1972 | Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 3.5

This is a rare car – a right-hand drive, UK-supplied 300SEL 3.5. So, for those that don’t know, this is a W109 chassis complete with air suspension and long wheel-base, powered my Mercedes, then new, M116 3.5-litre V8.

Mercedes’ line up was a little confusing by the late 60s with air-suspended 109s looking very similar to steel sprung W108s despite being significantly more expensive. The 3-litre six, which had been the powered the 109 throughout the 60s was ditched in favour of the new V8s. The W109 could now be either a 3.5 as here, or a 6.3. But you could also order a 280SE 3.5, which had the same engine in the similar looking W108 chassis.

The 300SEL 3.5 was most certainly a very expensive car in the UK, second only to the mighty 6.3. While I don’t know the number sold new in this country, it was low, most likely in the few hundred range.

This is an extremely original example, first sold to Mr Stafford of Regents Park in August 1972. Finished in Silver Grey with blue velour. Unusually it was specified with factory fitted air conditioning, along with 4x electric windows and front headrests and alloy wheels.

The history on this car is quite incredible. We have all the original books and manuals, plastic wallet and datacard. We have a copy of every registration document it has had since new, MoT certificates from 1977 on, but most importantly we have pretty much every receipt for work carried out on this car since it was new in a file several inches thick! A better history could not be wished for.

The last owner has had the car since 2011, the previous since 1991, there have been six owners in total over its 53 years, all detailed in the history.

Recent work has included a new, genuine exhaust system, a cooling system overhaul, a refurbished main suspension valve, a new brake master cylinder and rebuilt calipers.

This 3.5 has never been restored, we understand it has been painted once, so is an incredibly original, unmolested example. The bodyshell is remarkably solid, but it does have some bubbling here and there, particularly to the right-side doors. The interior is untouched, so it’s no surprise that the velour upholstery has the usual fading and some of the wood is flaking but the interior does have a fantastic, faded charm.

Apart from its originality, what’s so lovely about this car is the way it drives. It starts quickly and settles down to a nice, muted burble, all the instruments read correctly, and it wafts down the road in such a delightfully refined way. We have just driven it over 140 miles without issue, but before more regular use it would most likely benefit from further attention. For example, the tyres could do with replacing due to age.

In summary, a delightfully ‘shabby chic’ RHD 300SEL 3.5 in original condition and with the most comprehensive history imaginable.