The Ultimate Sporting Estate? 1969 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 Crayford

The great motoring writer Tom McCahill regarded the 300SEL 6.3 saloon as the “World’s best car” – but more exclusive still is this 1969 Crayford Estate version. This awe-inspiring machine is possibly the only one left, and it was originally owned by Kenneth McAlpine, the ex-Works Connaught Formula One driver.

When the W108/W109 series ‘S Class’ saloons made their debut in September 1965, the flagship 300SEL was regarded by many as the ideal transport for a company director. Paul Bracq’s lines were the epitome of restraint, and the sophisticated technical specification included air suspension. And for those who craved yet more power, Daimler-Benz was already considering a V8 engine option

Meanwhile, the company’s engineer Erich Waxenberger had embarked on his own project; namely fitting the 600’s V8 unit into the S Class bay. The result was the ultimate in Q-cars, although it should be noted that Stuttgart was already considering alternative uses for the 6.3-litre power plant. Production of the ultimate W109 commenced at the end of 1967.

The 6.3 made its bow in March 1968, where it caused a sensation at the Geneva Motor Show. The latest Mercedes-Benz offered the discerning motorist a 100% increase in torque and a 70% increase in power output over the standard 300, albeit for a premium of around 10,000DM. The motoring press was utterly stunned at the idea of a five-seater saloon weighing over 3,900lbs yet capable of 137 mph and with acceleration superior to the Ferrari 330 GTC. To quote Road &Track magazine:

So what makes it so great? Simply that whatever it is asked to do, it does better than almost any other car’ and ‘It isn’t any one particular thing but a whole combination of outstanding characteristics that make it add up to something extra special.

All of which makes the Crayford Estate yet more exclusive. The saloon was never a common sight in the UK as in 1968 they cost approximately £1,000 more than a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow. Daimler-Benz made just 702 RHD units while Crayford converted a mere dozen cars.

The SEL was the coachbuilder’s most expensive station wagon and one of their most exclusive products. H 411 JNE is being auctioned by H & H on the 17th of November, and its future owner will be taking the wheel of possible the ultimate shooting brake of its era. There really isn’t another car like it.

With Thanks To: H&H and Crayford Convertible Club

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