Steve McQueen, a name synonymous with cool and iconic automobiles, boasted a car collection envied by enthusiasts worldwide. Among his stable of prized possessions, certain vehicles transcended mere ownership, embodying historical significance and unparalleled desirability simply by bearing the McQueen touch. His Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 is undoubtedly one such machine.
According to Matt Stone’s insightful book, McQueen’s Machines, Steve’s son, Chad McQueen, vividly recalls the arrival of a large, imposing black four-door sedan at their Brentwood home. Initially puzzled by his father’s seemingly uncharacteristic choice – a car more commonly associated with corporate executives – Chad’s confusion was quickly dispelled. Steve McQueen, with his trademark understated enthusiasm, declared, “This thing is so [expletive] fast, you wouldn’t believe it!”
The anecdote continued, revealing the catalyst for McQueen’s surprising acquisition. He recounted an experience on the German Autobahn, where, cruising at a respectable 130 mph in his Porsche 911 S, he was effortlessly overtaken by a Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3. Driven, as McQueen described, by a seemingly unassuming “60-year-old guy smoking a pipe,” the encounter left a lasting impression. This was no ordinary sedan; this was a statement of understated power and luxury.
The object of McQueen’s automotive affection was indeed extraordinary. The Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3 was powered by the marque’s formidable M100 6.3-liter V8 engine. This powerhouse propelled the substantial saloon from 0 to 60 mph in under seven seconds, a remarkable feat for its era, and allowed it to effortlessly maintain Autobahn speeds of 130 mph. Beyond its raw performance, the 300 SEL 6.3 was lavished with Mercedes-Benz’s most opulent appointments, blending performance with unparalleled luxury.
Chad McQueen further emphasized the sedan’s significance in his father’s collection, stating, “He drove that thing everywhere.” This wasn’t a garage queen; this Mercedes Sel 6.3 was a driver’s car, enjoyed and utilized by McQueen. Following the actor’s passing in 1980, the car transitioned through several passionate owners before undergoing an extensive restoration in 2013 by the renowned Kienle Automobiltechnik in Germany. Invoices exceeding €125,000 document the meticulous work, including a fresh coat of black paint, comprehensive overhauls of the air suspension and braking systems, engine bay refurbishment, crack repairs to the undercarriage, and replacement of numerous lines, hoses, and gaskets.
This Mercedes-Benz 300 SEL 6.3, boasting not only exceptional performance and luxury but also an incredibly compelling provenance intertwined with Hollywood royalty, presents a unique opportunity. It’s a chance to own a piece of automotive history, a testament to Steve McQueen’s discerning taste, and a truly remarkable example of Mercedes-Benz engineering at its finest. This unassuming saloon, meticulously restored and carrying the legacy of “The King of Cool,” is more than just a car; it’s a legend on wheels.
