Back in 1994 a 6.3 was next to me at a stop light. There wasn't a car lane there. He looked at me and grinned. My car was faster than an old Mercedes of that body style so I figured I'd blow him off at the signal change. I knew a little about that brand. Everything you need to know is on the deck lid. Light changed and that trunk was all I saw.
@@greatpariscars I had a 1977 6.9 they are fast. They aren't fast at takeoff per se but they have a lot of reserve power to just keep going faster and faster.
Keep the patina, honor the builder that embraces reliable modern performance. Drive it, I'm sure he has an updated descriptive parts manual, when maintenance is required for the new drivetrain/chassis mods. Immense respect for Jonathan and Jay combining the positive in automotive designs both old and new. Thank you to all the owners, enabling it to all happen. P.S., would love to see a video of it flexing that new Art Morrison chassis/GM powertrain at the track.
What a beauty. I was a little hesitant at first about the GM powertrain, but Mr. Ward always knows best. Also it's a treat to see the owner show his knowledge and enthusiasm for his vehicle. Personally, I wouldn't paint it but the rest is so pretty it wouldn't look out of place if they did.
*If you really want to get deep in the weeds in the construction details, Johnathan has that here:* ua-cam.com/video/XMOBECkR5lk/v-deo.html *If you do the math the labour cost alone is pretty breathtaking. Cheers!*
Worked in automotive trimshop my whole life. Have seen and driven one of these with really low mileage. By far one of the greatest cars ever. Would've loved to see them use the original motor. Nice job.
Too me, in this day and age, all manufactures have their own high powered engines. Just put in an AMG. Like the Land Cruisers, he puts in GM crate motors. Put a Toyota in a Toyota. This is no backyard budget build (where I can see putting in a GM crate motor).
I just love Jonathan's work... if I ever hit the lottery, I would be getting in touch with him! I remember back when I was a teenager I had a 1965 Pontiac Catalina 4-dr hardtop with the 389 and TH400. Beautiful car, and I thought it was pretty fast until one day I was on the freeway and came up behind a Mercedes sedan. I noticed it had an "MD" badge on the back license plate, and a "6.3" badge on it. At the next light I ended up beside the Benz, and when the light changed I left the doctor's car behind me! The next thing I knew, that silver sedan was passing me like I was sitting still! I tried to keep up until I was going way over 100mph, and he was steadily leaving me further behind. It was a few days later when I was talking to a mechanic friend of mine and was relating this story to him that I found out just what that "6.3" meant... I'll bet that doctor enjoying telling his friends about the kid that tried to race him!
This car looks fine as is. It isn't too derelict looking. A nice paint job in blue would look really nice though. Back in the '70's one of my friend's family cars was an SEL from that era, I think it was a 4.5. That car was so impressive, I remember it to this day. It was blue. The engineering put into this restomod was so impressive.
I imagine his builds have to be some of the best vehicles in the world! I'd have a Jaguar XJ Coupe Series One derelicted by Icon with an LS3 dropped in if my ship came in.
Owner is a class act, would love to have a second take with him and Jay only. Glad Jay was able to ensure Steven is also engaged and part of the story telling, please invite them back.
An amazing conversion. I love the original 6.3. I have owned 3 and something people don't realise is all 6.3s are not the same. The block and transmission in the last is different and stronger. And more powerful my last 1972 was much faster. But getting parts for a 6. 3 now is much more difficult than it used to be. Some things are unobtainable so to get parts will be really expensive. Like way more than a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. 2 head gaskets cost me $1600 Aud. Rebuilding an engine will cost a fortune in gasket e.g. the injection system. My car ran like a Swiss watch. Utterly superb. But rationally this gives you a car you can reliably go anywhere and get fixed pretty much anywhere.
And people said that you like only Honda. John 12:49 For I did not speak of my own accord. (Someone posted this on Instagram yesterday, the jokes people make :D)
Jay, I too worked at a M-B, BMW, Volvo dealer in High School..circa 1984. Our owner was a German motorhead, he referred to the fan switch when said hood was raised as the "shvantz" button.
Another awesome history lesson Mr. Leno, I love when you have the derelict guy on your show, the chemistry is excellent, between you two and it seems like he knows the question before you ask it. They do an awesome job and keep the cars looking stealth on the outside, while having an art Morrison chassis and a large LS motor underneath, with large brakes and wheels to accommodate the brakes. I forgot to mention, don’t paint it.🙏🏽
Jonathan Ward is one of my favorite characters in the automotive world today. He’s as charismatic as they come and doesn’t seem like your typical narcissistic rich dude.
