1971 MERCEDES BENZ 600 SWB:
--DB 906 Grey-Blue Metallic, Blue Leather Interior, Blue Carpeting,
6.3 liter V8, 4-Speed Automatic, Matching numbers, Long term
ownership.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 needs little introduction as the choice of
motor car for countless celebrities, dignitaries, dictators and
musicians. The 600 is quite simply; high-end motoring
personified. Produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1963 to 1981, the
short-wheel-base (SWB) models were designed to be owner-driven,
whereas the formal long-wheel-base (LWB) Pullman models were often
built with division glass and driven by chauffeur.
Mercedes introduced the 600 as follows: "The new car takes up the
pre-war tradition of the company which was to have at least one
model which would be included whenever ultra-prestige cars were
considered." The 600 marked the last super-luxury model the
brand produced in an unbroken line with the end of production for
the model in 1981. The company would return to this concept
20 years later with the Maybach 57/62, however these cars
ultimately failed to captivate to the mythical status of the
600.
The cast of characters that would own one or more 600’s is
legendary – from George Harrison, Coco Chanel, Elvis Presley and
Elizabeth Taylor to an ensemble of Political leaders such as
Chairman Mao (reportedly owning 25 examples) The Pope, Kim Jong-un,
Fidel Castro and Leonid Brezhnev. In short, it was quite a
cast of characters indeed.
In 1965 Road and Track tested the 600 and stated: “On the highway,
the 600 will undoubtedly cruise with any traffic likely to be
encountered in this or any other country. And it will do this
cruising in complete comfort and relative silence and the occupants
will have a far greater than average feeling of security, much of
this feeling of confidence in the car comes from the suspension, as
you can cruise at high speed over typically undulating highway
surfaces and not experience the slightest uneasiness”.
This example represents a long and pampered existence and presents
with wonderful originality throughout and exhibits all the
character of the mid-sequence build quality and options.
Becker Grand Prix Radio and passenger seat mounted Cassette,
Sunroof, console mounted refrigerator and factory passenger foot
pillions, to name a few. In its most recent ownership of the
past 12 years, this 600 SWB had been owned by a well-known Georgia
collector where it has been well-cared for, serviced regularly and
used for special occasions.
All Air-Assisted and hydraulic systems operate as designed and are
evidence of regular specialized maintenance. Driving
impressions evoke the 600 legend and this example is compliant and
powerful in daily driving situations, as well as open road
touring.
Presented in its original livery of grey-blue metallic over rich
blue leather and carpeting, with French Walnut woodwork throughout,
this 600 is a tasteful addition to any collection.
