1964 MERCEDES BENZ 600 Pullman (W100) 6.3 V8 4AT (250 HP)

Vehicle Overview

The presentation of the Mercedes-Benz 600 in 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show created a real sensation. But it wasn’t all that the German car-maker could do.

In September 1964, the production of the 3.9 m (153.5”) wheelbase of the Pullman version started. It featured six doors and up to eight seats. The Pullman was the most luxurious vehicle on the market. It also was the most expensive car in the world. The big car was manufactured on special order only. It could have been fitted with everything its customers wished for. It was also available as a landaulet, where the rear part of the vehicle was convertible while the rest of the roof remained in place. The car was designed by the most prestigious Mercedes-Benz designers: Friedrich Geiger (the man who designed the 500K), Paul Bracq (who designed the SL), and Bruno Sacco.

The car featured hydraulically adjustable dampers. The pneumatic system controlled the door locks, windows, and even seat adjustments. The trunk lid was closed by the pneumatic system too. The brakes were not on hydraulic fluid, but with air, like on a big truck. But all that system came with a cost of a 3 ton (6590 lbs) vehicle. And, in the armored version, it was even heavier.

Under the hood, there was a 6.3-liter V8 engine with a fuel injection system. It offered a huge amount of torque but, unfortunately, a big part of it was used for the hydraulic system. The automatic transmission was designed to offer the best comfort when changing gears. But still, the car could go over 200 kph (120 mph). The success of the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman was recognized by a long time in production. It was built until 1981 in 304 Pullmans, 124 with 6-door Pullmans and 59 Landaulets.