"Except for the power, I'd think I was driving a six three..." I think the NASCAR exhaust note - especially when you step on it - might give it away also. I would have insisted on cast iron manifolds and quiet mufflers for as quiet an exhaust as possible. Screw maximum horsepower - it needs to sound refined.
It's supposed to be a hot rod, so the NASCAR note should be there when you give it some. I just think the constant droning and rather nervous gearbox when cruising along really doesn't fit the car at all. Would have given the car two characters that fit it really well: Cruise along and to the untrained eye its just a glorious, solid merc, butt step on it and you don't know whats happening to you.
Jay, thank you very much for sharing your passion with us! It would´ve been great to see this back to back with your original car and even if you´d let Steve drive your car for comparison... All the best from Argentina! Stay safe and well!
One last comment, the 300 SEL 3.5 and 4.5 from the same era had everything the 6.3 did cosmetically with the air suspension, big difference being the motor. Can pick those up much cheaper than 6.3s if doing restomod.
@@TOCC50*Nah. Not even close. Watch Steve Rulewicz about 15 Secs in. You're seeing a wealthy OG contemplating that now his ~4 year, $5 Million journey is completed, what to do next. You will better understand him when you too, pass 70. Cheers!*
Perfect car to make as a Derelict model! It was quite the cream-puff to begin with; I'm sure there are some Teutonic purists out there freaking out about this car!😂 I really like this ride. It's the true definition of a "Gentleman's Hot Rod"! As Jay would say, "Very nice, very nice..."! Oh, yeah...Don't paint it!! Thank you Jay, Johnathan, and Steven, as well as the Crew, for another great episode! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
I enjoy how the videos link from one to another. I just finished watching the MB 6.3 episode where Jay talks about getting arrested and having to go before judge in the middle of the night. Thanks guys. Keep them coming.
Yeah, I've been major voice geek myself for over 40 years.. and yes, the owner does sound different than most of the horribly average voices out there that we are subjected to every day. Don't get me talking about Paul Frees (my fave voice actor) or we'll be here the rest of the day. :) If they could figure out where to use the owner's voice, and maybe work with him on smoothing off the edges where needed, well yes, there could be work for him in L.A.
The legend says that the development of the 300 SEL 6.3 was illegal in MB Company because the head of development Hans Scherenberg was not informed and the Head of Fahrversuch Rudi Uhlenhaut was also not really informed what Erich Waxenberger and his colleagues did. They implanted the engine of the much bigger Grosser 600 into the small executive car 300 SEL . What they did was a German muscle car par excellence for the US market.
This was my first car! I was in the Army, stationed in Germany, and I bought a 1973 from another guy in my unit (circa. 1986). So I have the distinction of saying my first car was a Mercedes 300 SEL! Of course I sold it to another soldier before I left (converting the German cars to American standards was very expensive). Mine was a beautiful midnight blue. It could do 250 kph (something like 155 mph) with barely a sound. It was a great car for the Autobahn.
There's only one thing that would impress me more than this "Q"car and that's Jays complete and speedy recovery ..and, yes , it does warrant a repaint...l wonder if Jay took him for a spin in his 6.3 . Thank you Jay .
My dad had one of these and he loved it. Years later, I bought a 600SL V12 and I loved that. My only problem is the patina. I like a finish so deep that it looks like a mirror. Very nice and well presented!
If I wanted to replace the engine, I would have used a Chrysler 383, which was approximately the same size as the Mercedes engine, but quite a bit more powerful - 305 horsepower with a 2 barrel, 325 horsepower with a 4 barrel, 350 horsepower with dual 4 barrels, vs 250 horsepower for the Mercedes engine. Would be interesting to see how much faster it would be!
@@jimjones1876 Find and read Tom McCahill's road test of a 6.3 SEL from '69-70. He took one on a cross country road test and claimed to have caused several Corvette drivers to commit ritual suicide for having been left in the dust. Most MB of that era followed the British pattern of "gathering way." Not the 6.3! It was quite snappy. I have the test somewhere but can't find it readily. My brain tells me something like 0-60 in about 7 seconds and about 140 mph on the top end. That's pretty quick for a sedan back around 1970... and a sedan that can actually stop and corner, in case you want to remind me about some of the big American cars with HiPo engines that were about that fast. But what a nightmare to work on. I worked in a Mercedes shop in that era and one of my PTSD moments of that time was putting engine mounts in a 6.3. Going into a cold sweat as I type this! ( : < 0)
Yes, paint it. Other derelict creations need to stay original, but this one is different. I agree with Jay, something will always seem 'off' until it's painted. Nice car.
