Vehicle Description
After its post-war recovery was finally over, Mercedes found demand
for an exclusive, high-end luxury limousine to take on the very
best from Cadillac and Rolls-Royce. The resulting W100, known as
the Mercedes-Benz 600-series, was one of the most technically
sophisticated and meticulously engineered cars of its day, and even
now many of its design features are thoroughly impressive and
fascinating. It featured unibody construction, Bosch fuel injection
for its powerful 6.3-liter V-8, self-leveling air suspension, and
an options list that was as extensive as the imagination or the
budget of the buyer. All of the 600's power features, and there
were many, were also controlled by a complex hydraulic system that
ran on mineral oil. As a result, it was also one of the most
expensive and exclusive cars on the road. The typical Mercedes-Benz
600 owner was a head of state, actor, famous musician or other
person of importance. In fact, the very image of the car itself has
become a symbol of prestige. Even though Mercedes-Benz built the
600 for almost two decades from 1963 to 1981, only just over 2,000
of them were produced, including short wheelbase sedans, long
wheelbase Pullmans, six-door Pullman limousines and Landaulets. Due
to their complexity, though, many 600s have either not survived or
have needs that are both numerous and expensive. A sound,
consistently maintained example is therefore ideal. This 1969
Mercedes-Benz 600 is a short wheelbase model that is in the kind of
fantastic, fastidiously maintained condition that is reassuring to
current 600 owners. Finished in a distinctive red done at great
expense over a black leather interior, it has a sunroof, new narrow
whitewall tires, new battery, a Becker Grand Prix radio, blackout
privacy curtains in the rear, and a mini bar in the center console
that still contains a set of shot glasses and cocktail shaker. It
also comes with its tool roll and a set of spare keys. The paint,
chrome, upholstery, wood and carpets are all in gorgeous condition
and the car is just as distinctive as it's ever been, perhaps even
more so with its bright red paint since most 600s are finished in
more reserved grays or blacks. Just as important as this car's
lovely presentation is its mechanical condition. Because of its
extreme sophistication, more than a few 600s have suffered from the
deferred maintenance and neglect of well-meaning owners who just
couldn't afford to service them. Not so with this car. All of the
numerous hydraulics are in fine working condition, as is the
advanced self-leveling suspension. Mechanically, it is sorted and
ready to use. This is the kind of example that is ideal for someone
who wants a 600 to use regularly out on the road and enjoy the
comfort, performance and engineering grandeur for which these cars
are legendary.
