1971 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine

• 1 of only 2,190
• North American model imported to Japan in 1987
• One owner for 32 years after being imported to Japan
• Maintenance records at Mercedes official dealer “Yanase”
• Innovative hydraulic system works perfectly

The Mercedes 600 (W100) is a luxury limousine series developed under the Mercedes-Benz brand by Daimler Benz (the current “Daimler AG”) in West Germany prior to the nation’s reunification. The model made its debut at the 1963 Frankfurt Auto Show.

The series included a short wheel-base Limousine (3,200mm), long wheel-base Pullman (3,900mm), and Landaulet which features a convertible roof in the rear passenger area and was often used in parades for heads of state. The production totaled 2,677, comprising of 2,190 Limousines, 428 Pullmans, 59 Landaulets.

The Landaulet with its large roof opening as well as the 6-door versions, show the strength of the body construction, especially the floor.

The Limousine was only available as a 4-door with 5 or 6 seats, while both the Pullman and Landualet were made available with 4 or 6 doors (3 rows with 7 or 8 seats).

Its 6.3-litre M100, a 90° V8 engine was newly developed to power this grand model, featuring single overhead camshafts (SOHC) and Bosch mechanical fuel injection. It produced 250hp at 4,000　rpm and 51 kgm of torque at 2,800 rpm.

The 600 was based on the 300SEL 6.3, the flagship S-Class. It uses double wishbone suspension at the front and swing axle in the rear. Moreover, the air suspension provides a smooth and comfortable ride while being stable with reduced load movement despite weighing 2,470 kg (600 Limousine).

This luxurious limousine, has some unique features such as a hydraulic system instead of electric motors for automatic operations of the power windows, the door lock, and the automatic boot lid. The hydraulic motor generates no sounds and which means .

This example is finished in Maroon with black leather seats. It was first delivered to California and was then imported to Japan in 1987.

After arriving in Japan, the headlights were altered to European single-coated glass and the speedometer that displayed miles was changed to kilometers. At the time of these changes, the mileage was recorded at 27,922 miles (44,675 km), since then it has covered slightly over 11,000 km making a total of about 55,850 km. Many records and documents on these alternations and general maintenance have been kept by the owner.

The 600 Limousine was not designed just for chauffeuring quietly through the city, but for speeding through the autobahn from city to city, making it a true “business limousine”. After its arrival in Japan, this example has been under the care of a passionate car enthusiast for 32 years. Another factor that contributes to its perfect condition is the frequent care and maintenance inspections conducted by Yanase Co., Ltd., a long-time certified Mercedes-Benz dealer. These traits make this 600 Limousine a true rarity.