Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser W100 Pullman
The Mercedes-Benz 600, internally designated W100 and commonly known as the 'Grosser Mercedes' (Grand Mercedes), was conceived as the most luxurious and technologically advanced automobile in the world. Produced from 1963 to 1981, it succeeded admirably in this goal, becoming the default choice for heads of state, royalty, and celebrities who demanded the absolute finest in motoring — regardless of cost.
The W100 was available in two body styles: the 'short' wheelbase sedan (SWB, 3,200mm wheelbase) and the stretched Pullman limousine (3,900mm wheelbase). The Pullman was the more dramatic of the two, with a cabin of extraordinary proportions that could be configured with various seating arrangements including forward and rear-facing seats separated by a division window. A Landaulet variant with a folding rear roof was produced for ceremonial use by heads of state.
The 6.3-liter V8 engine was designed specifically for the 600 and was the most powerful Mercedes-Benz production engine of its era. Producing 300 horsepower through Bosch mechanical fuel injection, it provided effortless acceleration despite the car's enormous weight. The four-speed automatic transmission shifted with imperceptible smoothness, and the overall refinement was such that occupants in the rear compartment were barely aware of the engine's presence.
The 600's most remarkable engineering feature was its comprehensive hydraulic system. A high-pressure hydraulic pump, powered by the engine, operated the windows, seats, trunk lid, door closing mechanisms, and the air suspension system. This system — far more complex than anything else in production — provided a level of mechanical sophistication that would not be matched by electronic systems for decades. The windows rose and fell with silent, effortless precision, and the soft-close doors shut with a satisfying, vault-like finality.
The air suspension system maintained a perfectly level ride regardless of passenger load or road conditions, while providing the wafting, cloud-like comfort that was essential to the 600's character. The ride quality was so extraordinary that it remained the benchmark for automotive comfort well into the 1990s — no other car came close to matching the 600's ability to isolate its occupants from the outside world.
The interior was a showcase of Daimler-Benz craftsmanship at its peak. Naturally grained leather covered every surface, hand-finished wood trim adorned the dashboard and door panels, and thick Wilton carpeting cushioned the floor. The rear compartment of the Pullman offered amenities including a refrigerator, dictation machine, folding tables, individual reading lights, and a comprehensive climate control system that maintained comfortable temperatures regardless of external conditions.
The 600's client list reads like a who's who of the 20th century: Pope Paul VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Hirohito, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Kim Il-sung, and numerous other heads of state. John Lennon, Elvis Presley, and Coco Chanel were among its celebrity owners. The car's appeal transcended political ideology — both Western democrats and Communist dictators chose the 600 as their official vehicle, united in the recognition that no other automobile could match its combination of prestige, engineering excellence, and sheer presence.
Only 2,677 examples were produced during the 600's 18-year production run, with each car requiring approximately five months of hand assembly. Today, the W100 is recognized as the ultimate expression of the pre-electronics age of luxury automobile engineering, a car that achieved through mechanical complexity and artisanal craftsmanship what modern cars attempt through silicon chips and software.
The hydraulic system is the 600's most critical and most expensive maintenance concern. Verify all hydraulic functions work: windows, seats, trunk, door pull-close, and divider partition (Pullman). The system uses approximately 8 liters of specialized hydraulic fluid and leaks are common on neglected cars. The M100 V8 is robust but check for oil leaks, timing chain wear, and fuel injection system function. The air suspension requires inspection of rubber air springs and the air compressor. Rust can affect the massive body — check sills, floor pans, and wheel arches. The interior quality and completeness significantly affect value. Pullman and Landaulet variants command significantly higher prices than SWB sedans.
2,677 units produced from 1963 to 1981. Available as SWB sedan (2,190 units), Pullman limousine (428 units), and Landaulet (59 units). Each car required approximately five months of hand assembly. The 6.3-liter M100 V8 was later adapted for the 300 SEL 6.3 sedan. The hydraulic system operated windows, seats, trunk, doors, and divider partition. Over 200 examples were supplied to governments as official state cars.