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The Mercedes Benz 600 was designed in the 1960’s and 70’s as a large luxury automobile intended to represent the pinnacle of automobile engineering. Only 2,677 of this vehicle were ever made in the nearly two decades of its production. The complex hydraulic system powers the windows, seats and automatic closing trunk.
The Mercedes Benz 600 was so heavy at production that an entirely new engine was designed to power it. The “M100” engine with overhead camshafts and Bosch mechanical fuel injection was the standard 6.3L V8 engine used in the 600. Produced from 1964 until 1981, no other Mercedes Benz vehicle has matched the combined sophistication, power and luxury of the 600 until the introduction of the modern day Maybach 62.
This 1970 Mercedes Benz 600 has single joint, low-pivot swing axle, separation of wheel mounting and wheel suspension which ensures safe track holding and exact wheel control. The dual circuit power braking system with front and rear disc brakes and brake pressure control was designed to effortlessly slow down or stop this nearly three ton automobile at its high speeds. The 600 features a carefully balanced self-leveling air suspension and additional front and rear torsion stabilizers. The sturdy body structure is produced by the rugged welding of the body to the frame floor. Three point safety belts for the front seats and lap type for the rear seats with special headrests protect passengers in the event of a collision. The 600’s distortion free passenger compartment is solid form with strong windscreen and door pillars and offers optimum visibility towards all sides and a panoramic view of safety glass. The Mercedes Benz 600 drives like a dream with the MB power steering with automatic wear adjustment and the telescopic steering column.
The Mercedes Benz 600 is unsurpassed in comfort by any car built during its time of manufacturing. The comfort system controls the opening and closing of door windows and the longitudinal direction adjustment of the front seats, backrest inclination and adjustment in height.
Mercedes Benz manufactured the 600 for sophistication, safety and speed. The V8 6.3L “M100” engine is capable of obtaining a top speed of this vehicle at approximately 127 mph. German government officials, Queen Elizabeth II and the Pope relied on the 600 for transportation in the 1960’s and 70’s, as did other notable celebrities such as Hugh Hefner, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Aristotle Onassis, Jack Nicholson and Elvis Presley.
This particular 1970 Mercedes Benz 600 is in remarkable condition and suited for true lovers of luxury. There are less than 50,000 original miles and a completely rebuilt power steering pump. The bamboo leather interior and white exterior are in excellent condition, the rear windows have privacy curtains and the original manual is still in the vehicle. This car purchased in 1970 would cost what is equivalent to $140,000.00 today.
This 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 caught my eye on e-bay several weeks ago, so I decided to watch the auction and saw that it never hit the reserve price. I contacted the owner and explained to him that I am a Mercedes-Benz technician and that I would like to come up and inspect the vehicle and give him my honest opinion. Having well over thirty years experience with Mercedes-Benz exclusively, I have serviced and have been involved in many stages of repair and restoration on the 600’s. Knowing that to find a 600 with such low mileage and in such good condition is a difficult task. Upon inspection of this amazing automobile I found the following:
The body and paint (050 white) is in very good condition, with some minor previous paint work. No rust and accident free.
The chrome is all original and in very good condition with some very minor pitting around the side windows, tail light lenses and hood star.
The interior color is 249 (Bamboo) all door panels are in impeccable condition. The seats are in very good condition. The driver seat has some cracks developing. No fading or dying. The headliner is in perfect condition. The wood is in exceptional condition. However, the wood across the top of the dashboard is mildly faded and the driver’s side door, top piece has two (2) small chips.
The glass is in excellent condition except for a small scratch on the front windshield caused by the windshield wiper.
The hydraulics work as they should. Seats, trunk, windows, A/C, heating and ventilation all work. No leaks were found and the system holds pressure.
The air suspension works as it should. The car sits as it should and does not sink. All gages and lights work as they should.
The switches function without incident.
The engine started up without hesitation both hot and cold; no smoke, no leaks. The engine compartment is clean and in order.
The exhaust system is in good condition and seems to be fairly new.
The air conditioning compressor has been upgraded to a Sanden system. The air conditioning inside the vehicle is ice cold.
The power steering pump has been rebuilt.
The transmission shifts smooth and downshifts without abnormalities. The transmission fluid was very clean.
The front and rear suspension are tight.
The operation of the driveshaft was very smooth.
In my professional opinion the mileage is accurate. Please keep in mind this is an un-restored 38 year-old automobile and their will always be servicing needed. Overall, I was very impressed with the condition and ride quality of this amazing, handcrafted 1970 600 Mercedes-Benz. Only 198 were produced in 1970 Worldwide and less for the US market. This 600 was ordered for European delivery to Great Britain as a US model.
My conclusion is that this 1970 600 is in outstanding condition for the age of this vehicle and it has been kept in a climate controlled environment. Please come and inspect this vehicle as you won’t be disappointed. As many of you know that no two 600’s are alike, many of these were built to order and are completely hand made. There will never be another automobile built up to this standard.
