Illustrated
MERCEDES-BENZ
Buyer's Guide

Frank Barrett

Model 600 (1963 - 1981)

In 1963, Mercedes introduced the model 600, the world's most luxurious limousine, to replace the model 300. The 600 was a completely new design and incorporated the latest mechanical advances of the day with the grand luxury of a full-size limousine body. The car was beyond criticism and a total sensation. Even today, the model 600 is considered to be one of the finest luxury limousines. The 6.3 liter, 300 hp engine was DBAC's first production V-type eight-cylinder engine. The fuel-injected, overhead cam V-8 was powerful enough to propel the 5,000 pound, short-wheelbase model 600 to nearly 130 mph. Even the 6,200 pound long-wheelbase Pullman model could achieve 124 mph. This figure decreased in versions modified for chiefs of state, who required armor plating. The 600 was offered in three production styles: the 600 four-door limousine, the 600 Pullman six-door limousine and the 600 Pullman landaulette (a six-door with a convertible top over the passenger area). There were numerous special variations of these models, since bodywork and equipment could be tailored to the individual customer.

The short-wheelbase 600 limousine with its unmistakable presence. Its sophistication is much more than skin deep with 6.3 liter fuel-injected engine, air suspension, hydraulically operated doors and trunk, and almost any interior option imaginable.

Production began with just three cars produced late in 1963, the first year, but it rose to nearly 400 cars per year in the late sixties. By 1973, production had slowed to under 100 cars per year, making the latermodels more rare. When production ended in 1981, a total of 2,677 model 600s had been built. This broke down into 2,190 standard 600s, 423 600 Pullmans and fifty-nine landaulettes. The landaulette is the rarest and most desirable production version, but at least one of the two specially built two-door coupes is known to survive.

The six-passenger Pullman limousine came with four or six doors. Normally the rear seats faced each other

The 600 offered the ultimate in mechanical sophistication and luxury with such features as air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers, central locking system, hydraulic trunk operation, adjustable steering wheel, two separate heating and air conditioning systems, rear seat bar and refrigerator, flower vase and vanity-all for roughly $25,000. Suspension in the 600 was unique, with heavy rubber airbags added to the four-wheel independent system. These bags were used to raise and lower the car and gave the passenger a true feeling of riding on air. The suspension system was complicated, with multiple valves and controls, all run at the fingertips of the driver. With these dimensions, the car was offered only with an automatic transmission. The transmission and air suspension are the most common problems with the model 600. The complicated height-adjustment system also causes troubles. On the other hand, the engine, just as in the 6.3, is extremely durable. As with all mechanical systems, the greater the complexity, the greater the possibility for failure, which leads to the greater cost of maintenance. Parts are extremely expensive and often difficult to install. With this in mind, anyone interested in the model 600 should look long and hard for one in excellent mechanical condition.

The 600 landaulet is perfect for either sporty dignitary or Pope.

A total of 2,677 model 600s were produced, making the car quite rare and an excellent investment. Keep in mind that ultimate prestige and luxury have their price and, therefore, a model 600 will command top dollar. A clean, well-maintained original car can easily cost twice as much as one needing restoration.