The unveiling of the Mercedes-Benz Type 600, designated internally as the W100, at the Frankfurt International Motor Show (IAA) in September 1963, was nothing short of a landmark event. Conceived as an ultra-exclusive and prestigious vehicle, the Mercedes Benz W100 was engineered to meet the most discerning demands of heads of state, celebrities, and captains of industry. This new flagship model boasted an array of cutting-edge technical features that were unparalleled at the time, representing the pinnacle of automotive engineering.
A groundbreaking feature of the Mercedes Benz W100 was the introduction of Daimler-Benz’s first V8 fuel-injection engine. This formidable powerplant, with a displacement of 6.3 liters, generated a maximum output of 250 horsepower and a peak torque of 51 mkg. Paired with a standard automatic transmission, this engine propelled the nearly 2.5-ton Mercedes Benz W100 to sports car-like performance figures. It could exceed speeds of 205 km/h (approximately 127 mph) and accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in a mere 10 seconds.
Driving safety was paramount in the design of the Mercedes Benz W100. It featured shock absorbers adjustable from the steering column even while driving, and a dual-circuit braking system enhanced with air pressure support. Disc brakes were employed on all four wheels, with the front wheels further equipped with two brake calipers each, ensuring exceptional stopping power.
The Mercedes Benz W100 came with an extensive list of standard equipment designed to maximize operational and driving comfort. Beyond air suspension, power steering, and central locking, it included an electronically controlled heating and ventilation system. A truly unique comfort hydraulic system managed a suite of functions automatically: horizontal and vertical adjustments of the front seats, backrest angle adjustment, longitudinal adjustment of the rear bench seat, and the opening and closing mechanisms for the car doors, trunk lid, optional sunroof, and side windows.
Series production of this “Grand Mercedes,” the Mercedes Benz W100, commenced in September 1964. The model range extended beyond the five- to six-seater sedan with a 3200 mm wheelbase. Three seven- to eight-seater Pullman variants, built on a longer 3900 mm wheelbase, were also offered. These included a four-door Pullman sedan with rear-facing seats in a vis-à-vis configuration, a six-door Pullman limousine with a rear bench seat and additional forward-facing folding seats, and the prestigious Pullman Landaulet.
The Pullman Landaulet variant of the Mercedes Benz W100 was available in four distinct configurations. The standard version featured four doors, face-to-face rear seating, and a convertible top extending to the front edge of the rear doors. A special six-door version offered a rear bench seat and forward-facing folding seats. In both four-door and six-door Landaulets, as well as the six-door Pullman sedan, the middle doors could be specified without handles for an even cleaner aesthetic. Upon special order, both four-door and six-door Landaulet versions could be equipped with an elongated hood extending to the center wall, further enhancing their stately presence.
The vast array of body styles was just the beginning of the customization options for the Mercedes Benz W100. A virtually limitless spectrum of paint finishes, interior trims, and bespoke features could be accommodated to fulfill individual customer desires. This was particularly true for the Pullman limousines and Landaulets, making it exceedingly rare to find two examples with identical specifications, underscoring the exclusivity and bespoke nature of the Mercedes Benz W100.
Spotlight on a Unique Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Restoration
The specific Mercedes Benz W100 600 Pullman featured here is a testament to the model’s enduring appeal and the pinnacle of restoration artistry. Originally delivered to Lebanon in 1975, it was finished in Mercedes-Benz 172 anthracite gray metallic with equipment variant 205 blue leather interior. Mercedes-Benz Classic acquired this particular vehicle in Malaga, Spain, in February 2007, where it had resided since 1997.
Immediately following its acquisition in 2007, Mercedes-Benz Classic embarked on an unprecedented restoration project. At the behest of a discerning customer, the vehicle was completely disassembled and meticulously rebuilt. The objective was to create a unique synthesis, harmonizing the historical essence of the Mercedes Benz W100 Pullman with the contemporary comforts and luxuries reminiscent of the then-current Maybach series.
The body of this Mercedes Benz W100 underwent a complete reconstruction before being refinished in a stunning mother-of-pearl paint by Mercedes-Benz in Untertürkheim. The powertrain, encompassing the engine, gearbox, and axles, was thoroughly overhauled, and the chassis was renewed, ensuring the vehicle’s mechanical integrity for decades to come.
The interior of this restored Mercedes Benz W100 is truly bespoke, seamlessly blending classic elements with modern amenities. Various components were custom-fabricated or sourced from the Maybach series, most notably the Maybach glass roof. The external panorama roof was specially crafted to match the roofline and contours of the 600 Pullman, while the inner glass pane was adopted from the Maybach series. Like the partition separating the driver’s compartment from the rear passenger area, this glass roof can be switched to frosted glass at the touch of a button, offering privacy and ambiance control.
The flat-screen display, sourced from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Pullman, integrates Alpine technology, providing both analog and digital (DVBT) television reception. Furthermore, two independent navigation systems were installed, enabling precise location tracking even in the rear compartment. A laptop interface and a DVD player are also incorporated into the center console. All entertainment functions are managed through a dedicated data bus located in the vehicle’s trunk.
Rear passenger comfort in this Mercedes Benz W100 is elevated by two original, hydraulically adjustable seats, aesthetically styled to echo the Maybach series. A Maybach-sourced cool box, along with folding tables and champagne flute holders, are integrated between the seats, adding to the luxurious experience. For occasions requiring additional passenger capacity, two supplementary seats are available, accommodating up to six occupants. Illuminated vanity mirrors for the driver and front passenger have been incorporated into the front compartment. The air conditioning system has been optimized to ensure comfortable journeys even in hot climates. An intercom system, taken from the Mercedes-Benz S-Class W221 Pullman, facilitates communication between the driver and passengers. To ease maneuvering this grand vehicle, a reversing camera and a front camera system have been installed.
Exquisite details further distinguish this restored Mercedes Benz W100. Swarovski diamonds are subtly embedded in the piping on the door sills, both front and rear. The door entrances are adorned with illuminated Mercedes-Benz lettering crafted from stainless steel panels. The vehicle retains standard brackets on the front fenders for ceremonial flags or pennants.
This meticulously restored Mercedes Benz W100 Pullman stands as a singular creation, unparalleled in its comprehensive restoration by Mercedes-Benz Classic. It represents the ultimate fusion of classic automotive artistry and modern luxury. Our sales team is available to provide further details and answer any inquiries. Please note that vehicle viewings are typically arranged by appointment only.
