Fantasy Junction

Description

1969 Mercedes-Benz 600
s/n 10001212001102
Anthracite with Cream Interior

Created in Mercedes’ greatest tradition of the highest caliber über luxury limousines, the 600 was a technological tour-de force. In the same vein as the 770 ‘Großer’ and 300 Adenauer that preceded it, the 600 was a world-class limousine that successfully incorporated a blend of opulence, exclusivity, irreproachable build quality, sophisticated technological features, and surprising performance. They have incredible presence, yet are also quite understated, especially when compared to the more ostentatious offerings from Rolls-Royce and Cadillac. Massively expensive and chock full of innovative technological features, the cars were good for a genuine 120mph despite their physical dimensions and opulence. Having no engine sufficiently large for the car, Mercedes created one of its most legendary engines, the 6.3 liter M100 (which would later be used in the 300SEL 6.3 and 450SEL 6.9), an overhead camshaft and valve unit with mechanical fuel injection and dry sump lubrication. The car had disc brakes and independent suspension all around, and a now famous hydraulic system that powered the suspension, power seats, windows, door locks, and self closing trunk.

Beautifully engineered and constructed, the 600 was highly exclusive and astronomically expensive (the most expensive car in the world when new at well over $22,000 in 1965), and found a distinguished clientele that included diplomats, captains of industry, and stars. Many famous individuals have owned 600s including Coco Chanel, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Aristotle Onassis, Jack Nicholson, and Bob Jane. The cars’ diplomatic bent has also meant that many political figures, many of them communist ironically enough, have owned 600s over the years. Included among these are Emperor Hirohito, Idi Amin, Jomo Kenyatta, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Leonid Brezhnev, Enver Hoxha, Pol Pot, Fidel Castro, Josip Broz Tito, Saddam Hussein, and Kim Il Sung.

This particular example is truly outstanding, with a massive stack of records to indicate the attentive care and upgrades it received. A well optioned car with partially original DB172 anthracite paint, this car has ivory colored steering wheel, refrigerated center compartment between the front seats, rear curtains, rear picnic tables, European headlamps, and fog lamps. Originally sold in Southern California, this car remained with its first owner until its death, at which point, it was sold to a Mercedes collector in New York. The indicated mileage of less than 55,000 is reported to be from new and the car’s current owner is the former president of the Gullwing Owner’s Club. All equipment is currently working with the exception of the clock and the car comes with a variety of extras including original books set, original hydraulic system service kit, 600-specific tool set, suspension emergency block set, shot glasses and thermos.

It is well understood in the 600 community that these cars are complex and require significant expertise to properly maintain, and this car has had that in spades. The suspension and air conditioning systems are particularly mythical in this regard, and both were comprehensively rebuilt in this car. A considerable file of records is included showing the comprehensive no expense spared maintenance this car received by Mercedes 600 experts Star Motors in Endicott, New York. The car also received two significant Karl Middelhauve upgrades (fitted by Star Motors) at great cost: a complete fuel injection system (with EFI computer and modified intake) and fluid filled motor mounts, the combined cost of which approached $20,000 installed. The M100 community is not very large, and within it, Karl Middelhauve is well known as the consummate restoration expert who not only brings the cars back to their original glory, but also has the engineering expertise to make significant improvements to the cars that enhance their functionality and, unusually for upgrades, add value to the cars.

The other work at Star Motors included complete brake system rebuild (including calipers), rebuilt transmission, complete interior retrim, comprehensive AC service and repair including rotary compressor, hoses, and receiver-dryer, new water pump, new alternator, new fluid coupler, and most suspension components including wheel bearings, tie rods, control arm bushes, ball joints. The all important hydraulic system was also rebuilt, including window lift cylinders, rebuilt hydraulic pump and accumulator, rebuilt trunk actuator, and new switches in all four doors, which are of the upgraded billet type. The engine was also removed and resealed as required including rear main seal and front and rear crank seals. In all, this work totaled just over $100,000 between 2001 and 2011.

The car’s current owner is a resident of California and purchased it from Star Motors in 2011. He has continued to keep the car to the same high standard, with some selective rechroming, a new front windscreen and seal (supplied by Mercedes Classic Center), new tires and rebuilt hydraulic accumulator and heater monovalve in 2014.

The paint on this car is reported to be partially original, and indeed metering suggests that the trunk, roof, hood, and 2 or 3 of the fenders still have their original paint. Overall, the impression is extremely strong, with a high level of gloss, excellent matching and great presentation overall. Close inspection reveals some stone chips on the front of the car, minor crazing, and a few light scratches. The body is extremely straight and solid and the chrome is generally excellent with extremely light pitting in selected areas only. The glass and lights are excellent and the car has European headlamps.

The interior is an impressive place and is in beautiful shape. It is extremely spacious and the leather upholstery is excellent, having nicely mellowed since being fitted. It is of the correct type and pattern and even smells like a factory Mercedes interior. There is a great deal of wood, on the door panels, dashboard, rear parcel shelf, and around the windows, and it is excellent throughout. The carpets are also in very nice shape with a few minor stains. The steering wheel is excellent overall, with light crazing. The headliner is excellent, as are the instruments and switches. There are a great many switches that operate the various accessories such as the power operated front and rear seats, windows, and suspension. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today, and must have been downright magical fifty years ago. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. A modern Alpine stereo has been fitted and the car is fitted with correct Kangol safety belts in the rear and modern type inertia reel belts in the front.

The trunk is in very good condition. The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and spare lives in its own compartment. The spare tire is new and the general condition is excellent. The engine compartment is unrestored but is clean, attractive and tidy. Despite the upgrades to the car, it looks fundamentally correct rather than appearing out of place.

The car’s road performance also reflects the considerable expense lavished on its mechanical systems. It is extremely solid throughout. The major mechanical systems work as they should, from the brakes and suspension to the engine and gearbox. The quality of the ride is fantastic and the entire experience oozes of quality and importance. The car accelerates authoritatively, and indeed, Road & Track noted in their 1965 road test that the 600 was faster through the quarter mile than a TR4A, MGB, Sunbeam Alpine, Alfa Romeo Giulia Spider, Porsche 356C, or Volvo P1800. The car is impressively comfortable and capable even by modern standards, while the air horns have been noted to be among the loudest ever fitted to a production car and would be equally at home in railway applications.

The 600 is legend with good reason. Ideal for captains of industry, celebrities, aspiring dictators, or a roadtrip with Hunter S. Thompson, the 600 makes a tremendous statement no matter how you cut it. Technically awe-inspiring, hilariously high-performing, and stately like very few other cars, it’s no wonder that the 600 continues to be treasured by collectors. Produced in limited numbers, even fewer examples survive as this one has, complete with original books, tools, and partially original paint. And with extensive service history and desirable upgrades, this is a super looking and driving example of one of Mercedes’ greatest cars.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608