Very interesting review, pity they didn't go back to "the Garage" and swap into Jay's 300SEL6.3 and drive that round the same route. Thank you Mr Leno.
Surprised Jay didn't mention the stance of the car, he always likes it when a car sits just right. Also, not sure you can say 'it drives like a Mercedes' when there's nothing about it that is other than the body... Great video.
I saw a 6.3 in real life about a year ago. I chased it down and took some pics. Good job Jay, you've redeemed yourself after the last video with the pickup. Next video: 6.9. UPDATE.... Why the fixation on whether to paint it though? Totally agree to leave it.
For someone who wanted Steve the Owner to talk, Jonathan isn't keen on keeping his mouth shut. Jay bravely perseveres with trying to bring Steve into it, but he's fighting a losing battle.
Ah, a couple old dudes LS swap an old Mercedes for a lot of money. Got it. As much as I may enjoy the power & reliability of the LS, that exhaust note and drone in the cabin is not M-B at all. To each his own, though, and I hope the owner will still have some time left to put some miles on the car.
I rode in a marsadies once and told the driver to slow down for the railroad tracks because they were rough as hell going slow even . The driver grinned and speeded up even I felt nothing ! This was my introduction to this brand .
In the summer of 1977 my girl friend and I were driving from Southern Wisconsin to Central Nebraska overnight (no AC). Shortly after merging onto I-80 we picked up a convoy on the CB. There were about 8 semis, ourselves, and a guy ferrying a maroon over ivory 300SEL 6.2 from New York to San Francisco. He would fly by us at nearly 150MPH to our 75 or 80, trailblazing until his radar went off. After scrubbing off about 90 MPH, he would call back to us "Smoky in the median, mile marker 167." or whatever. We all would slow then roll past the cops a legal 55, and then take off again until he flagged the next radar. We repeated that for over 650 miles, stopping in Iowa for fuel, biobreak and coffee at truck stops in Davenport and again in Council Bluffs. Semis had to buy fuel coming in and exiting Iowa as a road use tax thing, so we got to chat with the driver on our stops. He was given $1500 Cash and 5 days for the trip, out of which he had to pay for gas, food, and lodging. He kept the rest, plus a $100 bonus if he was a day early, and another $100 if he didn't damage the car or get a ticket. He let me ride shotgun for our final leg. It was the first time I'd been in a Mercedes, or over 100, 110, 120, or 130 MPH. He said the 300SEL was the finest automobile he'd ever driven and I believed him.
Another broken heart, watching this iconic car being misused so badly. 🤧Best greeting from Germany. Thanks to you and your team for providing the world with your impressive car content.👋
What an awesome car. The owner is very fortunate to have found such a pristine (no rust) Mercedes to rebuild. That being said it would be sacrilege to paint the exterior! It has just enough “shine” left in the original paint to make it a complete SLEEPER when sitting at a traffic light. So to answer Jay’s question……..HELL NO ON PAINTING!
As a former car designer. I really appreciate the Derelict brand. I however, do agree with Jay about a nice fresh stock painted silver paint. It'd be a glorious finish to a truly beautiful car. I don't think it'd be snobby whatsoever. It's a hot rodded Benz. Anyone with even a bit of discernment knows that car is a HOT-RODDED Benz!?
I'm sorry... I'm nearly 80 years old... Per Blixt and I purchased and restored a 1970 MBZ 280se coupe with a sunroof... it's a 4 speed stick. When we began the project we were going through the receipts for work done to the car and found a big bill from a Newport Beach auto repair shop to William Holden. Once we saw that we knew we didn't want it to be an old looking 'road car'.. We restored it back to new and we still have it. Before we restored it people pulled us over just to see if they could buy for nearly nothing because of the condition. Now they just give me a thumbs up and wave... MUCH BETTER. I'm so happy we did that.
Back in 1994 a 6.3 was next to me at a stop light. There wasn't a car lane there. He looked at me and grinned. My car was faster than an old Mercedes of that body style so I figured I'd blow him off at the signal change. I knew a little about that brand. Everything you need to know is on the deck lid. Light changed and that trunk was all I saw.
"everything you need to know is on the deck lid" best way to describe one of these haha that's a phenomenal story, thank you for sharing 😎
@@goosenotmaverick1156 wrong. Story sucked.
