A means of transportation for heads of state, celebrities, and businessmen, the W100 Mercedes-Benz 600 was one of the most prestigious luxury cars in the world. The forebear of the modern Mercedes-Benz Maybach, the imposing 600 was the company's flagship from 1963 to 1981, and hand built in a variety of body styles. The 600 used engine-driven hydraulics for operating multiple systems, including windows, seats, door locks, and an adjustable air suspension that provided unrivaled ride quality. Given these hydraulic amenities, a stouter 6.3-liter M100 V-8 engine producing 250 hp and 369 lbs./ft. of torque was specially developed for the Grosser Mercedes (Grand Mercedes).
The 600 proved popular with heads of state, celebrities and royalty - famous owners included John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Chairman Mao and Fidel Castro, not to mention the countless dictators (there were some good ones) who favoured them. Launched in 1963, the Grosser remained in production for nearly two decades and a total of 2,190 short-wheelbase models were made of which 342 were right-hand drive. The 600 remains one of the most awe-inspiring and sought after Mercedes-Benz limousines ever made and good examples like the vehicle offered here are rarely offered publicly. There has never been a limousine like the 600 before and there may never be one again - it is truly a classic by any standards.
This 1973 Mercedes 600 "Grosser" was originally sold by Mercedes Hong Kong and registered to its first keeper in 1974. The vehicle changed hands a few times during its life and was finally in the hands of the current keeper in 2002. The purchase in 2002 was very emotional, as the vendor's father had been looking for such a vehicle for almost 20 years. In his hands, the vehicle was always treated with great respect, care and affection, which led to a still rather good condition today after 20 years since the restoration.
Back in 2002, the vendor's father commissioned Mercedes-Benz specialist KIENLE Automobiltechnik GmbH to acquire this Ex- Hong Kong Mercedes 600 Grosser from a South Africa dealer and have it immediately shipped to Germany to begin a restoration that took a full year to complete. At the customer's request, the vehicle was completely dismantled, the body was completely rebuilt and painted. The powertrain, i.e. the engine, axle, suspension, brakes, fuel, pneumatic system, hoses and interior have been completely overhauled.
Once the restoration was complete, the car was shipped back to Hong Kong. The car had always been the vendor's treasure ever since and has been enjoyed weekly. The car is always warmed up before driving, and always kept in a dehumidified garage. This Mercedes-Benz 600 has been serviced, MOT'ed and road-taxed every year, a beautiful car with a lot of potential.
Year: 1973
Body: 4 Doors
Exterior: Metallic Silver
Interior: Cognac Leather
Driver's Side: RHD
Transmission: Automatic
Indicated Mileage: 51,045KM
Location: Hong Kong
Registration: Hong Kong Registered, 3 Previous Owner
THIS MOTOR CAR:
This Hong Kong Dealer supplied Mercedes 600 Right-hand drive Grosser with Partition example that was first registered in August 1974. Finished in Metallic Silver, with Bird eye Walnut trim and Cognac leather interior. It was specified with factory tinted glass, front & back air conditioning, front & back radio, rear folding table beneath the separation window. It has a fridge and campaign glasses behind the front seats windowed partition.
Showing only 51,045KM on the odometer and was driven less than 25,000 KM since it was fully restored by KIENLE Automobiltechnik GmbH in Heimerdingen, Germany back in 2002. This fantastic beast has been through a professional, one year no-expense-spared engine out restoration, complete suspension renewal, full brake system repair, fuel system overhaul, A to Z pneumatic renewal and interior refurbishment including all leather seats, all carpets, door lining, all wood panels polished and rubber replaced before it was loaded into a container and headed back to Hong Kong in July 2003.
Throughout its new life back in Hong Kong, the car has been diligently maintained by local garage and fastidiously kept in a humidity controlled garage with rolling shutter. Available for viewing by appointment for serious interest only.
