1965 Mercedes-Benz 600
History
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'.
Designed by Dr. Uhlenhaut, only two coupes were created, one of them was given as a gift to him on his retirement.
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 Jessica Donaldson
Mercedes-Benz introduced the 600 at the International Auto Show in Frankfurt in 1964. Powered by a 250 horsepower alloy 6.3-liter V8 engine, the 600 accelerates more like a sports car than a traditional limousine. A comprehensive hydraulic and pneuma....[continue reading]
At the 1963 Frankfurt International Motor Show, Mercedes-Benz introduced an extraordinary limousine. As a successor to the legendary pre-war 540K Grosser, the W100 '600' was acclaimed to be the world's finest automobile.....[continue reading]
