Powrót do spisu modeli Opis modelu: Types 250 S - 300 SEL 6.3 (series 108, 109) In August 1965, another generation of top class models was presented with the types 250_S, 250_SE and 300_SE, which succeeded the tailfin tpyes 220_Sb, 220_SEb and 300_SE. What all three models had in common was its car body, which had been designed by Paul Bracq. Its main charm was the simplicity of form, which avoided all fahionable detail, and its restrained elegance, which even today, kept its timeless essence. From a technical point of view, all types closely corresponded to their predecessors. apart from the new body, there were new two 2,5_litre-engines, which had been developed from the 2,2_litre-aggregatens by boring them open and by increasing the stroke of the piston; In the injection engine version, a six-piston pump was used instead of the two-piston pump. In contrast to its predecessor, the new 300_SE was no longer fitted with pneumatic damping. Like the two 2,5_litre-types, however, it had a hydropneumatic compensating spring at the rear axle instead of the former coil spring which maintained the level of the body at a constant level, irrespective of loads. In March 1966, the 300_SEL type was added to the model range. Compared to the original model, it had a wheelbase, which was extended by 100_mm. The additional space was used for increased leg room in the rear and wider rear doors for easier access. As had been the case with its direct predecessor with the same type name, pneumatic damping was part of the serial equipment of the 300_SEL, too. Internally, the types with conventional damping were bracketed together in production line W_108; the 300_SEL with pneumatic damping, however, belonged to an independent Product line W_109. Two very special versions of the 300_SEL have been developed in Sindelfingen between 1966 and 1967. However, they were not designed for batch production but made to a very special order of the Vatican. In June 1966 a landaulet with ordinary wheelbase was completed, which was distinguished from the serial saloon car by a single seat in the rear as well as by the landaulet-hood, extending to the front edge of the rear door. Almost one year later, in may 1967, two identical six-seated saloons were ready for delivery with both being based on a floor assembly prolonged by 650_mm and comprising modified rear side doors as well as two folding rear seats. While the landaulet was used alongside the 600 model for His Holiness, the Pullman saloon was used for the transportation of guests. Production of the models 250_SE and 300 SE was stopped at the end of 1967; as their successors in January the types 280_S and 280_SE were presented; they were distinguished from their predecessors only by a different engine and other equipment details. The new 2,8_litre-6_cyl.-engine delivered 140_bhp in its carburettor version and 160_bhp with fuel injection. A more powerful version of the injection engine with 170_bhp was not only built into the 280_SL, but from January 1968 into the 300_SEL, too, where it replaced the former 3,0_litre-light alloy engine. in March 1968 the 300_SEL_6.3 became Top of the class of this line of models. It was equipped with the V8=engine and the automatic gearbox of the 600 model so that its power was equal to that of a high-level sportscar. Its presentation at the Geneva Motoring Show created a sensation, especially since there had been no hints, that a model like this was to be forthcoming. From outisde, the 6.3 could only be recognised by its broader tyres, double halogen headlights and additional distance beam headlights. Even though it cost over 10.000,- DM more than a 300_SEL and twice as much as the 280_SE, many customers were interested in the 300_SEL_6.3, so that 6.526 units were produced. In Autumn 1969, the 300_SEL with 2,8_litre-6_cyl.-engine was replaced by the 300_SEL_3.5 type, which was powered by a completely new "small" V8=engine with 3,5_litre cubic capacity and 200_bhp. From March 1971 this new engine were also used in the 280_SE_3.5 and 280_SEL_3.5 types, which had conventional steel springing. The 280_SE with six cylinder engine was still available, whereas the 280_SEL was taken out of the sales programme to make room for the eight cylinder model. Parallel to the 3,5_litre-V8-engine, a more powerful version with a cubic capacity of 4,5_litres was produced exclusively for the American market. From May 1971 export models 280_SE_4.5, 280_SEL_4.5 and 300_SEL_4.5 were available with this type of engine. A special model of production lines 108/109, which was never sold on the market, a security version of the 280_SEL_3.5 was built in 1971. As no further special security cars had been produced by Daimler-Benz following the completion of the bullet-proof pullman saloon 600, several federal authorities put forward a request to that effect. After physical attacks had been perpetrated on diplomats in Latin America in 1970, the Ministry for Foreign Affairs decided, that the official cars of some diplomats were to be fitted with additional protective features. These efforts resulted in the special protection type 280_SEL_3.5, 28 units of which were produced between May 1971 and September 1972. These cars were delivered to those German embassies abroad, which were considered to be under particular threat. Production of this highly successful product line W_108/109 ended in September 1972. They were to be succeeded by the "S-class"-models of product line 116.