Mercedes-Benz 600 – 1969 - Lot 85

Mercedes-Benz 600 – 1969 German registration title Mercedes-Benz’s plan to return to the top of the luxury segment began in 1957, when Daimler-Benz launched this ambitious project with Fritz Nallunger and Rudolf Uhlenhaut at the helm. The goal was to create the ultimate luxury car, without compromising on cost or technical complexity. Six years later, the 600 was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt Motor Show. This monumental car remained in the catalogue until 1981, with a clientele that included some of the most influential figures of the time: from Pope Paul VI to Mao Zedong, Elvis Presley and the most important industrial leaders! From a technical point of view, the car boasted numerous feats of engineering... The car was based on a 150-bar high-pressure hydraulic system that controlled virtually everything: steering, brakes, suspension, windows and seats! The 600 is powered by a 250 bhp 6.3-litre V8 engine specially developed for the occasion, enabling it to go from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds (a real feat for a car weighing nearly 2,500 kg!). Our example was delivered on March 13, 1969, to Autohaus Hornung, which remained its owner until the late 1980s. It then passed into the hands of dealer and collector Axel Schütte for a while before ending up in the garage of a major German brewer! It was from the latter that the current owner, a major French Mercedes-Benz collector, purchased it. Today, the car has a magnificent patina for its age and has just over 100,000 km on the odometer (a substantial file of invoices is available on request, confirming the mileage shown). Paint thickness measurements seem to indicate a light coat of paint, probably applied in the 1990s, but the interior remains completely original. During our test drive, we were struck by its excellent working condition, despite having been little used in recent years. Crucially, the hydraulic system is also in perfect working order! A true rarity on the market, the Mercedes-Benz 600 also represents the pinnacle of the brand’s range in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, our example is one of the last in its strictly original condition, never restored, and is presented with a very attractive estimate compared to the rest of the market. Calling all patina enthusiasts!