The Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 Invented an Entire Genre of Car - BTS with DTS - Ep. 9
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- Опубліковано 30 гру 2021
- Today, it’s a given that there are many sedans available that are as quick as a Porsche 911 or Ferrari. In the 1960s, that idea was so inconceivable that no one had even conceived of conceiving of it. That one should be invented by a company whose reputation was for making trucks and boring cars for old people was all the more shocking, especially considering Mercedes-Benz didn’t even have a sports car of any type in their model line, let alone one whose pace could match a 911 or a 330 GTC. And the damn thing only existed because one engineering made one on his own time and then when the director of production heard it drive by his office late one night, he managed to get the Board of Directors to approve its production, thus creating the searingly fast, understated sedan model which we continue to enjoy to this day.
In this video, Derek Tam-Scott recounts the extraordinary story of the 6.3, including its improbable success as a race car, and delivers a surprising verdict about what the car is capable of on the road.
BTS (behind the scenes) with DTS:
Derek Tam-Scott’s spirit age is excess of 75 years old, and nowhere is that clearer than his taste in cars. At age 16, he went to work at one of the United States' foremost vintage car dealers, which cemented his elderly taste. Now with a decade and a half’s experience buying, selling, driving, and brokering classic and exotic cars, he’s experienced many of the world’s most iconic cars. And even liked some of them.
Most of the car enthusiasts of Derek’s generation (and well, let’s be honest, even a generation or two before him) don’t have much experience with the magic of vintage cars prior to the 1980s, and therefore lack the knowledge and exposure to get genuinely excited about them. The goal of BTS is to give an insider’s perspective on why these cars particularly are great...or at least interesting and noteworthy. Derek brings his encyclopedic knowledge and broad experience together to contextualize these cars to give the audience understanding of both why it matters, and what it’s actually like to experience the cars.
ISSIMI is an enthusiast-owned, full-service specialist offering sales, consignment, collection management, service, and consulting to discerning enthusiasts and collectors. Specializing in complex transactions that include international services for exceptional cars, ISSIMI’s San Francisco Bay Area and Europe-based teams of experts pride themselves on transparency and knowledge.
#ISSIMI #w109 #m100 #mercedes300sel63 #mercedes-benz
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Issimi & Hagerty are absolutely killing it these days. Phenomenal work gents. I absolutely adore the 300 SEL. Torque for days
You said what I want to say 🙂
*CAN WE JUST TAKE A SECOND* to appreciate how good the video was, yes the car is a legend, but the video was super enjoyable...
@Piccalilli Pit .. +1. Agreed, Good stuff.
Sublime and thorough. Hyphen needs to put more videos up, these are always worthy of your time if you enjoy cars and their history
Hyphen is a 70 year old absolute car nerd, but also a really good story teller
Wow guys I'm speechless! You've done hell of a work here. My appreciation to you. Big like and a subscription
The car and the video deserve the thumbs up, but YT only allows one thumb up...
My dad dragged raced his in the early 70's in SoCal, with his German cronies. He was a MB mechanic for 40+ years, in West Los Angeles. My first car was the 280SE 4.5, thanks to him.
Thats the spirit. Mercedes is an iconic brand. When you drive your Benz, always remember that..
I saw the Carmudgeon episode that you and Jason did when you talked (profusely) about this car. I had no idea up until that time. It is amazing what kind of vehicle you can get when you combine and engineer with a true car nut. God bless them all! I guess the BMW M5 really got the 'performance sedan' going to a more modern audience, but this one was way ahead of the curve. The color is gorgeous too.
I work for MB and still drool when I see segments like this on what this company used to be and how technically and beautifuly designed they were.
Can't wait for this one.
My most favorite-est Mercedes of all time. And I'm a bimmer boy.
Saw it, a bit long on the montage part so I can see why it took such a long time to make. I wasn't expecting praise on the chassis, I thought it was gonna be like the 6.9, a bed with a jetpack strapped to it.
