Lot details
Registration No: HBY157J
Chassis No: 10001222001909

- 1 of 273 RHD examples

- Recent overhaul of suspension / hydraulics and just serviced

- Repainted last year and interior re-trimmed in Tan leather

The mighty Mercedes-Benz 600 had few peers, with only Rolls-Royce, Bentley and Cadillac really able to aspire to its blend of accommodation, luxury and quality of build. It came in short and long wheelbase configuration - the former was aimed at owner drivers and the latter at chauffeur-driven clientele. At a loaded weight of 6,700 lbs, even the SWB 600 was sufficiently heavy to require a new, specially designed engine. This came in the form of the 6.3-litre SOHC V8 M100 unit that, fed by a Bosch mechanical fuel injection system, delivered 250bhp at 4,000rpm - sufficient to power the leviathan to nearly 130mph flat out. The unit was mated to a four speed automatic transmission. The model's complex hydraulic system powered everything from the windows and seats to the automatically closing doors, sun-roof and boot lid. Quality ride and handling were assured by adjustable air suspension. Notable owners included Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro and Elvis Presley.

The amazing-looking Saloon now offered is reputedly one of just 273 right-hand drive examples of the 600 made. It was imported from Germany many years ago and has had a total of six keepers to date. Last year it was treated to a complete repaint in a subtle shade of Dark Green and a re-trim in Tan leather. Still more recently the big Benz has benefited from an overhaul of the suspension and related systems, attention to the power windows, and a major service courtesy of a 600 specialist in Stuttgart and is offered with a large collection of invoices for the aforementioned work. Fresh from taking part in a 1,000 mile historic rally, the Mercedes is now considered by the vendor to have `excellent' bodywork, paintwork, interior trim and V8 engine and `very good' automatic gearbox. The recorded mileage currently stands at an unwarranted 106,720. A seemingly stunning example of one of the great automotive icons.