1965 | Mercedes-Benz 600

The legendary Mercedes 600, undoubtedly the true ‘best car in the world’.

Developed at a cost of DM 100 million by a team of ingenious engineers and designers that only comes together once every 50 years, and built by the most skilled master craftsmen. The result was a highly innovative automobile that uniquely combined driving comfort, safety and dynamics. And all this in the finest craftsmanship using the most exquisite materials – it simply couldn't have been better.

Technical highlights: First fuel-injected V8 engine, air suspension with level control, adjustable shock absorbers, rear axle with limited-slip differential and brake hold-down, front axle with brake anti-dive effect, 6-piston disc brakes with compressed air assistance (2 calipers per wheel at the front), self-adjusting, automatically releasing parking brake, power steering with adjustable steering wheel, transistor-controlled heating and air conditioning, front floor cooling, additional ventilation flap in front of the wind-screen, outside thermometer, 6-bar compressed air horn with switchable loud horn, vacuum-controlled central locking and the unique comfort hydraulics: (silent window control, 3-way adjust-ment of front seats, rear seat backrest, boot lid, automatic door closing, etc.).

Driving a (fully restored) 600 is therefore an incomparable experience in terms of driving comfort and safety. The impression of quality seems almost surreal today. Add to this an exterior appearance that even today, surrounded by powerful giant SUVs, still exudes a superior charisma and presence – absolutely unique!

The model on offer has been restored over a period of 10 years, down to the last screw, in almost 4,000 hours of work, with the greatest possible preservation of its originality (>80,000 euros in material costs, 1,000-piece photo documentation available): Bodywork virtually unwelded, repainted, top gap dimensions, very nice original chrome parts, complete overhaul of: Engine and injection pump, all auxiliary units, comfort hydraulics (pump, pressure accumulator, ALL elements/distributors/switches ~500 seals), air suspension (compressor/bellows/valves/lines), axles (bearings/ joints/bushings), steering, complete brake system, central locking, air conditioning/heating system (heat exchanger/hoses/ electrics/control electronics). All electrical/hydraulic/pneumatic systems fully functional (including minor details such as interior lighting switch-off delay or automatic closing of the ventilation flap when the doors are locked).

Matching numbers, dream combination of black paint (040) and natural-coloured leather (210), delivery condition including all tools/breakdown/repair kits in the boot and original 6-piece luggage set! Original or faithfully reproduced down to the smallest detail (even new diagonal tyres with H velocity index, true to the original design and dimensions).

The big problem with the 600 is the general lack of knowledge about its unusual technology. Here is a unique opportunity to purchase a 600 from a specialist who has worked through and understood this ingenious design down to the smallest hydraulic seal and the last transistor. This impressive car is in top technical condition and will be kept running and maintained until a buyer takes over. On request, training and spare parts/tools for technology, hydraulics and electronics are available.

The restoration was featured in the cover story of Oldtimer-Praxis 1/2017 and Oldtimer-Markt ‘Restaurierung Extrem’ 2023. Further information on restoration and technology, as well as maintenance and repair tips, can be found in my book ‘Mercedes 600, Meilenstein der Automobiltechnik’ published by Shaker-Verlag. https://www.shaker.de/de/site/content/shop/index.asp?lang=de&ID=8&ISBN=978-3-8191-0102-1