1972 Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 - Jay Leno's Garage 

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."

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!

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!

Jay: “I’ll just drive it ‘cause the engine’s gonna wear out soon.” 6.3: “.....Halte mein bier.”

This isn't just for the grown up peeps. I'm 23 and this is my absolute dream car.

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.

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.

Regular RU-vid 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.*

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.

In the 70s, my dad bought one of those, except it said 240D on the back. It did 0-60 in about 10 minutes.

My father-in-law owned a 1971 dark blue 6.3. He used to work for Mercedes so he got most of the parts wholesale for lower cost Mercedes. But the air suspension valves and rear axel were very expensive. But it served him well. The first time I drove it, I stepped on the accelerator and was doing 30 mph. I stomped on the brakes and stopped in a heartbeat. No drama. No diving. Just perfectly behaved. The last time I drove it was just before he sold it (replaced with a Mercedes Turbo-diesel). We took it out on the interstate and I got it to 75 mph. Punched the accelerator and it just surged to 90 mph before I knew it. All with 220K miles on it. And a pinhole in the head gasket too! Back when it was younger, it went through a deep puddle and the very low air intake sucked in some water. That out a small pinhole in the head gasket. I can’t imagine how it performed before that; it was a tame beast even with that pinhole. Railroad tracks? Potholes? It’s as if the roads were all graded smooth when driving that car. As I said, the air suspension valves were very expensive. So when one was nearing end of life, he would only change it when it actually failed. But sometimes he would delay the repair (he did most of his own work on the car) and he would get out of work with the car resting on the suspension stops kneeling as if praying. The left side A-frame finally cracked. So he went to the dealer. The A-Frame was very expensive. But the A-frame, rotor, and wheel bearing was $140. It took both of us to change it, but most of the work involved positioning the airbag for the suspension. No dangerous springs were involved. When he passed away, I found and saved that Road&Track article about it being merely the best sedan in the world. A great man, a great car, and wonderful memories of both of them.

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.

I love the way how Leno talks about cars. He is definitely a petrol head.

Man. It must have really sucked to be from East Germany back then. Looking over that fence like, "dude their cars have 300 HP!?! All we have are these bullshit Ladas! FML."

I was lucky to buy and own a 6.3 for ten years, 1981 until 1991. When i bought it from a Pittsburgh collector it had 18,000 miles on it! When i sold it in 91 to a couple of Chinese Canadian guys from Vancouver it had 117,000 miles. I can remember driving home to Oregon from OKC in the mid 80’s with my family for a visit. There were five of us, wife and three kids. Those days were the old 55 MPH limit,but everyone had a CB radio and we flew. I wanted to get home, and this car knew how. From OKC we made Denver in 8 hours, spent a short night at a motel in Cheyenne, and made Eugene by about 5 o’clock the next day. 22 hours, 2000 miles. I can remember going across Wyoming in the dark, the car just ticking along quietly at 97Mph. I had put in some different halogen headlights and they lit up the desert. I can remember passing a truck on the two lane coming across the OK panhandle, and the truck driver made a smart comment on the CB about our “longevity “. When you got behind a slow vehicle,you didn’t need much space to pass. A real dart, and a pleasure to drive. It was Mercedes beige gray, and the seats dark brown leather. How lucky I was to experience this car for ten years. This was my second 6.3. I owned a forest green 69. 6.3 with tan seats that had 240,000 on it. Bought this one in 1977, and lost it to an ex-wife. That one was a real tiger for power, and fastest car of the two. Now we drive an 1983 300SDL. What a lamb.

I had one, and the 6.3 made me happy for many years.

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"

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

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.

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...

I like this cars styling better than alot of new cars.

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

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.

Love it when jay says GOOD DAY MR BOND

These are the best car videos on the Internet hands down.

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!

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!😅💙

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.

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.

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.