@@jasonw7497
You are quite bitter. Has life disappointed you?
@@jasonw7497 You're gay
@@greatpariscars I had a 1977 6.9 they are fast. They aren't fast at takeoff per se but they have a lot of reserve power to just keep going faster and faster.
Those two guys, plus Jay, really know their stuff, which is refreshing. Keep it resto-derelict - incredibly cool
I can't remember the last time I saw more than one guest riding in anything with Jay. What a sweet ride!
Jonathan Ward is like some weird freaky genius. Seems like he is on a whole another plane and I love him for it. His work is art.
he ls swaps cars for rich guys.
@Mark Petersen .. +1. Agreed. . Mr Ward has the goods. . Automotive artwork to the power on ten. Cheers, Vail, Colorado
Art
Would've been nice to put it up on the lift to see the full frame conversion.
you can find that in my video on our channel. Thanks!
@@ICON4x4Design Well done on this build (and all your builds)!
Yes, a missed opportunity
Good point! Thanks for the feedback.
@@bottomlands According to you. Please go away.
Keep the patina, honor the builder that embraces reliable modern performance. Drive it, I'm sure he has an updated descriptive parts manual, when maintenance is required for the new drivetrain/chassis mods. Immense respect for Jonathan and Jay combining the positive in automotive designs both old and new. Thank you to all the owners, enabling it to all happen. P.S., would love to see a video of it flexing that new Art Morrison chassis/GM powertrain at the track.
Agreed !
the sound of the doors closing when they go for a ride just shows the quality. well done
What a beauty. I was a little hesitant at first about the GM powertrain, but Mr. Ward always knows best. Also it's a treat to see the owner show his knowledge and enthusiasm for his vehicle. Personally, I wouldn't paint it but the rest is so pretty it wouldn't look out of place if they did.
@Impslap .. +1. Agreed, at first the GM direction gives ya pause. .. But,,,, wait until MB's newest 3.0l inline 6 cyl turbos turn up in the mix.
When Jonathan gets going with the details it’s hysterical. He’s simply THE BEST.
*If you really want to get deep in the weeds in the construction details, Johnathan has that here:* ua-cam.com/video/XMOBECkR5lk/v-deo.html *If you do the math the labour cost alone is pretty breathtaking. Cheers!*
Worked in automotive trimshop my whole life. Have seen and driven one of these with really low mileage. By far one of the greatest cars ever. Would've loved to see them use the original motor. Nice job.
Perfect as is. No paint necessary.
Love Jonathan’s work! My favorite guest! Keep the car the way it is!
Jonathan Ward is my favorite builder, I love his vision. Id like to have seen aa AMG 6.2 natural aspirated with 550-600 hp on this build.
Some other UA-camr has already done it. Can't remember the channel name tho
Totally right! That would have been the best engine if you had to get rid of the original.
This way it far simpler and cheaper. If the owner is happy with it.
If you going to do that at least put in there an AMG motor. The LS doesnt feel, sound and look right.
Too me, in this day and age, all manufactures have their own high powered engines. Just put in an AMG. Like the Land Cruisers, he puts in GM crate motors. Put a Toyota in a Toyota. This is no backyard budget build (where I can see putting in a GM crate motor).
Jonathan does it again. Wonderful Car.
Yet again Jonathon and the team have delivered .
Definitely no paint as it would just be another resto mod ..love the head scratch it creates
I just love Jonathan's work... if I ever hit the lottery, I would be getting in touch with him! I remember back when I was a teenager I had a 1965 Pontiac Catalina 4-dr hardtop with the 389 and TH400. Beautiful car, and I thought it was pretty fast until one day I was on the freeway and came up behind a Mercedes sedan. I noticed it had an "MD" badge on the back license plate, and a "6.3" badge on it. At the next light I ended up beside the Benz, and when the light changed I left the doctor's car behind me! The next thing I knew, that silver sedan was passing me like I was sitting still! I tried to keep up until I was going way over 100mph, and he was steadily leaving me further behind. It was a few days later when I was talking to a mechanic friend of mine and was relating this story to him that I found out just what that "6.3" meant... I'll bet that doctor enjoying telling his friends about the kid that tried to race him!
Your 389 Catalina would have had more horsepower than the 6.3. But I guess the extra horsepower just wasn't enough!
Wishing Jay a speedy recovery! 🙏
ameen amigo!
I agree 👍 💯
wait, what did I miss?
