Details:

Oldtimer Australia is delighted to offer for sale a 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser.

There is a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card on file which confirms this to be an Australian delivered, factory right hand drive example. It was originally finished in dunkerrot (dark red), colour code 542G with white grey upholstery and cream carpets (trim code 221). The car has a number of options, including air conditioning (option code 306).

Interestingly, the cars data plate notes option code 901, which is for a flagpole right, so perhaps this was either an embassy or government owned car.

The cars history file dates back to the early 1980s and at that time the car was owned by a Mr Ian Haggerty from Sydney, NSW. It is understood that Haggerty was a long term owner of this Mercedes-Benz 600 and the documentation on file suggests he sold the car in June 1990.

The car was acquired by a classic car enthusiast from Noosa on Queenslands Sunshine Coast, most likely in the late 1990s. He wanted to restore the car and in 2001 engaged the services of Sleeping Beauties in Brisbane, one of Australias leading high end restoration shops. Sleeping Beauties are classic Mercedes-Benz specialists and they have restored cars that have been exhibited at the Pebble Beach Concours dElegance.

The journey was a slow one and over the next five years the car was cosmetically restored and the interior was refreshed. In conjunction with Sleeping Beauties the owner chose to have car repainted in Mercedes-Benz light ivory (a very light yellow) and retrimmed in light olive green.

The major mechanical components were checked and deemed to be in very good order, hence, not rebuilt. Three Point Classic in Mount Gravatt were engaged to overhaul the air suspension, hydraulics and other mechanical ancillaries

The work was completed in 2015 and the end result was simply stunning. The colour combination is unique and a refreshing change from the more common palette of black, white and silver often seen on these Mercedes-Benz grand limousines! The car was shown at the Mercedes-Benz Club of Queenslands 2015 Concours dElegance where it was very well received, winning its class.

In 2016 the cars owner relocated overseas and made the difficult decision to sell his car collection, including this Mercedes-Benz. In August of that year it was sold to a prominent Brisbane based motor trade executive and classic car collector. At that time the odometer read 76,544 miles. He used the car sparingly but as with all his cars decided to go on a journey to take an exceptional motor car to the next level. Additional mechanical work was undertaken by Three Point Classic along with other adoc jobs by his own private mechanic/restoration specialist.

In August 2022 the car was sold to the current owner who lives in country Victoria and at that time the odometer read c77,000 miles. He is another classic car tragic who has a significant collection of cars. He is a fussy owner who regularly services his cars and if something needs to be done, he gets it done. Throughout his ownership the car has been maintained by the highly respected Auto Projects in Ballarat, Victoria. They recently completed a complete overhaul of the braking system.

The current owner has enjoyed his time with this Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser, travelling over 3,000 miles in his three years of ownership. He is taking his collection in a different direction and as a result this car is now offered for sale.

At the time of photographing the car the odometer read 80,286 miles.

Today this car presents essentially as it did back when the restoration was completed in 2015. The light ivory paintwork presents beautifully, complimented nicely by all the chrome trim which is in excellent condition. Defects are hard to find. The balance of the external trim, including the lights and lenses as well as the glass is all in equally as good condition. The panel gaps are excellent and the doors shut with that thud exactly as they would have back in 1966!

Inside the cabin it is all luxury. Whilst the exterior of this car is stunning, we think the interior is even better! Everything presents essentially like new. It is most likely that no one has even sat in the rear seats since the car was restored. The upholstery, the timber, the headlining and even the carpets are all beautifully presented. At the time of our test drive all of the instruments and controls looked to be in working order. The air conditioning has just been regassed and blows cold air. The cockpit is aeroplane like with all of its switches and buttons that operate the various accessories such as the windows, front and rear seats, the suspension and more. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today.

Under the massive bonnet the engine bay presents well and everything is neat, clean and tidy.

The boot is also clean and tidy. The hard plastic lining looks to be original and it is in good condition with no cracks evident. The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and the spare wheel lives in its own compartment.

Unfortunately, many of our test drives are over too quickly! However, on this occasion we had this car out and about for well over an hour and as a result were able to get a really good feel for how it performed.

The car was ready for us when we arrived so the engine was warm. At the turn of the key the stonking V8 cranks over and soon fires, catching on all cylinders. As you would expect, the engine is incredibly smooth. It is also incredibly quiet. With a wheel base of 3.2 metres and an overall length of 5.54 metres make no mistake this is a big car. Interestingly the length kind of disappears once you are behind the wheel but seated in the back its hard not to be somewhat overawed by the size of the car. This fabulous Mercedes-Benz just goes about its business in a very efficient and considered manner. The ride is quite unbelievable for a fifty year old car . . . it just glides along the road without any fuss. You push the accelerator and the car proceeds effortlessly, you turn the steering wheel and the car just follows in the direction you want it to go, you apply the brakes and the car slows or rather decelerates effortlessly again . . . the whole experience is just so incredibly refined. Even though it weighs in around two and half tonnes, the big Benz pulls hard when needed. Mercedes-Benz quoted a top speed of near 130 mph (210 km/hr) and a 0-60 mph (100 km/hr) sprint of under 10 seconds!

This Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser is truly outstanding and its presentation today is a testament to the build quality of the car as well as the quality of the restoration work completed.

Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess. Finding one in this condition is rare.

Accompanying the car is a thick history file with some pre restoration documentation, a wad of restoration receipts & photographs, two owners manuals (reproduction), a maintenance booklet (reproduction not used), hydraulic service kit and spare wheel.

Highlights:

- Factory RHD example.
- Restored by highly regarded Sleeping Beauties & Three Point Classic.
- Presented in a unique and STUNNING colour combination.
- Ready to show, use and enjoy.

Price $349,950


Background:

Following the outbreak of the First World War in 1914, Europes car industry was decimated. In Germany both Daimler and Benz went back to producing cars post-war, however, times were tough. A merger between Daimler and Benz would ensure that both companies survived and following a technical co-operation agreement in 1924, the companies formally merged on the 1st July 1926. Mercedes-Benz was born!

Subsequently, Mercedes-Benz went on to build some of the greatest cars of all time. The cars from Stuttgart bearing the three-pointed star all had one thing in common . . . they were renowned for their technical innovation, build quality, luxury and performance.

In 1951 Mercedes-Benz introduced the Type W187 220 series cars, which was the first model to be powered by a six cylinder engine post World War II. This model was a great success and built in relatively big numbers. It was succeeded by the Type W180 series cars in 1954, which like its predecessor was available as a sedan, coupe and convertible.

In the 1950s Mercedes-Benz produced one of the greatest cars of all time the iconic 300SL Gullwing and 300SL Roadster. Whilst fabulous sporting cars, they were very expensive and generally sold to the rich and famous. The Type W186 and Type W189 300 series four door luxury tourers were built alongside the Type W198 300SL Gullwing and Roadster and they were indeed fabulous cars in their own right, though still very expensive.

In the early 1960s Mercedes-Benz also wanted to go back to their roots of the 1930s and build the worlds best saloon car.

First introduced back in 1963 at the Frankfurt Auto Show, the Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser or Grand Mercedes was a luxury car with few peers at that time. The new Type W100 set about re-establishing Mercedes-Benz as the maker of the finest automobiles in the world. The car was powered by a thumping 6.3 litre V8 engine delivering 250bhp that was capable of taking a car that weighed in excess of 2.5 tonne to well over 200 km/hr.

The car was an engineering marvel and its air suspension gave the car a ride that was smooth on just about every surface. The car also featured a very complex hydraulic system that powered the windows, seats, the sun roof and even an automatic close on the boot lid.

The car was produced in two main models being the 600 Grosser (short wheel base) and 600 Pullman (long wheel base). Interestingly the short wheel base cars were intended to by driven by the owners whereas the long wheel base cars were intended to be driven by chauffers.

Incredibly the Mercedes-Benz 600 series was in production for almost twenty years from 1963 through until 1981 during which time 2,677 cars were built. The breakdown of cars is:

Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser 2,190 cars

Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (4 door) 304 cars

Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman (6 door) 124 cars

Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet 59 cars

These cars were very popular with royalty, world leaders, celebrities, movie stars, rock stars as well as the rich and famous. Today these cars, and particularly the Pullman, are highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors alike.

To quote Mercedes-Benz . . . in the illustrious history of automobiles, few vehicles have left their mark like the 1963 Mercedes-Benz 600. Designed by revolutionary French designer Paul Bracq and launched at the International Motor Show in Germany, the 600 transcended the boundaries of luxury.

Often referred to as the Grand Mercedes or the Grosser, which is German for the big one the 600 continues to set the benchmark for luxury vehicles to this day. From its powerful V8 engine to its groundbreaking hydraulic system and lavish interior, the 600 is a symbol of power, prestige, and technological prowess.

At the heart of the Mercedes-Benz 600 beats a powerhouse the formidable and iconic M 100 6.3-litre V8 engine (the first in a Mercedes-Benz passenger car) that set a new standard for performance in the luxury segment. The M 100 V8 became legendary, eventually forming the foundations of Mercedes-AMG but thats another story.

The true marvel of the 600 extended beyond its engine to an innovative hydraulic system that powered various aspects of the vehicle, redefining automotive engineering. From the adjustable air suspension that ensured a smooth ride, to the power-assisted brakes and the automatic door-closing system, the 600 was a technological marvel. It represented an ongoing commitment to pushing the boundaries of innovation from Mercedes-Benz.

The Mercedes-Benz 600 transcended mere transportation and became a cultural icon. The interior was a masterpiece, meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its owners. Personalisation options abounded, with a selection of wood trims, premium leather upholstery and a spectrum of interior colours. The rear compartment, a sanctuary for passengers, could also be equipped with a privacy divider an option that heightened the exclusive feel of this already prestigious vehicle.

Many were drawn to the unmatched luxury and performance of the 600 including iconic figures such as John Lennon and Elvis Presley making it not just a symbol of status, but a cultural icon.