Chassis Number: 10098112004017
The car on offer here was an individual commission spanning over multiple years and costing the Dutch businessman behind the commission, whose name remained a closely guarded secret, a total of 400,000 guilders. The story of this unique 300SEL 6.3 began when a Dutch lithograph company owner, impressed by Mercedes-Benz’s new flagship model, approached the automaker in 1968 asking whether it intended to launch a convertible version. The answer was a clear “no,” the marque additionally refusing to sell a rolling chassis to the client. A subsequent request for a coupe version was also declined.
The Dutchman then tried his luck by reaching out to Dr. Uhlenhaut directly, again asking for a rolling chassis so he could have a body of his own design built around the car, to no avail. (The original correspondence between the Dutch citizen and Mr. Uhlenhaut is on file and makes for an interesting read.) The businessman then decided to contact Pininfarina in Turin, while still negotiating in parallel with Mercedes to be able to purchase a rolling chassis. After multiple unfruitful attempts, he proceeded to purchase a standard 300 SEL 6.3 with the idea of having the car modified.
He decided to request Sergio Pininfarina to come up with a 2+2 design for his Mercedes. Initially, the carrozziere from Turin refused, claiming the chassis was not stiff enough and should be shortened by Mercedes-Benz. After some back and forth, Pininfarina agreed to rebody the vehicle if the Dutch man would bring the Mercedes to Turin. The Italian coachbuilder quoted the client a total cost of 10,000,000 lire, to which the owner promptly agreed.
The Dutch entrepreneur consequently had a lot of individual requests, all documented on the fascinating original correspondences that come with the car. He wanted to sit high, “like in a Rolls-Royce,” and wanted Pininfarina to limit the glass surface because “we don’t like to sit in an aquarium.” Additionally, the back seat had to be movable and not divided by a fixed armrest. Other interior modifications had to include insulation so that the noise level would be limited.
Upon completion of the unique 300SEL 6.3, Pininfarina showed the car on its stand at the Paris Motor Show in 1970, the happy client confirming he “liked it immensely.” Press reports at the time were minimal, with many voicing skeptical opinions. The German magazine Auto Motor und Sport only mentioned the creation as being a one-off for a Dutch customer. Given that the owner’s name was never mentioned, rumors started to abound as to who commissioned the vehicle, some even citing beer magnate Freddy Heineken as the man behind this unique creation.
On February 10, 1971, the Dutchman’s chauffeur finally took delivery of the car and drove it back to Holland. The Benz has subsequently spent all its life in the Netherlands.
While the styling of the body may be subject to discussions and divided opinions, the quality of the materials used for the interior is unmatched. Presented with a charmingly patinated cabin, the Pininfarina one-off will require some recommissioning work on body and mechanicals. Once completed, it would not look out of place at the most exclusive concours d’elegance.
