Lot details Registration No: T.B.A. Chassis No: 10001212002089 Mot Expiry: March 2012
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 chauffer-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 4,000 rpm - sufficient to power the leviathan to nearly 130mph flat out. The unit was mated to four-speed automatic transmission. The model's complex vacuum 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, Elvis Presley, Fidel Castro and Elvis Presley.
The SWB example being sold has been consigned from a deceased estate and is a left-hand drive Federal Specification model supplied new to America in 1972. It has been the subject of extensive restoration in the past - work that is rumoured but not proven to have been carried out by the factory. Since arriving in the UK it has been tended to by the renowned firm of John Haynes Auto Technics, and features their sticker in the engine compartment. Though currently wearing Italian registration plates, we understand that it is also UK registered. The rear windows are tinted, but in all other respects the car would appear to conform to standard specification. The indicated mileage of 42,600 is not warranted. The 600 epitomises a bygone era and drives like no other car. Automotive statements don't come much bigger and bolder than this!
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