Mercedes-Benz W109 300SEL V8 - today's tempter

By: Unique Cars magazine

Date: 09.08.2021

Mercedes-Benz W109

Mercedes-Benz W109

Old-world Benz

If the idea of cruising around in a big 'old-world' limo holds appeal, you should probably be looking at this W109 Benz.

The S class was the top-of-the-line for most people - that's if you ignored the giant Grosser W100, which was more the sort of thing your average dictator ordered.

Meanwhile, this second series of the W108/109 S-class was developed very much with the cashed-up North American market in mind. To that end the series picked up a fresh range of V8s, including the 147kW 3.5lt engine in this example, and a four-speed auto as standard.

The SEL is the long-wheelbase version, with extra legroom in the rear and was popular for fleets and limo services.

What distinguished them visually is the acres of wood trim inside and the very generous use of chrome on the exterior, including the giant radiator grille. They're a totally diferent experience to a modern car, while still proving to be capable, comfortable and (assuming it's looked after) reliable.

This 1972 example is located north of Sydney in NSW and claims to have had a very recent engine freshen-up. It's priced at $75,000.

Ed Guido runs a later W126 Benz – see it here.

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