1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman 4-Door Limousine
1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman 4-Door Limousine
Chassis no. 100.014-12-001655
6,332cc SOHC V8
Bosch mechanically Controlled Fuel Injection
300bhp at 4,100rpm
4-Speed Automatic
Independent Front and Swing Rear Axle Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disco Brakes
*One of only 304 4-door limousines built in the 17-year production run
*Delivered new to the US
*Over $100,000 in receipts for mechanical work alone
*Popular with Popes, Rock Stars, Business Magnates, Dictators, and World Leaders
THE PULLMAN 600
"In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence." - Classic & Sportscar magazine.
By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-liter V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid. Natural successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 'Adenauer' limousine, its only credible rival was the Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
The most popular version was the 10.5 foot (3,200mm) wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20 feet in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 62mph (100km/h) in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 124mph (200km/h) flat out. Only 2,677 examples were made, of which 2,190 were four-door saloons, 428 were Pullman limousines and 59 were landaulettes.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
According the copy of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate on file, this Pullman Limousine was delivered new on May 29th, 1970 to Mercedes-Benz USA. Reported by the vendor to have been delivered new to Michael Pipella, Mr. Pipella was an executive at National Housewares, Inc—a company the distributed household products under brands like Emdeko that ranged from steak knives to smoke alarms. Clearly busy man, and one of tastes, he opted for the top-of-the-line four-door, long wheelbase Pullman limousine and ticked a number of additional option boxes including air conditioning, an intercom system, insulated glass, and a Becker Grand Prix radio.
The early history is not well known, but the Grosser Benz eventually made its way to Japan, where it was no doubt among the largest vehicles on the roads there. The current owner purchased the car from Japan and commenced an extensive refurbishment and restoration of the machine between 2004 and 2014. Work was completed by the experts at Star Motors in Endicott, New York and the pages of receipts on file detail extensive grill-to-trunk mechanical work that includes expansive work to the complicated air suspension and hydraulic systems, an engine rebuild, brake work, and so much more. Over $100,000 in mechanical work alone is evidenced.
Today the car shows beautifully in understated DB040 schwarz (black), its original color. Inside, brown leather graces the drivers compartment while rich, beige velour cloth ensconces the rear cabin. Rich wood trim abounds on the doors, dash, and between the two, rear facing seats where it frames a period-correct Sony television and covers a cooler from which one may pull a bottle of Bollinger or Dom Pérignon upon the consummation of that 'big deal'.
Unquestionably the only car to be loved by everyone from the Hugh Hefner to the Pope and John Lennon to Saddam Hussein, this is the perfect car from which to run an empire—be it business, political, religious, or "other"—from the grand comfort of one of the most legendary luxury cars ever made.
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1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman 4-Door Limousine
Chassis no. 100.014-12-001655
6,332cc SOHC V8
Bosch mechanically Controlled Fuel Injection
300bhp at 4,100rpm
4-Speed Automatic
Independent Front and Swing Rear Axle Rear Suspension
4-Wheel Disco Brakes
*One of only 304 4-door limousines built in the 17-year production run
*Delivered new to the US
*Over $100,000 in receipts for mechanical work alone
*Popular with Popes, Rock Stars, Business Magnates, Dictators, and World Leaders
THE PULLMAN 600
"In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence." - Classic & Sportscar magazine.
By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-liter V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid. Natural successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 'Adenauer' limousine, its only credible rival was the Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
The most popular version was the 10.5 foot (3,200mm) wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20 feet in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 62mph (100km/h) in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 124mph (200km/h) flat out. Only 2,677 examples were made, of which 2,190 were four-door saloons, 428 were Pullman limousines and 59 were landaulettes.
THE MOTORCAR OFFERED
According the copy of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Certificate on file, this Pullman Limousine was delivered new on May 29th, 1970 to Mercedes-Benz USA. Reported by the vendor to have been delivered new to Michael Pipella, Mr. Pipella was an executive at National Housewares, Inc—a company the distributed household products under brands like Emdeko that ranged from steak knives to smoke alarms. Clearly busy man, and one of tastes, he opted for the top-of-the-line four-door, long wheelbase Pullman limousine and ticked a number of additional option boxes including air conditioning, an intercom system, insulated glass, and a Becker Grand Prix radio.
The early history is not well known, but the Grosser Benz eventually made its way to Japan, where it was no doubt among the largest vehicles on the roads there. The current owner purchased the car from Japan and commenced an extensive refurbishment and restoration of the machine between 2004 and 2014. Work was completed by the experts at Star Motors in Endicott, New York and the pages of receipts on file detail extensive grill-to-trunk mechanical work that includes expansive work to the complicated air suspension and hydraulic systems, an engine rebuild, brake work, and so much more. Over $100,000 in mechanical work alone is evidenced.
Today the car shows beautifully in understated DB040 schwarz (black), its original color. Inside, brown leather graces the drivers compartment while rich, beige velour cloth ensconces the rear cabin. Rich wood trim abounds on the doors, dash, and between the two, rear facing seats where it frames a period-correct Sony television and covers a cooler from which one may pull a bottle of Bollinger or Dom Pérignon upon the consummation of that 'big deal'.
Unquestionably the only car to be loved by everyone from the Hugh Hefner to the Pope and John Lennon to Saddam Hussein, this is the perfect car from which to run an empire—be it business, political, religious, or "other"—from the grand comfort of one of the most legendary luxury cars ever made.
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