Teutonic mechanical sophistication and luxury
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chassis number: 100 012 12 001535
engine number: 100 980 12 001612
transmission number: 001810
exterior color code: 050 - white
interior color code: 249 - bamboo leather
option codes
401 single seats
461 instruments in English
491 USA version
524 paint coat preservation
598 heat insulated glass / heated rear pane
604 oil for limited-slip
669 mode of packing VE I
306 air conditioner
252 Becker radio
If I Had A Million Dollars
By JAN P. NORBYE / PS Automotive Editor
I enjoy driving a super fast, exciting Ferrari. But given a free choice, I'd take the Mercedes 600. This car was designed to be the finest automobile ever built in regular production, regardless of cost. You can tell it's something special before you even get inside. An effortless touch of the handle opens the door. And the door helps shut itself - quietly, with hydraulic power.
Inside, it's the feel of the six-way power seat (even the rear seat is adjustable). It's the lavish use of real wood on the dash. It's the way nothing is loose. You don't even see mismatched joints in the rubber moldings. Nothing looks added on; all accessories are built in. The finish is superb.
A look at the drawing will tell you something about the level of engineering in this car. You may be surprised to see that it has air suspension and fuel injection -- items Detroit tried, and dropped. It seems that Mercedes-Benz delights in succeeding, at any cost, where Detroit fails to come up with something at one reliable, salable, and profitable. I put 2,500 miles on the 600. Throughout, everything worked to perfection.
One reason I prefer Mercedes-Benz over Rolls-Royce is the way Stuttgart factory designs everything for itself -- even power steering and automatic transmissions. Rolls-Royce buys its transmissions from General Motors, and its brake system is built under Citroën patents.
Steady is the word to describe its handling. The 600 doesn't wander in crosswinds, and steering feels the same at 115 M.P.H. as at 75. Despite its locomotive-like weight of 5,425 pounds, it would out drag the 230SL in a quarter-mile. Ride is firmer than on the U.S.-built luxury cars, noise levels about the same as Cadillac's. Loudest thing in the 600 is clicking of injection pump. Clock is absolutely noiseless.
More Than Just A Car
The 600 is more than just a car. It's an experience - for driver, passenger or just us lowly serfs who stand slack-jawed on the curb, watching the car pass and trying to peer inside to see what sort of privileged being is riding in this glorious and imposing extravagance. This is not your basic low-profile car, but it successfully manages to be impressive without violating the guidelines of good taste.
As quiet, dignified and understated as the 600 was, it could really fly when the chauffeur heard the command, "Home, James, and don't spare the horses!" A few years ago I had my first 600 ride, in Manfred Pfeiffer's dashing red short-wheelbase version. Manfred, never known for conservative driving, wanted to impress his carload of passengers with his favorite car, so on the way to dinner we did a few loops of a cloverleaf interchange. If a crystal chandelier had hung in the back compartment, it would have been nearly horizontal as the big 600 repeatedly hunkered down and whooshed around the curves. The huge tires moaned, we all grabbed for handholds, and I was only sorry that I couldn't witness what must have been an impressive spectacle from outside the car. But being inside was even better!
Payment is due in full within 7 business days of auction ending. Wire transfer or Cashiers check. Bidder Is Expected To Have Financing/Payment Ready At End Of Auction. Remember By Placing A Bid You Are Entering Into A Legal Contract, Should You Bid With Any Intentions Except To Purchase Or Leave Any False Information. Venue of sale is 3339 W. Kennedy Blvd
Tampa, FL 33609
AS IS - NO WARRANTY
This vehicle is being sold as is, where is with no warranty,
expressed written or implied. The seller shall not be responsible
for the correct description, authenticity, genuineness, or
defects herein, and makes no warranty in connection therewith.
No allowance or set aside will be made on account of any incorrectness,
imperfection, defect or damage. Any descriptions or representations
are for identification purposes only and are not to be construed
as a warranty of any type. It is the responsibility of the
buyer to have thoroughly inspected the vehicle, to have
satisfied himself or herself as to the condition and value
and to bid based upon that judgment solely. The seller shall
and will make every reasonable effort to disclose any known
defects associated with this vehicle at the buyer's request
prior to the close of sale. Seller assumes no responsibility
for any repairs regardless of any oral statements about the
vehicle.
Import Duties, Taxes, Shipping and Delivery:
Buyer pays all actual costs of import duties, taxes, shipping and delivery. This is an AS IS sale and winning bidder is encouraged to arrange your
own choice of delivery method especially if you are from out
of State. Seller is not responsible for damages to vehicle
while in transport, so please make sure that you purchase
all necessary insurance and check the reliability of transport.
Any questions
Please contact Uwe Lehmann at 941-429-4757
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