My older brother had a German car repair business for thirty years. He gave a 1969 280SE to my mom - to keep her safe. I never really appreciated it much except I always thought it had the loveliest lines ever. Later, as I got older and was helping my mom around more, I really got to know the car and could not find a single defect throughout the vehicle. The doors closed with a whisper and all the body parts fit perfectly. It was not fast, but smooth as a sewing machine. Classic German quality.

This is just great. Fuel always has been very expensive in germany, so the big engines are very, very rare over here.

A timeless classic for sure. You're right for loving this car, Jay.

When RU-vid 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 worked in a foreign car repair shop in the 1970’s. A soldier brought us one of these he had bought used when he was stationed in Germany for a tune up. After I finished working on it I took it on the road to test it (naturally 😊). I ran it up to speed and then let off. There was a cloud of smoke behind me! I took it back to the shop and had to add a quart of oil to bring it back to the mark. Someone out there can confirm, but I think this was when MB had the super tight Teflon valve seals to help meet exhaust emission and they didn’t allow any oil to get past the intake valve stems- or lubricate them either. Which caused the caused the valve guides and stems to wear too much. Thanks, EPA!

Thx, Mr. Leno. Yes. The 6.3 was a parade example of German engineering at its best!

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

Jay, back in 1981 I got to drive one of these sleepers to deliver it. I was told by the Boss to follow the owners son (who was in a Fast worked Torino GT) and don't loose him! When the kid took off down the road I was thinking to myself how could I possibly catch him in this Lead Sled while I floored the throttle, this thing came alive roasting the tires and then hooking up and banging through those 4 gears fast! I was amazed at how fast it was as I actually caught up to that rich kids Fast Torino! Also glad I didn't get caught by the Cops! I will never forget the feel of that car also equipped with the Bullet Proof glass and heavy body structure! My boss at the time told me the ouner also had another one just like it for his wife! Was an amazing ride! I have an auto repair shop in Ivyland Pa and have been repairing/maintaining vehicles for many years and those 6.3L Mercedes always impressed me still to this day! Was a special time back in the day! Thanks for doing this video as It brings back memories! Dave E. Ivyland Pa

My Dad had a 1970 300sel 6.3 in classic dark brown. I had to have a new engine put in my 1966 230s and it took quite a while to get the engine. As a result I drove the 6.3 everyday to community college for 2 semesters. Yes, the vehicle would do 150mph and still feel like it was pulling. $5.00 trips in gas to the store and back in 1989! The look on people's faces when a skinny long-haired 19 year old would blow them away racing them with this sleeper was priceless. Southern CA.

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.

What a genuine good Human being! Thank you Jay Leno for all the laughter all the stories... dude you rock!

My Dad was a panel beater and sprayer in the 60’s , 70’s ,80’s and 90’s and worked on pretty much every model car during that time, he always told me that Mercedes back in the 60’s and particularly this model were the best cars he’d ever worked on.

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.

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!

I'm with you Jay....simply the best 4-door sedan ever made.......it's a luxury beast!

My father had a 69' 6.3 and as kids we enjoyed this car greatly. He was an OB/GYN who would run from the operating in his blue scrubs, jump in, grab a six pack and then street drag race the locals. After years his only loss was to a 1970 Pontiac SD T.A.. The air bag suspension always gave him fits. I still remember being pushed back in the seat from all that torque. I'd love to have one if my lotto numbers come in, but only if. Repairs were expensive. Those were the days. An amazing car.

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.

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 RU-vid masses.

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.

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 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 RU-vid 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!

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

Jay, since you implored us to keep commenting on your videos, and taking you at your word that you really read them...I just wanted to say, your hair is looking much better in this video...not so disheveled as it is normally. Looking rather suave and sophisticated, actually. :)

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.

