Gregor Wenner
Specialist Consultant
LOT 163
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Limousine Chassis no. WDB2208781A261942
Sold for €48,300 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 163
22,000 kilometres from new
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Limousine
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Limousine
2001 Mercedes-Benz S600 V12 Limousine
Chassis no. WDB2208781A261942
Chassis no. WDB2208781A261942
• Ultra-rare long-wheelbase limousine
• Delivered new to The Netherlands (cost almost €600,000)
• Two previous owners
• Meticulously maintained and serviced by specialists ASV in NL
• Delivered new to The Netherlands (cost almost €600,000)
• Two previous owners
• Meticulously maintained and serviced by specialists ASV in NL
Footnotes
Its leadership in the luxury saloon market challenged by rivals BMW, Jaguar, Audi and Lexus, Mercedes-Benz responded with a radically new iteration of the range-topping S Class aimed at reasserting its supremacy: the W220. Introduced at the Paris Motor Show in 1998, the W220 was smaller in every dimension than the superseded W140, yet managed to provide its occupants with a cabin longer by 37mm. This smaller bodyshell, which used alloys and composite materials in its construction as well as the traditional steel, was around 15% lighter than that of the equivalent W140, contributing to a useful reduction in fuel consumption. It was also undeniably beautiful, its graceful flowing lines yielding a class-leading drag coefficient of only 0.27.
Another important W220 innovation was its new air suspension that provided automatic self-levelling and variable ride height, which was combined with Adaptive Damper Control (ADC) for an even smoother ride. Also new was power-assisted rack-and-pinion steering, replacing the old recirculating ball type. Needless to say, equipment levels were very high: options included 'keyless go'; automatic climate control; heated and ventilated seats; and the new COMAND (Cockpit Management and Data) system that controlled the car's audio, navigation, ventilation and communications systems.
Initially there were four engines on offer, all boasting three valves per cylinder: a brace of V6s (of 2.8 and 3.2 litres) plus a pair of V8s (of 4.3 and 5.0 litres), while the sole transmission available was a five-speed automatic with manual override. Diesels were added as the W220 range expanded into the early 2000s. A V12 had been mooted at the time of the W220's launch, and this top-of-the-range power unit duly arrived in January 2000 in the (long wheelbase only) S600. This new M137 V12 was considerably simpler in conception than what had gone before, boasting a single overhead camshaft for each bank of cylinders and three valves per cylinder, compared to its M120 predecessor's four camshafts and four-valve heads. Variable valve timing helped smooth out the power delivery, the S600's maximum being 367PS and 530Nm of torque, while fuel consumption was much improved over the older model. Despite being a little less powerful than it predecessor, the W220 S600 was quicker of the mark (6.3 seconds to 100km/h compared with 6.6) and had a similar (limited) top speed of 250km/h.
One of the next additions to the range was the ultra-long-wheelbase (4.085 metres), V12-powered Pullman limousine, the 1 metre extra length enabling the rear compartment to be extended by means of a fixed side panel between the doors. There was no fixed interior specification for what was essentially a bespoke automobile built to individual customer order, and Mercedes-Benz never published a list price.
This ultra-rare S600 limousine was delivered new to The Netherlands. It was ordered with all possible options, resulting in a purchase price of close to €600,000! Presented in stunning condition, the car has had only two previous owners and has covered approximately 22,000 original kilometres from new. Always well maintained and serviced by specialists ASV in Veghel, NL, it comes with Dutch registration papers and all books, including the stamped service book. An exceptional opportunity to buy an outstanding luxury car 20 years after its delivery for a tenth of the price when new.
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