I'm impressed. I want one even more now.
Lots of praise has been said about the 6.3, but I think this video really makes it the justice it deserves. What a machine that is! “Understated”, built to last, supremely comfortable, easy to drive but brutally fast in pretty much any situation. The team that develop this didn’t compromise in any aspect, they just made it excellent.
Kaum zu glauben, dass ein so konservativer Konzern (Mitte der 60er!) wie DB ein Firmenfahrzeug mit S-EX am Kennzeichen hatte (11:18).
Number 1 on my bucket list of cars.
Great presentation and respect for the 6.3. I had one in Australia in gold, and some young kids in a racing striped hot rod pulled up beside me at a red light, revving their engine, when the light went green I hit the gas and kept the peddle to the floor which keeps the car in first gear until you ease off. As I pulled into my driveway down the road they went past honking and laughing their heads off. Granddad's car. LOL So unexpected and a blast to drive. The 6.3 on the boot is so understated but I'll bet they all went home and Googled it.
One of your best films yet! Thank you for sharing!
Best documentary on the 6.3 yet. Well done!
Wow.
I always ignores this car. What a well engineered masterpiece of automotive history.
Great stuff! I'm proud owner of a 1970 300 SEL 6.3 since 2005. Happy new year Cheers!🥂🎩
In June 1977 my brother and I went to the MBCA event at Road America Elkhart Lake and I was lucky enough to have a ride in a 6.3. The chase car was a Shelby Cobra, and the only way it cought up to the 6.3 I was riding in, was at the chicanes they put up for safety of the road driver/owners. Oh yeah, the A/C was on!
One of my favorite and well-respected cars of all time. This video does it justice.
DTS: take me back. Way back. 50 years ago. Not many 3 pointed stars in the States back then. In fact, in a well known wealthy suburb of NYC there were 5, count ‘em on one hand, MB’s in town. All knew each other by sight.
While not a 6.3, we had the same blue color or the test car. 6 cylinder though. No 6.3 but fine for a luxury street car.
I learned all about the 6.3 and dreamt about it. Thanks for bring back all those memories about appreciating great engineering and understanding what’s possible to accomplish with “modern cars!”
Got to love a fast, understated saloon car with a 6+ litre V8. Mine's a bit later than the legendary 300 SEL though, a Bentley Turbo R.
I would give this mor thumbs up if i could! The only thing i disagree: "cars like this are everywhere today." I'd say none of them looks like a normal elegant model like this one. The manufacturers skipped elegance for "angry looks" Because sadly most of those who buy them to boast want them to look angry and fast, rather than having a "sleeper".
YES for me the most important line was "the only difference to the standard model is the 6.3 badge.
I test drove one i didn't buy years ago and it had a velour interior, it didnt even have a special interior.
Very true, I heard that line and immediately thought “Where? Name one?” The great thing about the 300SEL was how ordinary it looked until you saw the trunk lid, Car & Driver correctly said that this was M-B’s idea of a muscle car
I agree. I was fortunate just to test drive one once. Cars like that are NOT everywhere today. There maybe a few as fast but they're lacking in so many other ways
Oh my goodness why can’t there be more of these! Hyphen needs a raise!
sadly soon all gas cars will be illegal from 2027 on in most states of the USA and EU.
I've owned my 6.3 since 1988 and it never ceases to put a smile on my face.
Kudos for your accurate, thorough and well researched vid. It is indeed a modest and extraordinary car that performs whenever asked and once driven is a never forgotten experience.
P.S. Just listened to The Carmudgeon Show - Ep. 46 - The G4B050 transmission to M100 engine has a "fluid flywheel" coupling and that allows one to roll start the car. I live on a hill and have done it many times. Mind you no hydraulic power steering before engine start needs to be considered.
Wow… what a great video. Thanks for making it. Like seriously, I really appreciate it. Liked and subbed.