My dad had a one of a kind. The car had been built on orders from the daughter of the CEO of Diamler for her boyfriend an ex Luftwaffe General. It was badged as a 300SEL and had the 600's engine in it. The engine compartment had to be cut open to fit the engine. Other features were that if rain was detected the sunroof would close. A TV under the dashboard which worked on PAL so I could not use it in the USA on NTSC and it was illegal to use it in USA. Custom Ocelot seat covers. Beer liner in trunk. I maintained the car. I had to have the 600 shop manual for the engine and the 300 manual for the rest. You barley knew you were driving at 100 mph. It is the best driving car I ever had the pleasure to drive. It was faster than any contemporary production sports car. It was horrible to work on. To adjust the mechanical fuel injection all you had to do was turn a knurled knob, but to get to the knob I had to stand next to the fender facing foward, place my hand in the tiny space next to the engine, then turn my back to the car so I could bend my fingers to the knob. There were zert points on the drive line that were covered by shield to protect the underside of the car. I had to get a very long extension for my grease gun to reach the zert points which I could not see. Whenever I did work on it I would sign the maintenance log. Occasionally I would have to take it to the Mercedes Dealer in the West San Fernando Valley and the German Mechanic would always grumble something in German about my entries in the log. The air conditioning was not up to Southern California summers.

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 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.

I had a 1960 220S sedan, black with red leather interior. I was 18 when I got it 1968. I worshipped the 300SEL 6.3 and the Porsche 911.

I grew up next door to a guy who collected and restored old cars, his collection was roughly thirty vehicles and five were Mercedes, 1971 300SEL 6.3 was my favorite. He bought it for less than $6,000 in the early 1980s, it had been repainted and the seats were pretty worn. In my teens I used to wash his cars and occasionally just drive them a bit when they sat for a while. I drove the 300 three times, after he found out how fast I was driving it, he would not let me drive it anymore except to pull it out of the garage. He passed away and his collection was sold off, it is still one of my favorite cars and I would love to own one.

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!

This particular episode felt more human because it wasn't as cut up as some of them, felt like we all were really riding along there for a moment. Thanks for involving the viewers, thanks for going wide spectrum on the cars/subjects. Way to go! -- Funny story, I was crossing an intersection, and had a drink between my legs (human cup-holder), I saw my friend coming the other way, waived/honked and when I looked back ahead, the car in front of me had stopped dead. I slammed on my brakes, drink dislodged and I lightly bumped the car ahead. Got our out to inspect the damage with a big wet spot you know where. The guy took one look at me and thought I peed myself. Half laughing, half sympathetic said "It's okay, no harm done." and drove off... Whatever works I guess...

I drove one of these cars, (300SEL. 6,3) owned by a friend of mine, back in the seventees, in Germany/Stuttgart, from Stuttgart to Baden Baden and back....!!! It was a unique feeling of driving and I was very impressed from the responce of the gas pedal....!!! Now, almost 50 years later, I remember with nostalgie those driving days on the german Autobahn's with all these nice cars, with little traffic and NO SPEEDLIMITS.....!!!!

Jay, you asked for comments from folks who have driven these. I've owned two. I sold the second one probably around the time you bought this one. I agree with you, it's a breathtaking drive. Zero-to-sixty in 6.5 seconds and a 1/4-mile in the 14's is nothing special these days, but doing it in a V-6 Accord is nothing like as dramatic as in a 50-year-old Mercedes with a giant V8. The barrel-chested roar, the rear tires chirping on the 2-3 upshift, trying to avoid hanging the tail out on tight turns, and the general feeling of a high-strung machine itching to break free; these things make it exhilarating. I won't say I regret selling, I'd had my fun and moved on to other things. But in my fantasy world I'd have enough space and funds to be able to own and keep all the cars I love, and the 6.3 would be near the top of the list.

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 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

I drove a 300 SEL 6.3 in the mid 1980's when I was considering buying it. What a car! Yes the transmission does shift quickly and I loved it. When I put my foot into it and held it down, she chirped off rubber in all 4 gears. Amazing for a full sized Mercedes-Benz sedan. The 6.3 is the stuff of legends. By the time I drove it in the mid 80's most of the newer "hot" cars of the day were severely lacking in power and would be eaten alive by this refined and rugged beast. If I remember right, the 6.3 engine had what looked like an aircraft style mechanical fuel injector pump. Not buying it is regretful but at the time I already had a 450 SEL and an XJ-12L. In retrospect, I should have dumped the Jag for it.

