1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine

• The ultimate in motoring luxury in its day
• Matching chassis and engine numbers
• Preserved in long-term ownership
• Restored in the mid-1990s
• Professionally recommissioned by Classic Center NL

"In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence." - Classic & Sports Car.

By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-litre V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking, and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants also enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid.

The most popular version was the 3,200mm (10' 6") wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 6,000mm in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 60mph (97km/h) in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 125mph (201km/h) flat out. Only 2,677 examples had been made when production ceased in 1981, of which 2,190 were four-door saloons, 428 were Pullman limousines, and 59 were landaulettes.

Celebrity owners of the Mercedes-Benz 600 have included Elvis Presley, John Lennon, George Harrison, Jack Nicholson, Coco Chanel, Hugh Hefner, Ronnie Wood, Aristotle Onassis and Rowan Atkinson. The roll call of dictator owners is similarly impressive: Nicolae Ceausescu, Marshal Tito, Fidel Castro, Pol Pot, Enver Hoxha, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein, Kim Il-sung, and Kim Jong-il all being represented.

Completed in 1971, this Mercedes-Benz 600 is an outstanding example of Mercedes-Benz's technically advanced and exceptionally luxurious flagship. Retaining its original specification, including the elegant velour interior, the car was restored in Canada during the mid-1990s for its third owner.

Following its acquisition from its third owner, this Mercedes-Benz 600 was entrusted to Classic Center NL for a comprehensive mechanical recommissioning programme. The car had formed part of a collection for many years and had consequently seen very limited use. While this helped preserve the vehicle and its originality, long periods of inactivity naturally require particular attention on a mechanically sophisticated motor car such as the Mercedes-Benz 600.

The work undertaken by Classic Center NL was therefore primarily preventative, involving recommissioning work associated with long-term storage, with particular attention paid to fluids, hoses, fuel delivery, braking, hydraulics and the pneumatic system before returning the car to regular use.

More recently, the complete hydraulic system was thoroughly inspected and serviced at a cost of more than €18,000, an important investment in the continued usability and reliability of this highly sophisticated automobile. A detailed list of all the works carried out by Classic Center NL is on file (inspection recommended).

Powered by Mercedes-Benz's smooth 6.3-litre V8 engine and equipped with the marque's renowned hydraulic-assisted systems, the 600 combines effortless performance with exceptional refinement. Representing the short-wheelbase Limousine version of the W100, this beautifully preserved example offers the opportunity to acquire one of Mercedes-Benz's most significant and prestigious automobiles, with excellent originality and concours presentation. The car is accompanied by extensive documentation recording its history, ownership and restoration, providing an unusually comprehensive insight into its life.