Had an acquaintance who owned one of these back in the 90's. He said it had been Willie Nelson's at one time. I drove it once, alone, and was so amazed at what happened when I floored the accelerator I did it a bunch of times. I know he still drove it 10 years later, but I haven't seen him in well over a decade so I have no idea if he still has it.
First class video. I had black / tan 1970 600 short-wheelbase. Also had a 6.3 and a 6.9. By far my favorite was the 6.3. I thought of it as a European muscle car. Superb research and execution of this video production.
Great report! Amazing period videos. You made me want this car and I had never considered it before!
Beautifully done!!! I have the exact same 6.3 in blue with parchment interior.
Proud owner of a measly 300SEL which, despite a very smooth and underpowered engine (competent though) is a marvel to throw around curves, always surprises me how such a big car meant to be stately still handles well more than 30 years later, oh and that build quality!
Underpowered? You have the 3.5/4.5 V8?
@@peteralexander1155 300 SEL I said, 3.0 6 cyl
@@gori277 Not all 300 SEL are 6 cylinder cars ( with a 3.0 you have a very first gen there) Enjoy your Merc mate!
@@gori277 So you got the rarest W109 configuration with the 170 hp M189 engine? Take care of that car and its engine. I own a W108 280SE with few options, which makes it very reliable. Few rubber parts to degrade, no ac and a manual transmission. A blast to drive at any speed.
@@bonafazius reliable but very maintenance intensive. The 3.0 is a lovely 6 though and there cars always turn driving into powerboating. The car hops on keel and sails by traffic
My son drives a 300 6.3 and 250 vw and I own 4 190e and w220 v12tt with720 bhp. One of the 190e has a Mazda rotary conversion. Also a w124 with a Lexus 1uzfe to make it reliable
What a beautiful video! Thanks for putting this together!
This Mercedes in all its forms of Sedan, Coupe or Convertible are really kings of cars. So much elegance and beauty in a very subtle and refined glory
Making me watch on cars I never thought I would. Superior content and context. Thank you
+1 .. Excellence in automotive journalism on par with the rogue Mercedes 300 SEL 6.3 sedan. . Immediately walked to the garage admiring our C-124 '94 E-320 Coupe. .. "Engineering Like No Other". .. Cheers, M/S
Couldn't agree more, brb heading out to admire my 300CE
So well done - excellent video Derek!
Another incredible episode from DTS, and another incredible story I didn’t know fully. Getting the intro in the carmudgeon episode was cool, but getting the full story here was great
I really did not expect it to perform so nicely through the corners, with so little body roll considering the age, and the sidewall of the tyres
Great episode! The only reason I came to watch was because I finally caught up on the podcast and heard how enthusiastic Derek was about this car. Love the history behind these cars.
The classic Mercedes and video dynamics are exceptional here. Thanks for sharing!
My grandfather bought one new. My grandmother use to drag anyone who dared. He sold it in 86 because of the cost of replacing the vacuum lines for all the power options.
It was the first car I knew to have power windows and I thought it was strange that my Moms Celebrity's windows wined while the old Benz didn't.
Brillant historical review, eloquently presented.
This is the aural version of the visual automotive feast served up by carfection...
👏 Bravo! 👏
Excellent video! Classy presentation with a great narrative including all correct and relevant facts on the background of this fabulous car. Your experience with the 6.3 matches my own. Ever since the car was introduced I’ve been fascinated with this exceptional Mercedes. At first as a ten year old car fanatic and now as a very fortunate owner of a fresh 1970 car.
Derek Hyphen, I love your car vids. Please keep them up. I enjoy the explanation of the history of the car in the calming way you speak juxtaposed with the badass car you're describing, and how the videos always end with you driving the car in question.
On this particular car, a friend's father had one when I was growing up. His father owned a car shop that worked solely on exotics, and he had one of these in great condition in his garage under a cover. I did get to hear it started up a couple times. Even as a teen, I knew it was pretty cool.
