1967 Mercedes-Benz 600

Sedan
Chassis number: 100.012.12.000735

The hand-built Mercedes-Benz 600 series made its debut in 1963. It was an ultra-luxury automobile riding on a self-leveling air-cushioned suspension, and offered a generous amount of performance and amenities. They had hydraulically controlled windows and seats, 4-speed automatic transmission, and 4-wheel servo-assisted disc brakes. Power was from a single overhead cam V-8 engine that displaced 6332cc and fitted with a Bosch sequential fuel-injection system.

This white colored 600 was originally delivered to its first owner in Palm Springs, California. In 1974, it had 42,000 miles and was traded for a newer model at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Hollywood. The next owner used the car sparingly before being placed in long-term storage. The current owner acquired it from the estate and promptly completed a comprehensive mechanical update.

Currently, the car shows less than 71,000 miles. It is painted in DB 050 white paint, has its original chrome and green leather interior.

In 2011, the car was offered for sale at the Gooding & Company auction where it was estimated to sell for $90,000-120,000 and offered without reserve. As bidding came to a close, the car had been sold for the sum of $88,000 inclusive of buyer's premium.

by Dan Vaughan

A representation of the absolute pinnacle of automobile engineering the Mercedes- Benz 600 was introduced in 1963. The 600 has been owned by such famous people as Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Jason Kay, Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor and Aristotle Onassis.

Produced until 1980, the Mercedes has never had a equal until the Mayback 57 and 62 models were introduced. In extremely limited numbers, the 600's M-100 engine and air suspension were fitted to the 300SEL 6.3 model in 1966. This resulted in a lighter and more affordable vehicle that was now available with more competent suspension.

A larger version of the M-100 was installed following the introduction of the 'W116'.

A vehicle that was incredibly heavy, a massive 6.3L V8 engine that came with specially developed overhead camshafts and Bosch mechanical fuel injection to move the vehicle.

The vehicle was a smooth ride with good handling that came with adjustable air suspension that improved the vehicles agility.

In 1965, production began after following two years of remodeling the 1963 model.

A large luxury automobile, it featured many prestigious features including a complex hydraulic system that powered everything from seats, windows and automatic closing doors.

The vehicle was extremely smooth with exceptional handling over any and all road surfaces, due to the adjustable air suspension.

Available in several variants, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was came in either a 4-door sedan on a short wheelbase (similar to a modern S600 sedan) or a 4-door sedan with a power window that separated the front seats from the rear bench seat.

It also was available in a 4-door limousine on a longer wheelbase that featured two rear-facing seats and a rear bench seat, or a 6-door limousine on a long wheelbase chassis. The 6-door limousine came with two forward facing jump seats that were stationed at the middle two doors and rear bench seat.

Several limousines called landaulets, came with a convertible top over the rear passenger compartment. Landaulets were taken on the market in 1971.

A total of 2,677 vehicles were produced by 1981 when product was discontinued.

by Jessican Donaldson