Introduced in 1963, the Mercedes-Benz 600, internally designated the W100, had few peers apart from the new Rolls-Royce Phantom V. It featured a new 6,332cc, overhead-cam V8, a dry-sump design with Bosch mechanical fuel injection that developed 245hp, as well as air suspension for a wonderful 'boulevard ride' and a high-pressure hydraulic system that provided every power assist imaginable. There was a limited slip differential, servo steering and hydraulic disc brakes with vacuum servo assist at both ends. Other amenities included hydraulically operated windows, sunroof, glass partition, boot lit, horizontal/vertical movement and backrest angles of seats as well as fully automatic controlled air conditioning. There were two wheelbases, 126" and 153". The shorter wheelbase versions were both saloons, a division was optional. Long wheelbase cars were called 'Pullman' and included a four-door division limousine, a six-door version with additional jump seats and a Landaulette. A mere 487 Pullmans were manufactured through to 1981, although only a few were built, all to individual special order, from 1972. Many were delivered new to various rulers and heads of state worldwide and some of them remain, well-maintained and still highly impressive, in government fleets to this day, even 'The King', Elvis Presley, had a Pullman.

This 'Grosser' is quite an exceptional example, having had circa £37,000 spent on it with leading specialist Martin Cushway since 2015. Our vendor is an engineer, who had aspired to own a 600 for many years and took his time to find the right example. It is so important to start with a good one example, and when he came across this example a couple of years ago, the car ticked all of the boxes. The exterior brightwork gleams, as does the silver coachwork and the black interior is in absolutely exceptional condition, including the wood (of which there is a lot!), it really is very hard to fault. The earlier mentioned work with Martin Cushway includes a big engine and gearbox overhaul in 2015, with just 2,000 miles covered since and we are told the car is an absolute joy to drive and sparks interest wherever it goes, these cars have so much road presence. During our vendors ownership, the seat and window cylinders have been removed and overhauled by Mercedes 600 specialists, Worle Automotive Engineering in Germany and everything is understood to work as it should, although the air conditioning would benefit from a re-gas. This is a very highly specified example, with cooling front arm rest and its original flask and shot glassware are amazingly still present. The original emergency hydraulic repair kit is still present in the boot too, something which would be virtually impossible to replace today. This example looks like excellent value given its extraordinary condition and comprehensive history file and it virtually wants for nothing. Supplied to auction with V5C registration document, MoT test certificate valid until April 2026 and comprehensive history file which contains records of works undertaken throughout the years. The cherished registration 'HFK 600' is also included in the sale. Consigned by Fraser Smith

Lot details
Year: 1971
Make: Mercedes-Benz
Model: 600 Grosser
Registration: HFK 600
Chassis No: 10001222001839
Odometer: 95,306

* One of just 273 right hand drive examples
* Understood to have originally been owned by German composer, Herbert von Karajan
* Engine and gearbox overhaul by Martin Chushway circa 2,000 miles ago