1971 | Mercedes-Benz 600

• Original, attractive colour scheme in white (DB colour code 050) with interior in dark blue and first leather!
• Air suspension and brakes renewed, new paintwork in 2019
• Comfort hydraulics fully functional
• German delivery, Mercedes data card available
• "Matching Numbers" engine
• The "Over-the-top Mercedes" as a benchmark of its time: representative and valuable, perfect for driving and being driven

This Mercedes Benz 600 Sedan was delivered to the company K. Schneider in Stuttgart in April 1971. A data card from Mercedes-Benz is available. The vehicle has presumably always been in Germany and was acquired by the current owner in 2018. The original colour scheme in white (DB colour code 050) with a leather interior in dark blue is still used today. The paintwork was renewed to a high standard four years ago. The dark blue leather with a slightly attractive patina is an excellent match. Together with the lavishly used and restored precious woods, it makes the interior luxurious and dignified. Compared to most 600 models in dark paintwork, this colour scheme appears less "statesmanlike" and gives the stately sedan a certain lightness. The chrome has a solid condition and gloss. The engine installed is "matching numbers" and therefore the original unit. The gearbox is not as delivered and has been extensively overhauled and the gearshift slider replaced. The air suspension and brakes were professionally renewed last year. All the specific comfort extras of the so-called "comfort hydraulics" that characterise a Mercedes 600 are functional – this is not a matter of course even with restored Mercedes 600 models. The equipment includes hydraulically adjustable seats and rear bench, hydraulic window lifters, hydraulic sliding roof, hydraulic boot lid, as well as the privacy curtains in the rear and a contemporary "Becker Mexico" stereo radio with cassette player. The Mercedes 600 is a prestigious, exceptional vehicle of its time, which set standards in terms of both drive technology and comfort. This Mercedes 600 embodies its specific status still today without appearing overbearing or too powerful. It convinces with its good overall condition and fully functional vehicle technology. An impressive and ready-to-use "monument" to post-war German automobile history.

The Mercedes Benz 600 was presented at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt in 1963. Series production began in autumn 1964 and the W100 series was then, as now, also referred to as the "Grand Mercedes" in the tradition of the pre-war model 770 (W07/W150). The 600 had impressive dimensions and was available as a short version (Sedan) and a long version (Pullman) with three rows of seats. The design was created by Paul Bracq, who was also responsible for the design of the SL (W113 "Pagoda") at Mercedes. Right from the start, the car was a sensation and set new standards for luxury cars. Mercedes thus demonstrated what was technically feasible at the time and underpinned its claim to be the engineer and manufacturer of the "best car". Mercedes had developed an elaborate and extensive range of equipment to maximise operating and driving comfort. The chassis had air suspension with level control, shock absorber control, dual-circuit servo brake system, disc brakes on all wheels as well as a double wishbone axle at the front and single-joint swing axle at the rear. In the course of the model's development, 15 patents were registered. In addition, a hydraulic servo system ("comfort hydraulics"), which was unique at the time, ensured almost silent comfort. It included adjustment of the front and rear seats, opening and closing of the side windows, the boot lid and the optional sunroof. There was also a closing aid for the doors, which was a discontinued feature from 1971. An electronic heating and ventilation system was standard and air conditioning was available as an option. Moreover, a wide range of individual customer wishes could be realised. The drive was a completely redesigned V8 engine (type M100) with a displacement of 6.3 litres and an output of 250 hp. A special feature at the time was the intake manifold injection system with an eight-piston injection pump. The engine alone has a weight of over 400 kg. The 600 was designed for status and representation of the international elite, including company bosses, stars and artists, state governments and royalty. Prominent owners included John Lennon, Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, Herbert von Karajan, Aristotle Onassis, Coco Chanell, Gunter Sachs and the Shah of Persia. To this day, Mercedes 600s are still in use all over the world for this prestigious purpose. By 1981, 2,677 examples had been built largely by hand including 429 Pullman versions and 59 Landaulets.