@@Blackadder75crashed on his bike 🏍️
@Dominic Cerisano oh wow
This car looks fine as is. It isn't too derelict looking. A nice paint job in blue would look really nice though. Back in the '70's one of my friend's family cars was an SEL from that era, I think it was a 4.5. That car was so impressive, I remember it to this day. It was blue. The engineering put into this restomod was so impressive.
Jonathan is amazing! His attention to detail is second to none. All his builds are true works of art!
I imagine his builds have to be some of the best vehicles in the world! I'd have a Jaguar XJ Coupe Series One derelicted by Icon with an LS3 dropped in if my ship came in.
Owner is a class act, would love to have a second take with him and Jay only. Glad Jay was able to ensure Steven is also engaged and part of the story telling, please invite them back.
I agree 100 percent!
An amazing conversion. I love the original 6.3. I have owned 3 and something people don't realise is all 6.3s are not the same. The block and transmission in the last is different and stronger. And more powerful my last 1972 was much faster.
But getting parts for a 6. 3 now is much more difficult than it used to be. Some things are unobtainable so to get parts will be really expensive. Like way more than a Rolls Royce Silver Shadow. 2 head gaskets cost me $1600 Aud. Rebuilding an engine will cost a fortune in gasket e.g. the injection system.
My car ran like a Swiss watch. Utterly superb. But rationally this gives you a car you can reliably go anywhere and get fixed pretty much anywhere.
I love the 6.3 ever since I rode in my grandparents back in the 70's. It was so fast for the day. I like the ICON Mercedes the way as it sits now.
This is my Absolute Favorite ICON car. I love the patina and the rims, don’t change a thing!
And people said that you like only Honda. John 12:49 For I did not speak of my own accord. (Someone posted this on Instagram yesterday, the jokes people make :D)
To be you for a day! Keep those cars on the road! I miss the time of just going for a drive in my old 72 Monte Carlo.
if Jesus himself appericates it, there's nothing more to argue about 😂
@@Z-Twinturbo and he has shades on
Jay, I too worked at a M-B, BMW, Volvo dealer in High School..circa 1984. Our owner was a German motorhead, he referred to the fan switch when said hood was raised as the "shvantz" button.
Another awesome history lesson Mr. Leno, I love when you have the derelict guy on your show, the chemistry is excellent, between you two and it seems like he knows the question before you ask it. They do an awesome job and keep the cars looking stealth on the outside, while having an art Morrison chassis and a large LS motor underneath, with large brakes and wheels to accommodate the brakes. I forgot to mention, don’t paint it.🙏🏽
Jonathan Ward is one of my favorite characters in the automotive world today. He’s as charismatic as they come and doesn’t seem like your typical narcissistic rich dude.
I love the Icon Derelict line. This is a great car and fits in just right. I'd leave just like it is. No paint. I love the sound when you stomp on it.
No no no no NO! Don't paint it,it's perfectly unique as it is! Beautiful car Stephen,and kudos to Jonathan for creating another Masterpiece!!!
it's not a line. It's just a concept. It's not like they produce them
@@thesteelrodent1796 'Derelict' is a line of their outwardly rough vehicles that have been completely re-engineered. It's literally what they produce.
Beautiful car! Keep the paint. The combination is just pure class.
Jonathan does it again. Wonderful Car. NO NEW PAINT!
Agreed !
Seconded !
I can not say whether to paint it or leave it alone ,
500 + HP to the rollers is wicked
First class build right here
"Except for the power, I'd think I was driving a six three..." I think the NASCAR exhaust note - especially when you step on it - might give it away also. I would have insisted on cast iron manifolds and quiet mufflers for as quiet an exhaust as possible. Screw maximum horsepower - it needs to sound refined.
Well they could have kept the original 6.3 that was still running.
But this was made, originally, to be a Merc hot rod, right?
Word.
It's supposed to be a hot rod, so the NASCAR note should be there when you give it some.
I just think the constant droning and rather nervous gearbox when cruising along really doesn't fit the car at all.
Would have given the car two characters that fit it really well:
Cruise along and to the untrained eye its just a glorious, solid merc, butt step on it and you don't know whats happening to you.
Jay, thank you very much for sharing your passion with us! It would´ve been great to see this back to back with your original car and even if you´d let Steve drive your car for comparison... All the best from Argentina! Stay safe and well!
I could never paint this car.....the way it is....marvelous......what a gem!
Don't paint that Mercedes! Fantastic work Jonathan! Thank you for sharing this Jay!
Eric Clapton is as good at car mod creations as he is at blues guitar, what a man. Great episode.
