1963→1981 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine

The 300 d landaulet attracted considerable attention – but the most notable development in the history of this body design in the second half of the 20th century came with the Mercedes-Benz factory-built landaulet versions of the 600 model (W 100). In the book “Mercedes-Benz 600” published in 2001, author Heribert Hofer describes the landaulet from this model series as “a genuine old-style parade car, a unique automotive treasure.” And indeed, heads of state like Queen Elizabeth Elisabeth II, Pope Paul VI and his successors and heads of government all around the world chose this model to greet onlookers as they drove through the streets. The German government also regularly called on a Mercedes-Benz 600 landaulet for ceremonial occasions, although the vehicle was not owned by the state. Instead, the car was kept in the company fleet in Stuttgart and made available on request.

Production of the 600 model, in the “Grand Mercedes” tradition, started in September 1964. The Pullman landaulet, along with a number of limousines, was a production variant of the Pullman body with the long wheelbase of the W 100. Mercedes-Benz offered its customers four different landaulet versions based on this exclusive design: the standard version had four doors, facing rear seats, and a folding top extending as far as the front edges of the rear doors. There was also a special six-door version with a seat bench in the rear and additional fold-out seats facing in the direction of travel. In this variant, as in the six-door Pullman limousine, the middle doors could also be provided without handles. Both the above landaulets – the four-door and six-door design – could also be equipped on request with a long convertible top reaching as far as the partition.

All these versions were based on a long-wheelbase W 100 chassis, but in 1967 a one-off short-wheelbase W 100 landaulet was also produced. The vehicle was commissioned by Count von Berckheim. The ex-racing driver’s Mercedes-Benz 600 combined the handling qualities of a short-wheelbase design with the traditional virtues of the landaulet. The time and effort involved in this one-off project indicates that the 59 Pullman landaulets built hardly represented a “series production” operation in the strict sense – in fact, with such a wide variety of interior equipment options and special features it would be difficult to find two identically-equipped 600 landaulets. But one thing all these vehicles had in common was their exceedingly high price. The exclusive body design with the folding convertible top did not appear on the official price list, but the Mercedes-Benz 600 was regarded as the world’s most expensive production car of its day.

In Detail

tags	w100
submitted by	admin
type	Series Production Car
production years	1963 – 1981
built at	Germany
price $	$ 22,000
engine	M100 V8
position	Front, Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	SOHC
fuel feed	Bosch Sequential Injection
compression	9.00:1
power	180 kw / 241.4 bhp @ 4000 rpm
bhp/weight	89.41 bhp per tonne
torque	500 nm / 368.8 ft lbs @ 2800 rpm
body / frame	Unitary Steel Monocoque
driven wheels	RWD
front brakes	Discs
rear brakes	Discs
steering	Recirculating Ball w/Power Assist
f suspension	Double Wishbones
r suspension	Swing Axles
curb weight	2700 kg / 5954 lbs
wheelbase	3900 mm / 153.5 in
length	5450 mm / 214.6 in
width	1950 mm / 76.8 in
height	1500 mm / 59.1 in
transmission	4-Speed Automatic
top speed	~205 kph / 127.30 mph
fuel econ epa	19.93 L/100 km or 11.8 mpg-us
fuel capacity	112 litres or 29.57 gal.

 

Auction Sales History

 

1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB 100012.12.001633 – sold for $143,000 Very Authentic Example with 32,593 Original Miles. Silver Grey with Blue Roser Leather and French Walnut Interior. Includes Books, Records, Tools, and Build Sheet. One of 2,190 SWB Saloons Built From 1963 to 1981. The Ultimate in German Luxury Motoring.
Auction Source: The Pebble Beach Auctions 2015 by Gooding and Company

 

1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon 100.012-12-001225 – sold for €100,050

Delivered new in Germany, this example has formed part of the vendor’s private Mercedes-Benz collection since 1990. It was purchased with a believed correct 95,000 kilometres recorded, to which the vendor has added a further 25,000-or-so kilometres. Works carried out during the current ownership include overhauling the fuel injection (in 2000), checking the hydraulic system and overhauling the pump (2011) and overhauling the steering (2013). In addition, the car has been repainted in its original colour of dark brown metallic, while other noteworthy features include matching leather interior trim, sliding steel sunroof, Becker radio/cassette and air conditioning. Finished in a rare colour combination and very well specified, this beautifully presented 600 is described as in generally good working order and is worthy of the closest inspection. The car is offered with German Kraftfahrzeugbrief.
Auction Source: The Mercedes-Benz Sale 2015 by Bonhams

 

 

1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB 100.012.120.00446 – sold for $121,000 One of Only 323 Manufactured for 1966. Rare Luxury Engineering Marvel. Restoration by 600 Expert Peter Krausert. Elegant Original Color Combination. A Stunningly Presented 600.
Auction Source: The Scottsdale Auctions by Gooding & Company

 

1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine – sold for $80,000
Final year produced for 600 US production, 1 of 210 made in 1972.- M100 6.3/300HP engine with 434 ft lbs of torque. Recent restoration. Formerly owned by Forbes billionaire, Mercedes Club president, Harrah’s casino collection. Complete books, data card, owner’s metal and name plate. Believed to be only 57,088 original miles. Rare illuminated rear burlwood writing tables and rear radio controls. Recently serviced air suspension and air valves. Comfort hydraulic system operates windows, seats, sun roof, climate control, braking and trunk open/close. Burlwood restored, front seats re-upholstered. Factory Becker radio.
Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum

 

1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine – sold for €29,232

This long-wheelbase, seven-passenger Pullman from 1969 is a two-owner example from new. Finished in Schwarz (black) with Hellrott (light red) upholstery, it was delivered via Brussels, Belgium to the original owner in Africa, and according to production records supplied by Mercedes-Benz Classic Germany, it was originally fitted with such specialised features as body “under-shields” and dust sealing, heat-insulating glass all-around and a tropical-specification battery. In addition, it was fitted with a pennant staff and holder on the right-hand side of the car. As offered today in remarkable “barn find” original condition and requiring complete restoration, its offering at auction represents a truly rare opportunity to join the rarefied ownership roster of the magnificent 600 Pullman.
Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM

 

1973 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine – sold for €81,200

In very nice condition, this Mercedes has benefited from having been well maintained and cared for. Used only sparingly, it has travelled fewer than 3,000 miles since restoration. It has enjoyed pride of place on display at Mercedes-Benz World at Weybridge, Surrey for the last four years, during which it has been regularly run and serviced. Under the current ownership, the car has been meticulously cared for by UK Mercedes 600 specialist John Haynes, Mercedes-Benz World and the owner’s own mechanics.

Auction Source: 2011 London Auction by RM

 

1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB – sold for $88,000 Meticulously Maintained, Largely Original 600. Rare and Striking Original Color Combination. Three Owners from New. A True Mercedes-Benz Flagship.
Auction Source: 2011 Pebble Beach Auctions by Gooding & Company