The Car for Kings and Potentates

A worthy successor to the "GROSSER"- Type 770K, built exclusively for Nazi leaders during the late 1930s, the 600 caused an enormous sensation when it was introduced at the 1963 Frankfurt Auto Show. Not since the pre-war days had such a superlative automobile design by a major manufacturer been unveiled to an astonished public. Immediately compared to Bugatti's fabled Royale and the vaunted Rolls Royce Phantom, Mercedes' 600 was truly to become the marque's flagship for decades.

During the 1960s and '70s, the Mercedes 600 , most often the Pullman or Landaulet version, was the ubiquitous representation coach for statesmen around the globe, from dictators like Tito and Brezhnev to elected dignitaries like German Kanzler Ludwig Erhard. And you truly needed good-sized state coffers to be able to afford one of these magnificent motorcars; the factory price for a special-order, entirely hand-built 600 was roughly equivalent to that of a very nice single family dwelling!

Mere mortals could only stare and dream at the sight of one of these behemoths, probably trying to guess which celebrity was riding in the back seat behind drawn curtains. Naturally, the mystique created by the preferential use of the "GROSSER MERCEDES" in the field of diplomacy and politics led to a certain demand for the model among ultra-rich private citizens. A grand total of 2,677 examples of the model were hand-crafted during the 18 years of production, and Mercedes reportedly lost money on every one of them . . .

Even today, almost two decades after the end of production of the 600 , there has not been a successor on the drawing boards of the Mercedes Benz engineering department. With today's money, the attempt to create a car beyond comparison, regardless of cost, would drive the sticker price well into the range of several hundred thousand dollars.

What makes the Mercedes 600 so special, you may ask.
The car for auction here will prove the point that a 600 is truly incomparable. Just take a look at the oversized chairs, covered with the best German velours available. An identical fabric was traditionally reserved for the Erste Klasse compartments of the Deutsche Reichsbahn. Not only do the sumptuous fauteuils cradle driver and passengers in utter comfort; they silently and hydraulically glide to many individual positions at the touch of a button. In fact, the ingenious hydraulics are evident in many different systems throughout this exquisite automobile:

Surprisingly nimble for its size and very quick, the 600 sedan is not thought of as a chauffeured limousine. The owner-driver will appreciate its outstanding acceleration, sure-footed braking and superb handling. Getting behind the large, telescoping volant of the 600 can be an exhilarating experience. One really has to drive one of these majestic cars to believe it!
Also visible above are the automatic climate control, outside temperature gauge, VDO clock, and the BECKER Radio.

The busy engine compartment with dual alternators, dual brake systems, and compressors for air conditioning and suspension almost hides the heart of the 600 : the fabled M-100 engine, which later found its way into the 6.3 and 6.9 sedans, both of which have held records for being the fastest sedans on the planet.
Mercedes' first production V8-engine, developing 300 HP at a leisurely 4,100rpm, is powerful enough to propel the 5000-pound car to a cruising speed of nearly 130 MPH . The overhead cam design uses a mechanical fuel injection, making the M-100 engine extremely durable.

The long-time owner of this 600 took care and maintenance of his prized possession rather seriously. Over $30,000 have been spent at Mercedes specialist Peter's Foreign Automotive Service in Van Nuys, Calif. since 1981 to refurbish major components such as engine, differential, suspension, and brakes. Accordingly, the engine compartment presents itself in near show condition with no fluid leaks anywhere. A chronologically ordered file of maintenance receipts is available.
This fine motorcar starts, runs, drives, and brakes excellently. The ride and handling are just incomparable and have to be experienced first-hand in order to be fully appreciated. To this day, there is not another automobile on the planet featuring such a sophisticated suspension system!

The hydraulically operated deck lid opens to reveal a huge trunk compartment. Below the right-hand cover, visible above, reside the rear A/C motor and the gargantuan spare wheel; small box in background holds special tools for the hydraulic system. Remaining space is large enough to transport almost anything. Note original California blue -and- yellow license plate. This Mercedes 600 --licensed as a 1967 model--is smog exempt in the State of California.
The new owner might also appreciate that extensive paperwork regarding the importation from Germany accompanies the car.

This Grosser Mercedes was originally owned by Herr Heinrich Bresges, a wealthy West German fabric manufacturer. In 1977, the car was sold to its second owner, who had the car shipped to Southern California. A well-known composer and arranger, he kept the car for the next 23 years and used it primarily on formal occasions. The odometer shows 42,377 kilometers (142,377 actual km, which converts to just under 86,500 miles.)

Midnight blue (DB code # 904) is very well-suited for a truly royal car such as the 600 .
Having been professionally repainted once--in its original color--to the highest German standards, the car looks absolutely stunning. Apart from a few negligible signs of use, such as the odd chip, there are no dents or scratches to diminish the car's beauty. Of course, having been garaged all its life, there is NO RUST anywhere.

The 600 is equipped with original 100-series 6½ x 15 steel wheels and correct hubcaps, fitted with superb MICHELIN XH white wall radial tires all around. The tires have about 85% thread; the hubcaps show a few minor marks and some thinning of the plating, but are nonetheless presentable the way they are.

A Mercedes 600 is not your average collector car. Values are very hard to establish. Most examples are being offered on the pages of prestigious publications, such as the Robb Report, where prices start around $90,000.
Though the car here is by no means a trailered concourse car, it nevertheless shows extremely well. There are just a few minor imperfections, such as a couple of dings in the rear bumper. The air conditioning blows ice cold and all systems work, including the central vacuum locking system, clock, and radio. Thanks to an appreciative, long time owner, the vehicle's mechanical need have always been attended to, regardless of cost. The 600 here is one of the few largely original, well-preserved unrestored examples in existence.

Driving this truly majestic automobile, you are assured special attention, afforded only to the rich and famous. If you want to arrive in style--anytime, anywhere, even at the Oscars --you can't top a Mercedes 600 !