German Car Zone

At the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1963, Mercedes-Benz launched an extraordinary limousine. A long-awaited successor of the legendary 540K Grosser Mercedes of the 1930's, the W100 "600" was immediately acclaimed as the "world's finest automobile".

The mission to create the ultimate statement of automotive style and engineering was started on June 4th 1955 ...and cost was not an issue. Paul Bracq and Bruno Sacco were responsible for the powerful and elegant design while Dr. Fritz Nallinger and his team, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Josef Müller, and Karl Wilfert were in charge of the engineering. Encouraged to use their imaginations, and with an unlimited budget, they were given free reign to create something astounding. Even today, 40 years later, the 600 has the kind of aura that it's successor, the Maybach 57/62 cannot match - but then, not many cars in history can.

Every single part of the W100, known simply as the "600", was new, including the 6.3 L V8 engine. The 600 was the most exclusive limousine in world. The list of standard equipment was vast, but demanding customers could request any desired extra, if they could possibly find some amenity unaccounted for.

Most amazing of all was the use of hydraulics throughout the vehicle. Everything, from the suspension, to the windows, adjustable seats, glass partition, door locks, trunk lid, sunroof, disc brakes and even the doors, were hydraulically operated, which unlike electric motors, is completely silent, very smooth and fast.

There were several variants available: the standard-wheelbase four-door 600 sedan, a longer-wheelbase four-door or six door "Pullman", and a Landaulet version which shared the Pullman's long wheelbase but with a convertible roof for the rear passengers.

The design of the 600 is a masterpiece, massive and stately it has a powerful and regal presence, the large chrome detailing and the upright stance contribute to an exceptionally refined and grand ambiance of outstanding quality and taste. The 600 is as close to "timeless" as an automobile could be - classical and dignified but also mysterious and sexy.

The Great 600 remained in production, virtually unchanged, for 18 years, finally ceasing production in 1981, and so ending one of the greatest chapters in automotive history.

Production: 1963 to 1981, 2677 units; 2190 SWB limousines, 428 Pullmans, 59 Landaulets.

Thanks rnds, this is one of my favourite Mercs, and perahps the last great classic Mercedes.

Very interesting. I thought it had a V12, but I was wrong. Do you know when Mercedes started building V12 engines? It might be the W140 S600 or 600SEL.

You were correct Yaz AMG, the first Mercedes-Benz to have a V12 was the 1992 (W140) S600. Maybach were the first cars to have a V12 engine in 1929

very elegant very NICE indeed, i always loved those older MBs.

btw what does Landaulets mean ?

A Landaulet (or Landaulette as Rolls-Royce prefers) is the variant with an open-top for the rear passenger compartment.

OMG that first pic is just lovely.

thanks I am rnds

Great pictures and info!

I think Jay Kay has one of these, on one of the 5th Gears, they went round his garage, he has some amazing cars!

Beautiful. One of my favorite older Mercedes'.

I'd take that over a Maybach any day.

Hey Roberto, I think there were just 7 made...For Tito, some Indonesian queen and for other emperrors...I can check if you want.