One last comment, the 300 SEL 3.5 and 4.5 from the same era had everything the 6.3 did cosmetically with the air suspension, big difference being the motor. Can pick those up much cheaper than 6.3s if doing restomod.
Denim forever!
Best comment of the year!
Somebody should get Jay some denim tshirts to go full denim.
🐱👍🏿
Levis should dedicate a series of jeans tò Jay! for sure! Sir Denim
@@brownjames6997bsolutely! The Leno line.
Absolutely brilliant as it is! Prefer quiet exhausts though, quiet speed is less conspicuous.
I became a fan of Jonathan Ward from this Jay's garage. The guy builds great cars. I really enjoyed this episode
The owner looks evil
@@TOCC50*Nah. Not even close. Watch Steve Rulewicz about 15 Secs in. You're seeing a wealthy OG contemplating that now his ~4 year, $5 Million journey is completed, what to do next. You will better understand him when you too, pass 70. Cheers!*
The 3 boys out having some fun with their toys.
They couldn't hide their smiles.
Great stuff.
Perfect car to make as a Derelict model! It was quite the cream-puff to begin with; I'm sure there are some Teutonic purists out there freaking out about this car!😂
I really like this ride. It's the true definition of a "Gentleman's Hot Rod"! As Jay would say, "Very nice, very nice..."! Oh, yeah...Don't paint it!! Thank you Jay, Johnathan, and Steven, as well as the Crew, for another great episode! ✌️❤️🙂🇨🇦
MGTOW
+1... One Happy customer ... Cheers, Vail, Colorado
Loved the story Jay told on the Tonight Show with Carson about choosing the engine for his dad's first new car! Very funny
I enjoy how the videos link from one to another. I just finished watching the MB 6.3 episode where Jay talks about getting arrested and having to go before judge in the middle of the night. Thanks guys. Keep them coming.
The owners voice is amazing he should be a voice actor
Yes. Like that Italian gentleman that was Jay's guest a few months ago with his vintage car. He was like an old school actor
He looks like Tywin Lannister
Yeah, I've been major voice geek myself for over 40 years.. and yes, the owner does sound different than most of the horribly average voices out there that we are subjected to every day.
Don't get me talking about Paul Frees (my fave voice actor) or we'll be here the rest of the day. :)
If they could figure out where to use the owner's voice, and maybe work with him on smoothing off the edges where needed, well yes, there could be work for him in L.A.
That was one of the first things I noticed. What a great set of pipes! I was going to comment, thanks BTW but since this is a car channel...
Probably a lot more money building these cars for rich actors, athletes, and tech geeks.
Do not dare to touch that paint, it's so gorgeous just the way it is
Brilliant workmanship. Jonathan is a true craftsman, fantastic engineer and automotive artist!! DON’T PAINT IT 😊
if the bright work wasn't so shiny I'd say dont paint, but that the bright work is shiny paint it.
The legend says that the development of the 300 SEL 6.3 was illegal in MB Company because the head of development Hans Scherenberg was not informed and the Head of Fahrversuch Rudi Uhlenhaut was also not really informed what Erich Waxenberger and his colleagues did. They implanted the engine of the much bigger Grosser 600 into the small executive car 300 SEL .
What they did was a German muscle car par excellence for the US market.
*Difference being that unlike muscle cars of the era this one could also turn corners and stop as well as go. Cheers!*
If it had a newer Mercedes engine, I'd approve. I hate it when people stuff LS engines in beautiful european cars like this.
This was my first car! I was in the Army, stationed in Germany, and I bought a 1973 from another guy in my unit (circa. 1986). So I have the distinction of saying my first car was a Mercedes 300 SEL!
Of course I sold it to another soldier before I left (converting the German cars to American standards was very expensive). Mine was a beautiful midnight blue. It could do 250 kph (something like 155 mph) with barely a sound. It was a great car for the Autobahn.
There's only one thing that would impress me more than this "Q"car and that's Jays complete and speedy recovery ..and, yes , it does warrant a repaint...l wonder if Jay took him for a spin in his 6.3 . Thank you Jay .
My dad had one of these and he loved it. Years later, I bought a 600SL V12 and I loved that. My only problem is the patina. I like a finish so deep that it looks like a mirror. Very nice and well presented!
I prefer a "real" 6.3. Not much fun to work on but fun to drive and quirky.
