Lot 248 | Monterey Jet Center Auction 2023 | Estimate: $2,250,000 – $2,650,000
The “600” monicker has always been reserved by German automaker Mercedes-Benz for its most premium vehicles. Most recently, the 600 that spanned 3 decades since the 1990s, consisted of a series of V-12 powered large sedans and now represents an over-the-top SUV. There was the 1963-1981 Mercedes-Benz 600, before that, earning the nickname “Der Grosse Mercedes” (The Big Mercedes). The 600 was a technical tour de force, not only elevating the company to the status it enjoyed before the war by Germany itself as a world leader in technological development and engineering advancements.
During its nearly 20 years of production, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was the world-class luxury automobile perched at the top of its class. It was the natural choice for anyone who valued ride quality, space and civility. It is debatable given the grand nature of the car, if they were ever behind the wheel or if they left it to their chauffeurs. Because it was so advanced, according to Mercedes-Benz, the purchase price evidently included a two-day training course in order to operate the vehicle that allowed the driver to familiarize themselves with the operation, system functionality, and numerous other nuances of the car. And the 600 was so revered within the company, that every employee involved with the assembly had to have a minimum of 15 years of experience building other Mercedes.
The 600 required a larger engine to propel its significant girth, and was the first Mercedes car ever to use a V-8 engine. Everything like power windows and seat adjustment that was typically run by electric motors was hydraulically controlled in the interest of the utmost luxury for passengers.
As one might imagine, the 600 attracted celebrities like moths to a flame, and its long list of prestigious owners includes Elvis Presley, Rowan Atkinson (Mr. Bean), and David Bowie among others.
However, an even more culturally significant 1966 600 Pullman that was loaned to both domestic and foreign governments for use at important events. is coming up for auction in the next few days. This 1966 600 Pullman was initially retained by Mercedes-Benz, rather than being sold.
Mercedes kept the limo for itself
The car that Mercedes chose to keep for themselves is a seven-person, four door Pullman limousine with a rare “Landaulet” retractable roof that covers the passenger compartment. The exterior comes in classic black with a cognac leather interior, replete with flag holders for the front fenders. Only 33 of these exist as four-door Pullmans with the Landaulet roof configuration, out of all the 600s that were produced, making this a rare bird indeed.
A logbook kept by the automaker shows that the first mission of this 600 was ferrying then – U.S. Vice President Hubert Humphrey around Germany in April of 1967. A particularly poignant pair of tasks awaited the limousine in 1969, following similar duties over the next two years.
The first of which was shuttling Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and her husband, The Duke of Edinburgh, around Vienna, Austria. Upon its return to Germany, the Big Mercedes served as transport for visiting Apollo 11 astronauts Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin, who had completed the world’s first moon landing only months prior.
Followed by another sale in 2015 Mercedes relinquished ownership of this fascinating vehicle to 1974 private interests. The car is once again looking for a new owner, and will be auctioned on August 17th -18th by Broad Arrow at its Jet Center event in Monterey, California.
The estimated selling price for this historic Mercedes-Benz is $2.25-2.65 million. The car comes with extensive paperwork documenting its provenance, and has recently been serviced mechanically.