What a phenomenal video and story. Thanks Derek. Such a great job on this.
Brings back memories of the one my dad had in the early 00s. I didn't think it was cool until I drove it. Engineering marvel. Great video as always, keep up the great work!!!
Another amazing video you captured these classics perfectly
This is what UA-cam content … should be, excellent interesting and engaging content, no click bait , no dodgy home filmed bits thanks for uploading, I appreciated the effort and the quality of this
Agreed. What a great video...
Absolute classy presentation. Fantastic watch. Keep up the good work
This is some meta stuff; clicked thinking I was going to watch the video, only to find that I have been put in a waiting room lol, at least this way I’ll always get a good seat, but where is the coffee maker?
I promised I’d watch this, and I did. Awesome work!! I learned a bunch about this thing!
I'm just having fun imagining a 2021 Mercedes-AMG S63 finishing 2nd overall against GT3 cars at the Spa 24h...
Not to spoil the fun, but GT3s aren’t touring cars, so afaik there’s no such 24H race at Spa that could be compared to the one in which they achieved that second place.
@@indiebekonn He was imagining… and so was I…
Try it, rather than spewing irrelevant facts.
Sorry if I sound a little harsh. You’re right though, it will never happen again, but a little bit of dreaming never hurt anyone…
@@indiebekonn The irony is the car that placed 1st at Spa in 1971 was a Werkes Ford Capri RS2600, who's creators later started BMW's legendary M division when they made the E9 coupe into a Capri(the then dominant car) beater in Group 2 racing in 1973.
Always knew the 6.3 was something special but didn't realize to what extent, thank you DTS!
Kudos to the crew: finally, a video that measures up to the same high standards set by the M-B 6.3 engineers. Beautifully done- thank you.
You are a fantastic story teller. The background music is great the shots are great and the script is amazing! I will watch the video even for items I never knew I’d appreciate.
What a delight to see this video. The presentation is remarkable. What a legendary peace of engineering and design. There is a saying quote THERE ARE TWO TYPES OF CARS MERCEDES AND OTHERS.
Another unbelievably great review boss loved it
Tam-Scott great job. Sunglasses🔥Watch🔥
this series is freakin' awesome. Great job Derek!
Awesome video. Loved it
DTS, your team has the best cinematography in the business. Well done!
This should get my fix for the time being. My Carmudgeon withdrawals have grown more prominent since Jason's Hagerty uploads have become more infrequent lately.
@Joe Leonard .. +1. So true and rather funny. "Carmudgeon withdrwals"...
Beautiful storytelling. Wonderful cinematography. Classy narrating with great enunciation and without any unrelated theatrics and juvenile behavior from Mr. Cammisa. I am a fan.
Phenomenal video! You had me all the way to the end.. Fantastic background story that seems completely impossible today :o
Thank you for another excellent video.
This is just the best video. The photography, old photos and clips, who is the guy driving and narrating? He is really good. Now I know.
The 6.3 came out when I was 14 years old. Before that the 600 was, to me this God like thing I will never own, see, and no internet. But I learned every detail about them. The 6.3 took it's place. I bought a factory shop manual. Years before I got a 6.3.
Great video, Hyphen. I now know I have this car to thank for my 2011 XJL Supercharged, which is superb. Thanks, Mercedes.
Side note: you've got to practice reading a script without making it sound like you're reading a script.
I freakin love those old Mercedes, including the mighty Grand Mercedes.
Really really really good. Very thorough in covering all aspects of the car without putting any unnecessary fluff.
My 3rd favourite Mercedes saloon of all time. Great car, a very well made video too Hyphen!
Excellent script. Excellent voice over. And then all the footage on the road. Thanks for mic-ing that exhaust sound! MORE!
Damn Hyphan, you're killing it dude. This video was excellent! The type of nerdery I require from my car content, not shouting and clickbait.
Very well done! Great footage. I can't wait to get my 300SEL 4.5 on the road.
