Single ownership since 1978
1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Limousine

6,332cc SOHC V8
Bosch mechanically Controlled Fuel Injection
300bhp at 4,100rpm
4-Speed Automatic
Independent Front and Swing Rear Axle Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disc Brakes

* Single ownership since 1978
* Finished Blue metallic over Blue interior
* One of approximately 124 six-door Pullman 600's built
* Equipped with sunroof and air conditioning
* Serviced extensively, retains its original engine
* Accompanied by its history file, books, factory tool kit, jack, and spare


THE PULLMAN 600

"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 & Sportscar magazine.

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-liter 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 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. Natural successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 'Adenauer' limousine, its only credible rival was the Rolls-Royce Phantom V.

The most popular version was the 10.5 foot (3,200mm) wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20 feet 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 62mph (100km/h) in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 124mph (200km/h) flat out. Only 2,677 examples were made, of which 2,190 were four-door saloons, 428 were Pullman limousines and 59 were landaulettes.


THE CAR OFFERED

This factory six-door Mercedes-Benz Pullman limousine has had single ownership since 1978. The original owner opted for the top-of-the-line six-door, long wheelbase Pullman limousine and ticked a number of additional option boxes. This included air conditioning, partition privacy window, sunroof, leather seating for the drivers compartment, velour seating for the rear passenger compartment, wood trim, rear bar and cocktail compartment, rear privacy curtains, rear vanity mirrors, rear radio controls and a Becker radio.

Today, the car shows its age and preserved with a nice patina thanks to spending the majority of its life in the wonderful climate of southern California. While the car was delivered new as a rare six-door Pullman, early in the life of this vehicle, two of the six door handles were professionally removed giving this car the look of a four-door Pullman. The hinges to the additional doors are still intact and visible. The understated metallic blue exterior is a great fit for this big body Mercedes. Inside, beautiful blue leather graces the drivers compartment while rich, blue velour cloth ensconces the rear cabin. Rich wood trim abounds on the doors, dash, and between the two, rear facing seats where it covers a cooler from which one may pull a bottle of Bollinger or Dom Pérignon upon the consummation of that 'big deal'. The interior presents impeccably well for its age and has been preserved to a high degree.

The exterior of this Mercedes, with its paint surely showing its age, is a respray away from looking new again. Considering its age and having covered less than 98,000 kilometers, this limousine does show a few areas of corrosion on the body, mainly on the rear quarter behind the passenger side rear wheel. Overall, the body appears straight and no visible signs of collision. With such a well-preserved interior and an aged exterior, this Pullman has great "bones" and wonderful potential for a full or partial restoration. During its present ownership, this Mercedes has received constant maintenance ensuring the operation of the car was satisfactory. This Mercedes is still running its original engine as matched by the data cards. The car will be accompanied by its extensive history file, factory books, original data cards, original tool kit, jack, spare tire and miscellaneous spare parts.

Unquestionably the only car to be loved by everyone from the Hugh Hefner to the Pope and John Lennon to Saddam Hussein, this is the perfect car from which to run an empire—be it business, political, religious, or "other"—from the grand comfort of one of the most legendary luxury cars ever made.