Sighted: Mercedes-Benz 600

Every once in a while, car manufacturers will release what amounts to a technological tour-de-force on the road just to remind us what they are capable of. Nissan has the impossibly capable GT-R that tears the Nurburgring at speeds overshadowing cars twice its price. The VW Group has the almighty Bugatti Veyron, which despite its jaw-dropping price tag, is sold at a loss each unit.

Back in the 1960s, Mercedes had the 600, which was built to be not only the best Mercedes, but simply to be the best, full stop. It was aimed to compete not with any BMW, but rather with Rolls-Royce – which illustrates how big a brief this massive Benz fills. Launched in Sept 1963, the 600, remained in production in 1981. There was no successor to model in the Mercedes line-up, though its place is now occupied by the Maybach 57 and 62.

The 600 came with short and long wheelbase variants, called the 600 and 600 Pullman respectively.  There were also the Landaulet versions that came with a convertible open top for the rear passengers. The various versions of this car have found ways into the car porches of Jeremy Clarkson, QE II, Hugh Hefner, and an array of despotic leaders. Whether they appreciated it or not, they were possessing what amounted to a very finely crafted automobile that excels even in today’s standards.

The many motorized equipment on-board were all powered by a sophisticated 150 bar hydraulic system, and the car had self-levelling air suspension and disc brakes on all four corners. All the various niceties put into the car resulted in a three-tonne loaded weight (short wheelbase), in a car that stretches 5,450mm front to back and 1,950mm across. This needed some serious muscle to propel.

That task was handed to the then new M100 powerplant that displaced 6,330cc and produced 247hp @ 6,000rpm with a 530d-equalling torque of 500Nm @ 2,800rpm. The SOHC V8 powerplant, which featured fuel-injection and dry sump lubrication, sent all its output to the rear wheels via a 4-speed automatic transmission. This powertrain setup was good enough to give the 600 straightline performance that equalled the Porsche 911 of the day.

Recently, I saw a short wheelbase unit of the 600 in the parking lot of an office block in downtown KL. What can I say, that car was huge! Before I leave you with the pictures, allow me to wish all readers a Happy and Prosperous year for 2009. It’s going to be a tough year ahead for us all, let’s brace for it. Welcome 2009!

The Mercedes-Benz 600

This badge signals serious pedigree.

Front view.

Massive presence.

Size comparison: The Waja is parked nose-to-nose with the 600. Look at how much excess length behind.

Simple and elegant rear end.