2002 record run; 13.985.


2003 record run; 13.69 seconds. 0 to 60 foot times sub 1.9 seconds.
Both records runs were in the Silver Bullet, a silver 1969 6.3 running with it's interior complete. In other words, not lightened. Estimated horsepower at the flywheel, 440. 323 at the rear wheels. Weight with driver; 4200 pounds. Editorial comment; the 6.3 is simply the greatest sedan ever built including todays models. Interior, exterior, visability, and brute force are my reasons. If you haven't driven or viewed a restored 6.3, you should. The 6.3 is one unbelievable auto.

Also, I witnessed a stock 1993 E500 ; Black Bart, opperated by a fellow drag race fan, Gerry Van Zandt here in Portland Oregon run at 14.03. It is my opinion, if you want a quality speed demon, the E500 or 500E, I believe made in 1991, 1992, and 1993; are the best horsepower delivery vehicle for your dollars.

Dan,
I remember reading a commentary by David E. Davis on his experience with a 6.3 when they tested it in the late 60's. I don't recall his words, but he conveyed a sense of power and grace that was unequalled at the time!

Congrats on an awesome 6.3...truly an amazing car.

__________________
Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

Gerry has mentioned your car in his recent posts of his 500E track nights.

__________________
Glen Tokuhara
Beauty & the Beast and the wagon that could!

Congrats Dan,

I follow your QM updates religiously!

Is that w/o slicks?

I've read (and seen the great pix) either here or m-100.org, with the Silver Bullet being iced down. Is that on the plenums?

Did you do it this time 'round?

You guys are beating the times posted by the writers in Car & Driver and Road & Track.

Now were they using special MB factory prepped test cars? Or is that still a debate?

On the subject of tires. First ran the Silver Bullet at the Portland 2001 M-100 Meet. Ran somewhere around 15.00 secs. Then, last year, Gerry set up a Mini-Meet at the Portland Intl Raceway. Ran right around 14.8 to 15 secs with the 6.3s vintage set of tires. Ready to try something new, ran a set of semi-sticky BF Goodriches; ran around 14.5. Then tried Mickey Thompson slicks, still around 14.5. They helped the first half of the race and slowed the last half. Last discovery; Goodyear Eagles, showroom stock class. The finest tires I've ran. They are radial, and sticky enough to pick up cicarette butts. Carroll Shelby in California is my source.
Now on advertised performance numbers. There is absolutely no doubt the factory hand built or even did subtle alterations, cut weight, any drag racer trick to arrive with their reported 1/4 mile times. There is of course the possibility that a Euro 6.3 was used cutting the air-con system. That only makes up for 1/10 of the difference between their reported numbers and the very best STOCK 6.3 in the country running slightly more than 15 secs. It also is in Portland, owned by Gerry Van Zandt.
Regardless, the Silver Bullet crossed that record 14 months past. It is now aprox 1/2 second quicker.

The best times at the PIR drag strip for the cars that I own:

1969 300SEL 6.3 (stock save for Durrance custom electronic ignition - to eliminate dual points) -- 15.07 seconds on Yoko A321 tires

1977 450SEL 6.9 (stock save for Durrance custom ignition - recurved for mid-high end power) -- 16.1 seconds on stock Yoko AVS dB tires

1989 560SEC (stock) -- 15.2 seconds on Michelin Pilot tires

1994 E500 (stock) -- 14.02 seconds on Michelin Pilot tires. This time will go down 0.2-0.5 seconds with appropriate drag tires.

Cheers,
Gerry

Way to go. The 1969 300 SEL 6.3 set standards that took the 500E to equal. Four wheel vented disc brakes. I put 16 inch Z rated tires on HRE rims on my 1969 6.3, still can burn rubber when not thinking. Can still blow off rice rockets too!

Both of your 6.3's could be low 13 second quarter miles isf the rear end ratio could be changed. The cars are geared for cruising at 100-120 mph. Heck I get 15 mpg at 80!

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You have a Very sharp looking 6.3, plus the two colors.
I find difficult problem interesting and the 6.3 is very interesting. A true enigma. Lastest crackpot idea, a five speed Benz tranny. That will help a bunch. Currently using 323 rear diff with a 411 Detroit locker planned and wainting in the garage. Most experiment have yeilded some reduction in time. The one failure, water injectors which slowed my 1970 by a quarter second. The best idea came from Gerry, the toluene paint thinner which is 114 octane. It unleashes the 6.3.