to lay rubber around the corner and up the next street.
Back around the black to my drive . I stopped and said whats the problem?
They were both whiter than when they arrived and I think shaking.
The drive took perhaps 4 minutes as opposed to them being away for over 20.
I explained what the right peddle was for and that there is a switch on the floor that when depressed engages 1st gear ! If you dont hit the switch the gearbox will only go into second gear to start.off.
They bought it !
I remember another day when pulling out from an intersection directly in front of an on cumming 280 se 3.5 driven by the then priminister's wife ( I live in Australia) and left her in a cloud of smoke and rubber ! What a thrill!
I have always been intrigued by this model Merc, im not really a Mercedes guy but I like the asthetics of these and the finnie, did they ever come with the 6.3 and a manual transmission here in Australia?
@@Colt45hatchback They were never available from the factory always 4 speed autos If you see a road report saying that they are 3 speeds that is because they dont know the cars well.
I have seen a couple of custom 6.3's in OZ one was a 280se (short wheel base) fitted with a 6.3 and spring suspension as opposed to the airbags. I would like that car as I found the air too soft and boat like.
I have had 3, 6.3's and now days no longer lust for them, Not because I am getting old (65) but I dont need the stress of replacing another gearbox. They are too hard to get. I am happy with the F type V8.
@@helimark6161 oh right, that was sort of my idea too, using a 280 shell with the 8 in it, but at the same time I wonder if there is a manual gearbox that would natively bolt up to the engine or wether I would have to get an adaptor plate made up, I'm more familiar with Japanese cars, and I know with Nissan's L series engine you can take the gearbox from a 280z and bolt it to a 1.6 litre L16 from a Datsun 1600 if you want to or vice versa. Not sure if mb did the same back in the day.. would be cool as a hot rod of sorts, just modified enough to make it entertaining, but not to the point it's impractical to use daily if you wanted to.
Oh nice, F type would be cool. Not my style but I absolutely see the appeal
@@Colt45hatchback OK good idea , that would make a better car. Mercedes themselves made a competition 6.3 but kept the auto go figure, I guess they had no gearbox to suit. I would go for a tremic or old school muncie Tough as they come.. I just sold one to a guy building a monaro. $1,500. That would need some adapting like clutch and flywheel. so sticking with the Merc box is easier. I like the Volvo 360 had a couple over the years and love them.
@@helimark6161 oh right, I may have to look into it further, I think there's a Muncie in the shed somewhere, I can't remember if it went with the car or if dad kept it.. in any case at least they are relatively attainable.
The Volvo 360 is cool with its transaxle in the rear and independent suspension with leaf springs. The specific one from that video isn't a good example though, absolutely everything is worn out. A few friends and I bought it for 200 with the hope of making it an autocross car for our car club. But with the lack of readily available spares and with the amount of things that needed to be fixed once we looked over it in depth it just sat around for 4 years, and then I decided I would have some fun with it.
I grew up at the same time as you and learned to drive a W108 ‘67 250 S. The owner of the local Mercedes-Benz shop drove the W109 300 SEL 6.3. I have the same nostalgia and love for these cars. Your 6.3 is listed on the RUclips video as a ‘72 model, but the appearance is a ‘68 or ‘69 model due to the slim padding on the dash wood (eliminated in the ‘70 model), and the “reversed” floor mounted gear selector (with park toward the trunk and forward gears toward the hood). This was switched in 1970 to the typical forward Park position and forward gears toward the rear. Thanks for bringing forward my nostalgic ultimate car!
Thanks for keeping this an original car. I'm all for resto-mods for crappy cars (engines), but this is a true gem. I am a big fan, and you love many types of engine, but to me a diesel is a great engineering marvel. Do you own any? (The 05-06 E320 straight 6 CDI is a spectacular engine). Additionally, and Stirling engines? Thanks again for one of the best shows on RUclips.
OM648 are great. However, the best Mercedes diesel is the OM606.
Beautiful car and still running great after all those miles really says a lot about the quality of it
Jay, I have owned a '69, and currently own a '71 300SEL 6.3 , I and I would have to agree, it is merely the greatest sedan in the world, even possibly still. My mother described one she rode in as a burlwood lined rocketship, so I had to know. Truly an amazing car. I also own a 450SEL 6.9, a premerger 500SEL AMG, 500SLC AMG, M635CSi, and numerous other sedans and coupes of all kinds. I have driven numerous W124 500Es (also an absolutely incredible car, and probably the closest to this caliber.) The 6.3 is still the best package of them all. I need to get my '71 6.3 on the road, but it too sat for a long time, and needs help in the air suspension department; NOT a cheap endeavor. The power, even at 8000 feet elevation is stupendous, the handling, superb. How many cars of this kind will kick sideways on a turn at 8000 feet when you put your foot in it? I still think it is one of the best ever. So anyway, yes Jay, you are correct, it's not just your nostalgia kicking in.
Love the old Benz. Have an 83 Turbo Diesel
Not being a car guy, I recently bought a 1982 300 SD Turbo Diesel Mercedes-Benz, not a show car, I bought it to just drive! And its a fine car even at 34 years old it rides and runs fairly well! I am no stranger to diesel automobiles- I driven VW diesel cars from 1977 to 2010! I can see why he likes the 6.3 and when you get down to it, he got a lot of car for 5K! I like mind simply because there is no computer or electronics to run the motor/ transmission and yea there is something about driving down the road looking over that big hood and seeing that three pointed star in you face!
Great car. Have one myself. Can't wait to get to another level with mercedes. Seem like some of the most affordable "dream" cars around at the moment... If your definition of "dream" is over engineered and over built sedans... It is for me.
Stationed in Germany from ‘68 to ‘71, and then again in ‘74 to ‘79, and during both tours have had these 6.3’s pass me on the Autobahn like I was backing up!
Great cars...Jay does love the older machines.
i drove many cars , nothing like mercedes benz , i have an e200 1977 , great car