Agree'd, sad to hear it ran fine and they tossed the entire drivetrain
If I wanted to replace the engine, I would have used a Chrysler 383, which was approximately the same size as the Mercedes engine, but quite a bit more powerful - 305 horsepower with a 2 barrel, 325 horsepower with a 4 barrel, 350 horsepower with dual 4 barrels, vs 250 horsepower for the Mercedes engine. Would be interesting to see how much faster it would be!
wonder if the crew at ICON didnt go overboard tucking the engine baby to pay hommage to those cars. so much plumbing
@@jimjones1876 Find and read Tom McCahill's road test of a 6.3 SEL from '69-70. He took one on a cross country road test and claimed to have caused several Corvette drivers to commit ritual suicide for having been left in the dust. Most MB of that era followed the British pattern of "gathering way." Not the 6.3! It was quite snappy. I have the test somewhere but can't find it readily. My brain tells me something like 0-60 in about 7 seconds and about 140 mph on the top end. That's pretty quick for a sedan back around 1970... and a sedan that can actually stop and corner, in case you want to remind me about some of the big American cars with HiPo engines that were about that fast. But what a nightmare to work on. I worked in a Mercedes shop in that era and one of my PTSD moments of that time was putting engine mounts in a 6.3. Going into a cold sweat as I type this! ( : < 0)
You never forget driving one.
3 years. The owner is very patient.
Restomod on a luxury car seems ideal to me. Another lovely Icon. Well done Jonathan.
Hi, glad to see your up and around, hope your feeling better. older you get the more it hurts and takes longer to heal..
Yes, paint it. Other derelict creations need to stay original, but this one is different. I agree with Jay, something will always seem 'off' until it's painted. Nice car.
Ditto for me, needs paint or maybe it will always need paint, I think the wife wants paint 😅
Second!
When he takes it back home to OKC he is going to want to paint it, or else it will rust up like the one he first saw in Oklahoma.
This is a man admiring his work. I love how he talks about work. fantastic work!
Very interesting review, pity they didn't go back to "the Garage" and swap into Jay's 300SEL6.3 and drive that round the same route.
Thank you Mr Leno.
I'm in love with this! Do not paint and Jay should do an episode or 2 at Icon. Would love to see that.
Jay continues to bring the best to CarTube.
That was fun! Thanks, Jay, Steve, and Jonathan for sharing.
NO to painting,
Surprised Jay didn't mention the stance of the car, he always likes it when a car sits just right.
Also, not sure you can say 'it drives like a Mercedes' when there's nothing about it that is other than the body...
Great video.
I’m actually one of these purist you talk about. But this is an exception to the rule. Really beautifully done. Chapeau! Oh, and don’t paint her.
Love the look and the vision behind Derelict cars. Proper sleepers.
I saw a 6.3 in real life about a year ago. I chased it down and took some pics. Good job Jay, you've redeemed yourself after the last video with the pickup. Next video: 6.9. UPDATE.... Why the fixation on whether to paint it though? Totally agree to leave it.
Two top guys in the retro/original/dreamer car world, and their crews. They create to my taste, almost every time. Thx guys
For someone who wanted Steve the Owner to talk, Jonathan isn't keen on keeping his mouth shut. Jay bravely perseveres with trying to bring Steve into it, but he's fighting a losing battle.
and Jonathan gets geeky, Jay find the accelerator...gotta love it...and Steve is taking this all in. Wonder if he's gotten to drive a real 6.3 now?
I noticed that too! Hilarious!
Nice to see Jay Leno having some worthy adversaries for once
Ah, a couple old dudes LS swap an old Mercedes for a lot of money. Got it. As much as I may enjoy the power & reliability of the LS, that exhaust note and drone in the cabin is not M-B at all. To each his own, though, and I hope the owner will still have some time left to put some miles on the car.
Keep the patina. I love this car, the look, the stance when it’s still and accelerating, and finally the power and sound of that motor.
Excellent restomod! 👍
the best looking mercedes I think.
When you lower them and install flags on the fenders 😂
Agree, needs paint/wrap to "wake it up" and make it the best it could be
Absolutely a Piece of Rolling Art 🎨 👌 Bravo Icon as Usual .
I hope Jay is recovering well
I rode in a marsadies once and told the driver to slow down for the railroad tracks because they were rough as hell going slow even . The driver grinned and speeded up even I felt nothing ! This was my introduction to this brand .
Mercedes..
I like Jay didn’t want to let go of the painting 😂. I’m with Jay.. it needs a paint job 👍
Yes, I agree; paint the damn thing already. I think Ward’s “derelict” thing may be getting a bit tired. But I’m sure mine is a minority opinion.
