Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser
The Mercedes-Benz 600 (W100), commonly known as the Grosser Mercedes or Grand Mercedes, was the most advanced and luxurious automobile in the world when it debuted in 1963, and many argue it has never been surpassed. For nearly two decades, it served as the ultimate status symbol, owned by everyone from heads of state and royalty to rock stars and film celebrities.
At the heart of the 600 was the M100, a 6.3-liter V8 engine with Bosch mechanical fuel injection. Producing 250 hp (SAE gross) and a massive 369 lb-ft of torque, it propelled the 5,478-lb sedan to 127 mph -- extraordinary performance for a car of this size and weight in the 1960s. The engine was incredibly smooth and refined, befitting its role in the world's finest luxury car.
What truly distinguished the 600 was its elaborate hydraulic system. A high-pressure pump powered by the engine operated the windows, seats, trunk lid, doors (on Pullman models), sunroof, and central locking. This system was unique to the 600 and represented a level of engineering complexity that no other manufacturer would attempt. When functioning correctly, the hydraulic system was extraordinarily smooth and rapid. However, it required specialized maintenance that only a few workshops worldwide could perform.
The 600 was available in two primary configurations: the standard short-wheelbase (SWB) sedan and the long-wheelbase Pullman. The Pullman stretched the wheelbase to 3,900mm and was available in four-door, six-door, and landaulet (open-top rear section) configurations. The Pullman was the preferred state car for numerous governments and was used by the Vatican, the Japanese Imperial Family, and countless other dignitaries.
The list of 600 owners reads like a who's who of the 20th century. Pope Paul VI, Queen Elizabeth II, Emperor Hirohito, Mao Zedong, Fidel Castro, Saddam Hussein, Idi Amin, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Hugh Hefner, Coco Chanel, Elizabeth Taylor, and Jack Nicholson all owned 600s. The car transcended political and cultural boundaries -- it was simply the best, and anyone with the means to acquire one did so.
The build quality was extraordinary even by Mercedes-Benz standards. Each 600 was largely hand-assembled by a dedicated team of craftsmen. The interior was trimmed in the finest leather, with deep-pile wool carpeting, burled walnut veneer, and chrome switches that operated with the precision of fine jewelry. The air suspension system provided a ride quality that was unmatched by any other production car.
Mercedes-Benz produced 2,677 examples of the 600 over its 18-year production run -- an average of fewer than 150 per year. The car was never intended to be profitable; it existed to demonstrate the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and to serve as a technological flagship.
Today, the 600 is highly collectible, with values ranging from $150,000 for standard SWB sedans to over $500,000 for Pullman models. The primary challenge of ownership is the hydraulic system, which requires specialized knowledge and expensive maintenance. When properly maintained, however, the 600 remains one of the most impressive driving experiences in the classic car world.
The hydraulic system is the make-or-break factor. A full hydraulic system rebuild can cost $30,000-$50,000 and only a handful of specialists worldwide can do it correctly. The M100 engine is extremely robust but complex. Air suspension system requires attention. Rust can affect floor pans, inner fenders, and sills. Trim and interior parts are unique to the 600 and extremely expensive to source. Choose a car with a known service history from a recognized 600 specialist. The standard SWB sedan is more practical; Pullmans are more valuable but more expensive to maintain.
Produced from 1963 to 1981 with total production of 2,677 units: 2,190 short-wheelbase sedans, 304 four-door Pullmans, 59 six-door Pullmans, and 124 landaulets. Each car was largely hand-assembled. The M100 6.3-liter V8 later found use in the 300 SEL 6.3 sedan. Production averaged fewer than 150 units per year.