Vehicle Description
Mercedes' ultra-luxury 600-Series sedan and limousine were born in
1963, though the tradition of a factory-built flagship suitable for
Heads of State and Captains of Industry alike goes back to the 770
Grosser of the 1930s. The 770 was one of the most technologically
advanced cars of the 30s, though it gained a reputation for its
favor among infamous members of Germany's ruling party. By the
1950s, Mercedes' post-war recovery was well underway, and a
newfound optimism and demand gave way to a new factory limousine,
the 300 "Adenauer." The elegant Adenauer served as the company
flagship from 1951(W186) through 1963 (W189). The Grosser Mercedes
moniker was revived in 1963 with the introduction of the W100 -
officially called the 600. In the spirit of the pre-war 770,
Mercedes-Benz engineers threw everything they had at the 600. It
was one of the most sophisticated automobiles of the era and stands
as one of the most meticulously engineered cars of all time. Unlike
a body-on-frame Cadillac or Rolls-Royce, the 600 used advanced
unitary construction that was so strong that the roof could be
lopped off for landaulet versions without the need for additional
bracing. A complex but ingenious hydraulic system operating at
150-bar (2,176 psi) powered the suspension as well as the window
lifts, power seats, sunroof, and even the trunk closure. Without a
suitable engine in their portfolio, the new M100 V8 was developed
from scratch to power the 600. With 6.3-liters capacity and Bosch
fuel-injection, the M100 was a beast - making 250 horsepower and
370 ft-lbs of torque. It was enough to allow the 6,100 pound
Mercedes to hassle a Porsche 911 T in a straight line. The 600
quickly became the ultimate status symbol for the famous and the
infamous - with Elvis Presley, and Coco Chanel joined by the likes
of Pol Pot, Saddam Hussein and Fidel Castro as 600 owners. Limited
production lasted from 1964-1981 with a total of 2,677 built, in
all configurations, from SWB sedan to the range-topping Pullman
Landaulet. Of the 600 family, the sleeper of the group is the
short-wheelbase four-door sedan, as presented here. All of the
expected luxuries are there, and they make for surprisingly good
driver's cars thanks to that sophisticated suspension and glorious,
torque-laden 6.3 liter M100 V8. This 1968 600 SWB Sedan is a
particularly fine example that has been treated to extensive,
professional care in the hands of its past owners. It is
accompanied by an impressive stack of paperwork that documents the
maintenance and essential, specialized upgrades it has received in
recent years. This 600 is a very well-optioned car, finished
as-delivered in Anthracite (code DB172) over a lovely tan leather
interior and equipped as original with European headlamps, Bosch
fog lamps, and a sunroof. The body is in very good condition and
the doors shut with the vault-like precision expected of a 600. The
paintwork is said to be mostly original and while some minor
crazing is apparent upon close inspection, it remains glossy and
attractive. The chrome and brightwork are similarly good, and is
straight and largely original with a light care-worn appearance.
Interior appointments include a cooled compartment between the
front seats, complete with shot glasses and a thermos, as well as
rear picnic trays, ivory steering wheel, power adjustable rear
seats and rear privacy curtains. The tan leather has mellowed
nicely, appearing well cared-for and in very sound condition.
Extensive woodwork adorns the dash, windscreen frame, door caps,
and picnic tables and it presents in excellent condition overall,
with only some fading visible at the base of the windscreen.
Updates include a modern radio and rebuilt window switches on all
four doors. Original handbooks are included along with the
600-specific toolkit and very rare factory hydraulic service kit.
Accompanying this car is a large stack of receipts documenting the
extensive care it has received in the hands of its previous owners,
including one former president of the Gullwing Owner's Club. The
hydraulic system has been comprehensively rebuilt, the heating and
air conditioning fully sorted, and brakes rebuilt. All of the work
was carried out by the W100 experts Star Motors of Endicott, New
York. The no-expense-spared service continued with Karl
Middelhauve-developed upgrades to the ignition system (a
fully-engineered EFI with modified intake) and a
Middelhauve-designed front subframe to accommodate W140-type
hydraulic engine mounts. The engine was removed and resealed as
part of the service as well. The big V8 presents in a tidy,
unrestored manner that is reflective of the regular care and
maintenance. The suspension has been serviced with new bushes as
needed, and the ancillary hydraulics rebuilt with new window lift
cylinders, new trunk actuator, upgraded billet-type switches for
all four doors, and a rebuilt pump and actuator. Over $100,000 was
spent on these services and upgrades between 2001 and 2011, and the
car has continued to be well-maintained by its current enthusiastic
owner. Driving a Mercedes-Benz 600 is an experience unto itself,
delivering astonishing levels of performance even by today's
standards. Built in very limited numbers for an elite clientele,
very few have survived in such fine original condition, and fewer
still have been as lavishly maintained as this exceptional example.
The 600 stands today as one of the most luxurious, stately, and
imposing of all post-war automobiles and is quite simply one of
Mercedes-Benz's finest achievements.