Beautiful beast, technical marvel.....agreed it is cars like the 300sel 6.3, that we have high performance luxury sedans...lovely video
One of those special Waxenberger tuned cars still exists. It was sold to Finnish magazine publisher who had early analog mobile phone etc. installed into it. He also did some minor racing with it including participated to first ever drag race event held in Finland in 1975 doing 14.42s. It has fender flares and all racing modifications but engine isn't probably most highly tuned variant possible. Its been on display in few different Finnish car museums for years now.
A perfect piece as always. Hope you do a similar take on the W116 450 SEL 6.9 in the future.
Mercedes sedans of that era could surprise you with how competent they were going fast. I helped a friend of mine move from Phoenix to Colorado in the early 1980's. He was driving a rental truck and my job was to get his 280SE sedan there intact. At first it felt kind of soft and mushy, but when you got up some speed the car came to life and was remarkably sharp.
I was fortunate enough to drive one of these several times when I worked as an MB mechanic in my youth. The rear axle could get you in trouble and it made about 8 mpg in town. Being so young, I could not believe I was trusted with this car. Unforgettable.
My father just restored his after spending most of my life in a garage. A truly magnificent machine. Well done 👌🏼
Fantastic Episode Derek!
I would love to see Your Take on the Citroën DS.
Or how about a 205 GTI.
Thank you! I’d love to do episodes on both!
@@Dtamscott and SM if possible, please! Love these videos.
I remember reading the Road & Track article on the 6.3 when it first came out. How did I get this old
BTS with DTS, or as i like to say "Drivin with Hyphen"
@Jake Ledbetter .. +1.. Too funny.
🤣
I like this dude
Easily the best piece you’ve done.. Simply masterful. The writing, especially.. it doesn’t lower itself to the lowest common denominator, instead it presumes a level of literacy on the part of the consumer.. A breath of fresh air!
You’re in a league of your own, DTS… keep up the good work!
+1 .. Agreed. Excellent !
Great video. Congratulations!
Never knew about this car! Great story telling.
Love this style of story-telling! Beautiful Bay Area roads too.
I truly look forward to these reviews from DTS
The w116 even in 300sd form handles way better than expected. Still feels like a modern Mercedes.
And, one can actually drive a 300SD without breaking the bank on fuel. The W126 version had numerous improvements, but the W116 is still my fav for looks (and I own a W126).
@@westhavenor9513 i am the custodian of a 1980 300sd. I enjoy driving it. Its been an adventure repairing leaks from age and neglect. However I enjoy it very much. Just did a 700mile round trip about 2 months back. It got about 28.5mpg combined. Lovely car. This was a mixture of 75+ mph and some mountain roads as well as in town.
Excellent. And someone else said it, " Hyphen needs a raise!" LOL. Education and entertainment.
well done DTS
that was a good sleeper i drove one in Germany. Nice video
This video was so greatly put together... Phenomenal work!
The only thing you didn’t cover was the 6.3s ability to cruise at 125 mph effortlessly while carrying 4 people and luggage very comfortably. I used to pull a 1,000 pounds of racing sailboat at 80-90 all day long.
Fabulous Job, very well done, plus keep them coming.
This JASON loves this Video!!
Great job Hyphen! (Derrick)
#letsdoapodcast
Great video and review! That should be on the official MB website.
Great video guys. Awesome job!
This video was exceptionally well made! 👏🏻👏🏻 Enjoyed every second of it. New sub! 😊
Great review, great car. Uninaginable that they have created it during 67...Thank you for the work.
Wow a lot of effort went into making this vid, didnt know half the story behind this apart from this being a secret after hours project. Great work
Stellar episode - a great start to 2022!
BZ DTS.
Highest regards to you and the team. All aspects full appreciated.
Years ago, I worked in one of these. 6.3 is fierce. A brute. In some ways, downright scary. Incredible piece of engineering.