600 (W100) The Grand Mercedes 600 (W100)

[450SEL6.9]

Great pictures, Rob.

I've seen an AMG modified 600 W100 with a V-12 engine, but practically all of the remaining 600s should be using the stock V-8.

 

[Imhotep Evil]

For cars, it was the W140 S-Class (600S).

But MB had built V12's long before: inverted V12's that is.

You might recognize these from the Messerschmidt BF-109 series fighter aircraft. They employed the DB601 engines early in the war and went through various engine changes throughout it.

Arr, that's unfair, BMW had build V12 even before Daimler-Benz existed.

OK, Roberto you should work on your BMW history and start such treads on the BMW section too.

OK, back on topic, MB used straight 8s and V8s until 1992 when they made their first V12.
Before that usually Ferrari, Lambo and Jaguar used V12s.

 

[Mr. M]

I saw a documentary on this Mercedes on Discover Real Time. They interviewed an owner who was immensely satisfied with his 600.. And I can see why. Even though the car is nearly 30 years old, it had climate control, a power boot and electric windows to boot! Something to marvel about...

 

[Yaz]

For cars, it was the W140 S-Class (600S).

But MB had built V12's long before: inverted V12's that is.

http://i68.photobucket.com/albums/i31/cawimmer430/SMALL_28.jpg

You might recognize these from the Messerschmidt BF-109 series fighter aircraft. They employed the DB601 engines early in the war and went through various engine changes throughout it.

Thanks Chris. I read somewhere that Mercedes has built more V12 engines than any other automaker in the world. Wonder if that's true....

Check this link out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V12_engine

 

[Merc1]

Thanks Chris. I read somewhere that Mercedes has built more V12 engines than any other automaker in the world. Wonder if that's true....

Check this link out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V12_engine

I would say that is likely true since they currently put a V12 in the S600, S65, SL600, SL65, CL600, CL65, Maybach 57, 57S, and 62. BMW and VW don't have as many 12-cylinder models in all of the brand either of them own and the MBs sell in pretty good volumes too. Ferrari, Aston-Martin and Lamborghini makes V12s too, but they're in such small volumes.

M

 

[SDNR]

OK, Roberto you should work on your BMW history and start such treads on the BMW section too.

Huh ....well I might do that sometime ...but there are plenty of BMW fans around here who could do that.

The 600 is one of my favourite cars of all, not because it's a Mercedes-Benz, but because it is one of those rare examples where ideals and pure inspiration took precedent over economics -- the Bugatti Veyron also falls into that category.

 

[SDNR]

No words are necessary ..the pictures say it all

 

[cawimmer430]

Thanks Chris. I read somewhere that Mercedes has built more V12 engines than any other automaker in the world. Wonder if that's true....

Check this link out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/V12_engine

Well, considering that all Messerschmidt BF-109 fighter aircraft, from the BF-109C (not the D), BF-109E up to the K4 versions of late 1944 all were powered by an inverted Daimler-Benz V12 engine. Over 31,000 of these aircraft were built, so yes, Mercedes has built more V12's than any other manufacturer in the world if we're going to consider these.

 

[modena_360stradale]

No words are necessary ..the pictures say it all

Look at the Maybach versus the 600 in the second and third pictures here, see how perfect the 600 was?

 

[SDNR]

I know exactly what you mean modena_360stradale.

Although there is no argument that the Maybach is technically superior to the 600, the 600 just has so much style and pedigree.

I still strongly believe there is no car being built today that can match the 600's formal sophistication and majestic presence.



BTW, Kim Jung Il owns two Pullman Landaulets.

 

[modena_360stradale]

I know exactly what you mean modena_360stradale.

Although there is no argument that the Maybach is technically superior to the 600, the 600 just has so much style and pedigree.

I still strongly believe there is no car being built today that can match the 600's formal sophistication and majestic presence.

BTW, Kim Jung Il owns two Pullman Landaulets.

It's absolutely true. Mercedes didn't seem to have to try to make sophisticated and beautiful cars back then. It's a shame they struggle so much now.

I hope Zetsche is true to his word about making cars that aren't "hip and cool" but just the best in the world again.

 

[espejor]

I love the mercedes 600 Do you have photos of more Landaulet?
Regards!

 

[SDNR]

 

[SDNR]

I love the mercedes 600 Do you have photos of more Landaulet?
Regards!

I love it too espejor ...here are some very nice photos.

 

[Merc1]

That is one ridiculous car. I can't imagine what it must have been like to buy one of those brand new and ride in it on a regular basis. I'm absolutely stunned with some of the details, like the wooden window surrounds and gauge cluster cover.

If the Ocean Drive Concept is to duplicate or bring this type of car into the modern era Mercedes still has a lot of work to do. A true successor to this car would likely be a Maybach by today's standards. Mirbach?

M

 

[SDNR]

Mirbach is the dealer's name Marcus.

The 600 was unquestionably the finest limousine in the world in the 1960s and 70s.

The Maybach 62 is very much the successor to this model.

 

[rev]

I didn't even know that a convertible version of the Grand 600 did exist
It looks really great!

 

[mc_blue]

Fantastic thread - thanks for all your contributions.

 

[dbtk]

Here are some recent photos of my W100 with my W221. As well as interior shots.

600 and S550 Feb 2008 III on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Mercedes 1972 600 and 2007 S550 on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
600 rear seat IV on Flickr - Photo Sharing!
600 rear seat on Flickr - Photo Sharing!

 

[Yaz]

WOW!! Drop dead gorgeous! I'm speechless right now.

Did you have the 600 restored or was kept in this condition all these years? Could we PLEASE have high resolution pictures?


So, which is better?