HIGHLIGHTS:
The “Grand Mercedes” the high performance, ultra-luxury limousine
A rare example of an originally Hong Kong delivered car
An engineering marvel with a 6.3 Litre V8 that can keep up with modern day traffic pace
Expertly restored 20 years ago by Kienle that stood the test of time
Classic Insider condition score: 80 points out of 100
CONDITION REPORT:
Restored 20 years ago, the car on offer appears to still be a sound example. Largely original, well-kept and consistently maintained. The paintwork is a bit tired and showing cracks and paint bubbles in various parts of the body. Luckily no rust has been spotted. There are some blemishes in the chrome finish, but overall still in very good condition. The Interior is a bit dusty but seats, dash, carpets, wood panels and door cards show minimal signs of wear and tear since the restoration. Engine starts easily and idle smoothly. We understand that the pneumatic system may be time for repair as the car requires 30 mins from cold start to achieve normal ride height, which is likely due to a leakage in the system. As the hydro-pneumatic also operated all the windows, seat adjustments and the opening & closing mechanism of the trunk, they are currently not functioning properly without the correct air pressure in the system.
Available Exclusively at Classic Insider. For more info, please contact:
Kenneth Wong
Email: Kenneth@classicinsider.com
Telephone Or Whatsapp: +852 9013 2536
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HISTORY HIGHLIGHTS
1973 Manufactured
1974 August, First Registered in Hong Kong
2002 September, Purchased by KIENLE on behalf of current keeper. Mileage 26,667KM
2002 December, Complete refurbished Engine installed
2003 April to 2003 July, Complete car overhauled
2003 July Shipped to Hong Kong
2003 November re-Registered in Hong Kong
2005 - 2022 Annually Serviced, MOT'ed and Road Tax paid (All service records intact) Mileage indicates 51,045KM now
** All available previous Service records available upon request
BACKGROUND AND HISTORY:
When Mercedes-Benz set out to build a rival for the title of the 'Best Car in the World' they succeeded admirably with the 600, a limousine dubbed the Grosser on account of its massive scale. The 600, introduced in early 1964, was a true successor to the pre-war Grosser Mercedes. It had one of the company's largest post-war car engines and a highly sophisticated air suspension system. Not only did it cost substantially more than a Rolls-Royce Silver Cloud III in Britain, but it was also the most exclusive post-war Mercedes built.
The 600 was powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine with 250 bhp and a handy 369 lb/ft of torque available, more than enough to push the Mercedes to indecent speeds and acceleration was surprisingly brisk for a car of this size and weight. Everything about the 600 was over-engineered, with powerful disc brakes all round, fully independent self-levelling suspension and refinements like power steering and a vacuum-operated central locking system on all four doors, bootlid and petrol cap. The 600 was one of the most advanced luxury cars of the era, with power windows, hydraulically operated adjustable front and rear seats, an adjustable steering wheel and two separate heating and ventilation systems.
The 600 was capable of 125mph with a 0-60 acceleration in 9.2 seconds, a remarkable figure when a curb weight of 2.5 tons is taken into account. These lavish cars had an ingenious hydraulic system running at 300psi to provide for power windows, sun roof, seat adjustment and trunk lid. An air pressure system was provided to lock the doors, fuel door and glove compartment, as well as other mechanical functions. There were separate heating systems for front and rear. For all its complexity, the servicing requirements were relatively simple and all joints were sealed for life.
Testing the 600 in 1963, The Autocar commented that every item had been ...designed from scratch with cost seemingly of secondary interest. Having rhapsodized about every feature, they then commented on the superb air-assisted brakes that could stop even a fully laden 600 from 100mph in under six seconds.
Regularly owned by Royalty, used by Papal legations, Marshal Tito and Chairman Mao, there has never been a limousine like the model 600 before and there may never be one again - it is truly a classic by any standards.
Technical Specs
6,332 CC SOHC M100 V-8 Engine
Bosch Mechanical Fuel Injection
250 BHP at 4,000 RPM
4-Speed Automatic Transmission
4-Wheel Power Disc Brakes
4-Wheel Independent Suspension with Pneumatic Springs
** SIMILAR VEHICLES ALWAYS REQUIRED**
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The information provided on this website has been compiled by Classic Insider with the utmost care. The information contained within this advert is provided ‘as-is’, without warranties as to its accuracy whether expressed or implied and is intended for informational purposes only. Classic Insider is not liable for any errors or mistakes.
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