In the summer of 1977 my girl friend and I were driving from Southern Wisconsin to Central Nebraska overnight (no AC). Shortly after merging onto I-80 we picked up a convoy on the CB. There were about 8 semis, ourselves, and a guy ferrying a maroon over ivory 300SEL 6.2 from New York to San Francisco. He would fly by us at nearly 150MPH to our 75 or 80, trailblazing until his radar went off. After scrubbing off about 90 MPH, he would call back to us "Smoky in the median, mile marker 167." or whatever. We all would slow then roll past the cops a legal 55, and then take off again until he flagged the next radar. We repeated that for over 650 miles, stopping in Iowa for fuel, biobreak and coffee at truck stops in Davenport and again in Council Bluffs. Semis had to buy fuel coming in and exiting Iowa as a road use tax thing, so we got to chat with the driver on our stops. He was given $1500 Cash and 5 days for the trip, out of which he had to pay for gas, food, and lodging. He kept the rest, plus a $100 bonus if he was a day early, and another $100 if he didn't damage the car or get a ticket. He let me ride shotgun for our final leg. It was the first time I'd been in a Mercedes, or over 100, 110, 120, or 130 MPH. He said the 300SEL was the finest automobile he'd ever driven and I believed him.
Beautiful car. Love the roll and stance. Sounds great, a symphony when you romped on it.
Another awesome build from Icon. I don’t even mind the GM power plant. No paint needed, Jay.
I absolutely love the derelect / restomod type builds. Just the ultimate sleeper
Pleased to see Jay engaged as always on someone else's project. Lovely car, subtle, stealthy and sturdy.
Always a pleasure to see another Derelict on the channel!
Jay should do mine. It's a natural derelict! lol
That's why I Love the Older Model cars from MERCEDES BENZ..And the AMG's...🥰😍🥰🥰💯💯💯
Jay is a total badass...burnt,broken bones,accidents and still kicks it..plus has gorgeous cars
Was this recorded before or after the motorcycle accident?
Purists are no doubt indeed outraged about this.
Love that car. That company does exceptional work.
The discussion about paint I like that Jonathan pushed back on the principle of what a derelict is.
Another broken heart, watching this iconic car being misused so badly. 🤧Best greeting from Germany. Thanks to you and your team for providing the world with your impressive car content.👋
They took out a fine engine and installed and inferior one.
6.3 is a turd compared to the LS9
I agree. It's a top quality build, but no longer a Mercedes. It only looks like one. You don't restomod a Mercedes like this, you restore it.
I can smell the interior through the computer...and no paint. Absolutely beautiful Mercedes as is!
The sound of those doors closing… pure bank vault!
23:50 John: "Wabi-Sabi" Jay: "Wabi-Who?". I died....
Coolest thing I've seen in a long time.
And NO! Don't repaint it! The old patina is totally sleeper. So cool!
@Jaylenossgarage huh?
What an awesome car. The owner is very fortunate to have found such a pristine (no rust) Mercedes to rebuild. That being said it would be sacrilege to paint the exterior! It has just enough “shine” left in the original paint to make it a complete SLEEPER when sitting at a traffic light. So to answer Jay’s question……..HELL NO ON PAINTING!
Keep the paint as is, this is a true “sleeper “ ❤
*All that and no Parking Lot Paranoia. Cheers!*
@@blackrifle6736 I’d still be a bit miffed if someone scratched it tho 😅
@@petek5523 *Ha, ha! Yes, so would I. Cheers!*
As a former car designer. I really appreciate the Derelict brand. I however, do agree with Jay about a nice fresh stock painted silver paint. It'd be a glorious finish to a truly beautiful car. I don't think it'd be snobby whatsoever. It's a hot rodded Benz. Anyone with even a bit of discernment knows that car is a HOT-RODDED Benz!?
🖐🔥😎No paint! Looks beautiful inside and out as it is. The original paint adds to the stealth cool of this classic. Nice work !!
I'm sorry... I'm nearly 80 years old... Per Blixt and I purchased and restored a 1970 MBZ 280se coupe with a sunroof... it's a 4 speed stick. When we began the project we were going through the receipts for work done to the car and found a big bill from a Newport Beach auto repair shop to William Holden.
Once we saw that we knew we didn't want it to be an old looking 'road car'..
We restored it back to new and we still have it.
Before we restored it people pulled us over just to see if they could buy for nearly nothing because of the condition. Now they just give me a thumbs up and wave... MUCH BETTER.
I'm so happy we did that.