The Mercedes-Benz 600, internally known as the W100, emerged in 1963 as the zenith of post-war luxury from the prestigious German automaker. By 1968, this model had firmly established itself as not just a car, but a statement—a rolling testament to engineering prowess and opulent design, rivaling even the esteemed Rolls-Royce Phantom V. This grand vehicle, a successor to the W186/189 Adenauer series, was meticulously crafted for an elite clientele who demanded nothing less than the absolute best.
To propel the sheer scale of the 600 – measuring an impressive 146 inches and weighing in at 7,350 pounds when fully loaded – Mercedes-Benz developed a groundbreaking 6,332cc overhead-cam V8 engine. This formidable powerplant, featuring a dry-sump design and sophisticated Bosch mechanical fuel injection, unleashed 245 horsepower, ensuring effortless performance. Complementing this robust engine was an advanced air suspension system, delivering the signature “boulevard ride” synonymous with ultimate luxury. Furthermore, a high-pressure hydraulic system managed an array of power-assisted features, embodying peak automotive innovation of the era.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 was offered in two wheelbase lengths: 126 inches and an extended 153.5 inches. The shorter wheelbase variants included sedans with and without division windows, catering to different preferences for privacy. The longer wheelbase models, designated as “Pullman,” represented the pinnacle of luxury and spaciousness. These Pullman versions encompassed a four-door division limousine, a six-door variant equipped with additional jump seats, and the distinguished Landaulette. Interestingly, the majority of the 600s produced – 2,190 units – were built on the short wheelbase, while the long-wheelbase Pullman editions remained considerably rarer, totaling just 487 examples. Production of the 600 line continued until 1981, although output significantly decreased after 1972.
The four-door Pullman configuration, particularly those from the late 1960s like a hypothetical 1968 model, became an icon of automotive luxury. Imagine a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman, perhaps similar to one with a history in a city like Seattle. Picture it resplendent in its original black paint, maintaining a remarkable degree of originality. Inside, beige leather upholstery, while showing a gentle patina of age, speaks volumes of its enduring quality and careful preservation. The expansive long wheelbase generously accommodates four passengers in the rear compartment, offering limousine-like legroom. A meticulously crafted cherry wood console integrated into the division partition might house period-appropriate entertainment systems, such as a Sony television and Panasonic stereo, ensuring passenger comfort and enjoyment. Naturally, air conditioning would be a standard feature, essential for the discerning occupants. A low odometer reading, possibly around 71,000 miles, could indicate the vehicle’s originality and limited use, further enhancing its desirability. Even the engine compartment, displaying age consistent with the mileage, would contribute to the vehicle’s authentic character.
In an era increasingly dominated by mass-produced vehicles, a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman stands as a majestic throwback to a time when long-wheelbase limousines epitomized elegance and exclusivity. It represents a level of sophisticated grandeur rarely witnessed in contemporary executive transportation from brands like Cadillac or Lincoln. As one of a limited number of four-door Pullman limousines, owning a 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 places you in an exclusive echelon, where encountering another like it outside of prestigious events would be an exceptionally rare occasion. The 1968 Mercedes-Benz 600 remains a symbol of automotive excellence and timeless luxury, a true classic that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.
