1969 Mercedes 300SEL 6.3:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /

VIN: 10901812002681

Goodman Reed Motorcars is pleased to offer for sale a truly remarkable, exceptionally clean W109 300SEL 6.3. Owned by only two avid Mercedes enthusiasts throughout its life, the car is perhaps one of the most original, unmolested, unique 6.3s available on the market, with complete ownership history and records which reveal a fantastic provenance. The car is completely RUST-FREE, aesthetically clean and mechanically sound ? the legendary engine providing consistently impressive performance. If you’ve been looking for a 6.3, or any exceptional vintage Mercedes, this car certainly deserves your attention.

The car was originally special ordered by one Dr. L.C. Prieto, of Memphis, Tennessee. Dr. Prieto was a bit of a wild spirit; an avid amateur vintage race enthusiast and driver, the 6.3 was one of the more civilized cars in his extensive collection. He was also a peripheral friend of Elvis Presley’s, which is notable for Mercedes and Elvis fans in that Elvis’ famed 1969 Mercedes 600 was originally ordered by Dr. Prieto. Elvis wanted a silver SWB model, but Mercedes told him that all current available orders had been placed and that he’d have to wait an additional year to get a car with the specific color combination and options that he wanted (which happened to be the exact car that Dr. Prieto had ordered). Out of generosity (or to get into Elvis’ good graces), Dr. Prieto turned his order over to the King. That specific 600, of course, ended up selling in a recent eBay auction for more than$2,000,000. Dr. Prieto ended up purchasing a 600Pullman in a different color scheme, but he never cared for it as much as the 6.3 and ended up trading it in a few years later.

The 6.3, however, remained in use and in the Prieto garage until 1982, when his ailing health caused him to sell off much of his collection. At this time Dr. Prieto’s son-in-law, a young Air Force Major, was fortunate enough to become the car’s second owner. Although he didn’t keep Miss Prieto as his wife through the ensuing twenty-five years of reassignments and promotions (to Colonel), he did keep the car - all the way through this winter, when we were fortunate enough to come across it through a mutual Mercedes Benz Club of America friend, here in the Colonel’s eventual home of Southern California. The Colonel always kept the car meticulously maintained, as is evidenced by a comprehensive stack of service records. In fact, we likely have every single service record since the car was new, including those from Dr. Prieto’s tenure. These records, of course, will be turned over to the car’s new owner upon a successful sale.

In addition to the service records, we also have every single book, brochure and pamphlet that came with the car, including the order sheet, stamped service book, manual, cardex, dealership directory, etc. etc. The original spare tire and complete factory tool kit are also intact in the trunk, as is the extremely rare, optional, complete fitted luggage set, which is in excellent condition, right down to the hatbox.

Finished in gorgeous “beige grey metallic” (Beigegrau, DB 728), the car’s exterior is in exceptional condition, marred only by only the most minor of imperfections (i.e. rock chips) which have each been professionally touched up. The exterior is completely straight, with correct fits and gaps all around and no evidence of accidents or rust repair of any sort. The finish is very clean, retaining astonishing depth and luster, and the color is wonderfully era specific, complimenting the car’s notorious “sleeper” persona perfectly. The exceedingly rare dealer installed vinyl Landau roof is absolutely flawless ? free of warping, cracking or fading. Hard to find in good condition among W109s, ittruly sets the car apart and compliments the paint and interior beautifully. All of the chrome is in excellent condition, as is the glass and exterior rubber, which is perfect save for a single crack on the rubber passenger side bumper insert. All of the lights are perfect and the wheels are in excellent condition, wrapped in nearly new tires.The undercarriage is original and unblemished - absolutely no signs of rust or rust repair.

The interior is equally as clean and completely original. The supple black leather seats are near perfect, showing only the most insignificant of wear and still providing sturdy but comfortable support. All of the interior panels and carpets are flawless, as is the headliner, which is free of any rips or sagging. The dash too is perfect (uncracked), and it houseswalnut wood trimin exceptional original condition, exhibiting only the most minor of imperfections and still retainingfantastic gloss. The original Becker radio is fully functional, as are the power windows and heating and cooling systems (although the AC unit could probably benefit from a charge). Additionally, the car retains its originalKangol seatbelts and dealer optioned original thatched Coco mats.

The 6.3’s performance is legendary, and this car lives up to the hype. Starting right up and idling smoothly, the car pulls with completely even and truly astonishing force, bringing the car to impressive speeds witha smoothness that only Mercedes could offer. With only 121k original, well-maintained miles, it’s no surprise that the compression is strong across all cylinders and the car brakes just as it drives: strongly, and completely straight. It is a joy to drive in any situation, but is incomparable when at speed on the highway, its renowned air-suspension providing what is arguably the best drive quality of any sports sedan in history. The car has received minimal use over the past month, parked in the same spot while remaining at the correctheight/level without any indication of issues in the suspension. A marvel of engineering in its day, the car holds up with any modern sedan, and does it with panache and exclusivity.

Upon its release, Road and Track called the 6.3, “simply the greatest sedan in the world”, and it’s not hard to understand why. With 300+ horsepower, an incredible 0-60 mph time of 6.5 seconds and a 9-1 compression ratio (later detuned to 8-1 to meet emissions regulations), the 6.3 is competitive with any of the sports cars of its day. What made (and continues to make) it truly distinctive was that Mercedes’ engineers achieved such incredible performance from a fully optioned luxury sedan weighing over 3800 lbs. In terms of exclusivity and sheer motoring pleasure there really is no finer car available.

Only 6,500 units were ever produced at the hallowed Sindelfingen factory, with only 2,578 in 1969. With rust, accidents and neglect taking so many of them off the road, the cars have become exceedingly rare, which has of course been followed by huge leaps in appreciation. To find an unmolested, rust-free example such as this is increasinglyrare; dont miss thisopportunity to own the true king of the road. Bid to win.

Goodman Reed Motorcars

All questions can be forwarded to goodman.reed.motorcars@gmail.com or to (805)886-1823 or (805) 708-2404. This car can be viewedin the Santa Barbara area by advanceappointment only. Winning the auction is not winning the right to come and see the car - please ask all questions and perform your due diligence BEFORE bidding.

We are well versed in sales to foreign buyers and if necessary can help facilitate such a sale with recommendations for trusted companies.

For U.S. buyers a 10% non-refundable deposit is required within 3 days of the auctions end, the balance to be paid within 7 days of the auctions end. Foreign buyers must pay in full within 7 business days of auction’s end. Buyer is responsible for shipping, however wed be more than happy to help with recommendations and arrangements. The car is listed locally and we reserve the right to end the auction at any time should it sell prior to auctions end. All sales areas-is, with no warranty expressed or implied. The abovedescription offers full disclosure to the best of our knowledge, however we cannot warranty these disclosures as fact and encourage personal or professional inspection before bidding on the car.Thanks for your interest.