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.

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.

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.

I had the 1971 280 SEL for a while back in the early 90's....One night I was taking my girlfriend to a Hall and Oats concert. We were nearing the Wang Center (in Boston) when a Caddy limo started beeping at us. I rolled down my window to see John Hall and Daryl Oats giving me the thumbs up sign and telling me what a beautiful car it was.....The 108 body style was really special! With a couple of the right flags, people would have thought I was the German Ambassador!

Jay, to reminisce with you on the joys of driving a posh Merc before it was my turn It was 1976, I was 16 years old.... I hitchhiked from Sydney to the Snowy Mountains (Australia) carrying my own ski's and wearing my ski boots with no accommodation lined up, I arrived overnight and slept in an abandoned car and made my way to the slopes in the morning. Hit the slopes and had an awesome few days skiing with a young filly i met on the lifts. Her Dad had a 6.3 merc that he needed driving back to Sydney. I helped the poor guy out and drove his Merc back to Sydney.

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.

It is not just you it is a great car that has implanted so many memories into car enthusiast all around the world. Here is mine. 1975 my first car memory driving with my Uncle on the Autobahn being passed by a back than ultimate US dream Car a Chevrolet Corvette C3. I asked to get a better look at the Sportscar and my uncle speed up so did the Corvette. I know it was not the responsible thing to do but back than the traffic was light and the weather perfect so we hade a little chase going on. We reached speeds well past 200 KmH for about 1,1/2 h while my uncle placed a cup on the dashboard and filled himself a Coffee from his thermos smiling and telling me “I bet the corvette driver can’t do that”. A while later the Corvette trailed a huge white cloud behind her and pulled over at the next Gas station. We went after it to see if we (manly my uncle who was a mechanic) could assist. After some small talk and a few excuses like the weather is to hot, I pushed to hard, or the US car is not build for high speed long distance driving it was determined that the corvette blew a head gasket and we left the lonely driver to wait for his tow truck. We drove on 5 people total with language reaching Munich 450km down the road in less than 3 h. My uncle drove the Car for over 8 years to his death he claimed it to be the best car he ever owned. For me I never looked at Sports cars the same compared to a SEL 300 6.3 they are cramped, loud, uncomfortable, unreliable and now uncool why bother.

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.

Jay, you and your guys are heros! Greetings from Germany

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 daily a 79' w116 300sd turbo diesel with 896,000 miles, and let me just say that everyday it blows my mind, i love my 300 so much. I could only imagine having one of these

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. ❤️

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 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.

Jay; Your feelings toward the 300SEL 6.3 are completely understood and felt by me. What a beauty. My godparents had the identical silver paint with black leather interior as yours. I don't recall the electric window switches looking quite like yours though and there was a black small wheel on the door panel for the operation the Wind were My godparents had a, I thought, a '70 300SEL 6.3 which their son and I once drove on a trip to Arizona and I also was trusted to drive the beautiful car around town on occasions. Can you believe that. I swear that the car was alive. Their son and I, with me driving, were on a 2 lane road at night on our way to Prescott, Arizona. Fairly dark night and I pulled out the small lighted white knob under the dash next to my left foot which lowered the car approximately 2 inches. I know that I got up to 120, although my friend swears that it was more like 130 on this straight as an arrow road. Suddenly I realized that even with the highest setting of the lights that we were over-driving the headlights to the point where we could not stop in time if something appeared in the beams. That car was more confident of what it was doing than I was. It was amazingly comfortable, smooth, quiet and it seemed as though it could handle anything. One day I mistakenly took and transition road to the 405 north out of Marina Del Rey at a higher speed than I should have, thinking that I was taking a more generous transition road, and even with naive me driving, that darn beautiful creature held tight and once again seemed as though it could forgive my error and take care of me and my passengers. (the owner, my godfather and his son!) I waxed the car when ever it needed tending to and loved every minute of the time that I spent on it. Much later on I finally got my first Mercedes, used, a '74 230 4-door purchased in '84. I think one of the lowest priced Mercedes when new and I bought it used for 5,000.. I have since worked my way up to an '84 300CD Turbo Diesel, which I will never part with, with 402,000 miles presently and a '92 500SL. I am so happy to have 'seen the light' of Mercedes Benz and I am grateful to be able to drive what I have. I am just now replacing the transmission on the 300CD at 402,000 miles! A heartbreaking decision. Don't laugh. Thank you for all of the interesting and fascinating details you share with us through your programs. Ron Smith, Pasadena, Ca.

