1965 Mercedes-Benz 600
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Year of manufacture1965
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Car typeOther
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Chassis number100012-22-000398
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Engine number10098022000225
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Lot number310
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DriveRHD
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ConditionUsed
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Exterior brand colourBlack
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Interior colourBlue
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Interior brand colourBlue
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Number of seats2
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Location
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Exterior colourOther
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GearboxAutomatic
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Drivetrain2wd
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Fuel typePetrol
Description
Guide price: ??75000 - ??85000.
- Built in 1965 and delivered new to Australia, naturally in right-hand drive
- Registered in the UK on 22/01/08 to the first of two UK registered keepers
- Meticulously maintained with over £30,000 worth of bills showing particular attention to the suspension
- Recent invoices from model specialist Wolfgang Will of Germany for parts for the hydraulic system
- Total mileage covered is some 120,000, largely immaterial in such a well-maintained car
- Less ostentatious than the equivalent Rolls-Royce, the 600 is an engineering masterpiece
At the commencement of the 1960s, there were very few options for a head of state, aristocrat, plutocrat, or film star when it came to an ultra-luxurious conveyance. Rolls-Royce dominated the market with the Silver Cloud and Mercedes-Benz, seeing the opportunity, launched the 600, commonly known as the 'Grosser', in 1963. No less imposing than the Cloud, but brimming with modern engineering and cutting edge technology, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-litre V8 engine, air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes and power-assisted steering. The occupants enjoyed separate air conditioning systems in both front and rear compartments and the adjustable seating arrangements were powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening and closing the doors and boot lid, in virtual silence, a marvel even by today’s standards.The Silver Shadow was to be launched two years later, with the long-wheelbase version designed specifically as a rival to the 600 SWB, but Mercedes pipped the Rolls by a foot with an overall length of a shade over eighteen feet. The 600 was also offered as a four and six-door Pullman Limousine and the Landaulet, with its rear convertible hood, became a favourite with the Vatican, royal households and numerous governments. Former Grosser owners include Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, Coco Chanel and Aristotle Onassis. Alongside the celebrated, there are of course the less salubrious and virtually every President, whether democratically elected or otherwise, was whisked around in a 600 or the longer-wheelbase Pullman. Very few Grossers were built in right-hand drive, as most of the countries that drove on the left tended to be a bit patriotic and favoured Rolls-Royce, and as such right-hand drive examples of this formidable car are incredibly rare. Built in 1965, and we believe destined for Australia (we have requested a copy data card), this right-hand drive car was registered in the UK on the 22/01/08 to the first of two owners. The car caught the attention of our vendor, actor Gary Mavers, whose passion for rare Mercedes-Benz has been life-long. Not only did the condition and rarity appeal to Mr Mavers but the maintenance records were impeccable and the car had already benefitted from the considerable sums spent by the previous owner, Mr Mander, after he imported the car from Australia.The history file has receipted invoices for some £30,000 worth of works, mainly on the underbody, with particular attention to the air suspension bags and the fitting of new air valves along with new wishbones. In 2018, during Mr Mavers’ custodianship, the services of celebrated 600 specialist Wolfgang Will of Germany were used to ensure the hydraulics were in order, in return for around £1,700. Four new Avon tyres and new rubber door seals were also recently fitted. The car and Mr Mavers were the subjects of a feature in Mercedes Driver magazine in April 2019, copies of which are included in the extensive history file. Believed to be one of only 273 right-hand drive 600 SWB produced, this exquisite looking car is likely to turn heads wherever it goes, and is fast becoming a collectable classic.
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