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

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 🥰

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

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 inherited a 1975 450Sel 6.9, the successor to this car. I too could have never afforded it. I drove from NJ to Texas and was stopped in Texas by a Sheriff - who wanted to know what the 6.9 meant. WE switched cars and he took off - I could not keep up in his Police cruiser. WHen I finally met him again - he was on the side of the road with a smile a mile wide. All he said was WOW. The car was stolen soon afterwards and could not be replaced. But I will NEVER forget it.

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!

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.

Seeing Mercedes from the late 60s/early 70s makes me think of my uncle. He was a psychiatrist in Little Rock in the early 70s and I remember when he came home for one of the major holidays driving a Mercedes. I was quickly hooked. Strange, one of the things I particularly remember is the thick leather what had the ventilation holes. wonderful, solid cars with a reputation for quality. Two decades later, when I bought my first German designed car (VW), it was the seats and the road feel that sold me on it. Maybe not up to Mercedes quality, but it still had that German design philosophy that I'd fallen in love with from the Mercedes. After that I drove VWs until I retired, though I had been considering moving up to an Audi.

I drive a '72 280 SE 4.5 that's we've owned since 1996 and it's my daily driver. I remember the gentleman who sold it to us told us "it's not just a car, it's a Mercedes." Those words still ring true-it's as solid as a bank vault (and the thumbs up don't hurt, either).

I just bought a E39 M5 I love it for all the same reasons Jay loves his Merc.

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

My father and I owned six of these from a 1969 like yours to the 1972 version. We used them as boat pullers because of their power. Dad was a commercial real estate broker and he would take clients off road in the 6.3 to survey development property utilizing the extra clearance of the air suspension. Now I have a lowly 280 SE W108 1970. Its a 4 speed manual with only power steering and AC. As a base model it is such a joy.

I'm 47 and grew up in a family that loved and owned Benz cars at least more than 20 different Benz models. I have owned a few of my own, old and new. Currently i have a '97 G-wagen G320 I'm renovating its' soooooooo awesome!

Yes, this is a fabulous car. I owned a 1970 green one for about 10 years, which I acquired in the late 80's. I had actually wanted a Bentley S2, but when I found the color I wanted, I decided t it was too "showy" for me and went on a quest for a 6.3, which was quite stealth by comparison . The car drove beautifully, was fast, and the air suspension was far ahead of its time. I even raced it a couple of times with The Boot and Bonnet club at Lime Rock and it would get in the air a bit in the last turn before the straight. If you stomped on the go pedal, it would start in first gear, a sump puller...normal 1/2 throttle resulted in second gear starts, and were still quite fast. By the way, my gear shift knob was definitely a more sturdy one than shown in the video. Perhaps mine was from a later model Benz, but was in the car when I bought it. Thanks for bringing back great memories!

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 RU-vid.

My dad had a MB dealership in the late-60's - early 70's. He brought one of these home and took me, my brother and a car guy who lived up the street for a joy ride. I remember watching the speedo pass 120 on Rt 3 northbound towards Boston.

Jay Leno is the only guy in the country that can record himself breaking traffic laws, and broadcast them on you tube, with no worries of law enforcement knocking on his door.

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!