1972 MERCEDES 600 SWB "CAR OF KINGS, 0VER $91,000 IN RESTORATION WORK, STUNNING"

1972 Mercedes-Benz 600-Series 600 SWB Description

BECAUSE LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DRIVE A BORING CAR!!!

THE CLASSIC CAR GALLERY

3266 POST RD

SOUTHPORT, CT 06890

203 256 9800

1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 “$91,000 Spent at Starr Motors, beautiful car from every angle”

VIN 100.012-12-002140

The Classic Car Gallery is proud to offer this stunning 1972 Mercedes 600 sedan. Beautifully engineered and constructed, the 600 was highly exclusive and astronomically expensive (At well over $32,000 when new in 1972 the 600 was the most expensive car in the world), and found a distinguished clientele that included diplomats, captains of industry, and stars. Many famous individuals have owned 600s including Coco Chanel, Elvis Presley, Elizabeth Taylor, John Lennon, Aristotle Onassis, Jack Nicholson, and Bob Jane. The cars’ diplomatic bent has also meant that many political figures, many of them communist ironically enough, have owned 600s over the years. Included among these are Emperor Hirohito, Idi Amin, Jomo Kenyatta, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Leonid Brezhnev, Enver Hoxha, Pol Pot, Fidel Castro, Josip Broz Tito, Saddam Hussein, and Kim Il Sung.

This particular example is truly outstanding, with a massive stack of records to indicate the attentive care and upgrades it received. A well optioned two-toned car with mostly original DB620 Grey Blue Metallic,the roof is called Blue Metallic. The interior is Roser Blue with French Walnut wood accents. The car has a black steering wheel, refrigerated center compartment with thermos and shot glasses, original American headlamps, and fog lamps. Originally sold in New Jersey to music mogul Creed Taylor. This car remained with its first owner until 1980, at which point, it was sold to a Mercedes collector in Connecticut and put into storage for 26 years until purchased by its current owner in 2005. All ownership history is known. The mileage is 50,000 from new and the car’s current owner is a rabid Mercedes enthusiast. The car underwent a comprehensive restoration, with an eye towards Cosmetic originality and full mechanical restoration. All equipment is currently working and the car comes with a variety of extras including original books set, original hydraulic system service kit, 600-specific tool set, suspension emergency block set, shot glasses and thermos. We have receipts totalling more than $91,000 from Star Motors in Endicott, New York. Star is universally accepted the United States experts on these special cars. The suspension and air conditioning systems are particularly mythical in this regard, and both were comprehensively rebuilt in this car. A considerable file of records is included showing the comprehensive no expense spared work this car received by Star Motors.

The work at Star Motors included complete brake system rebuild (including calipers), rebuilt transmission, comprehensive AC service and repair including rotary compressor, hoses, and receiver-dryer, new water pump, new alternator, new fluid coupler, and suspension components including wheel bearings, tie rods, control arm bushes, ball joints. The all important hydraulic system was also rebuilt, including, rebuilt hydraulic pump and accumulator, rebuilt trunk actuator, and switches in all four doors. The engine was also remove, the top end rebuilt and resealed as required including rear main seal and front and rear crank seals.

The owner has continued to maintain the car to the same high standard, with NEW CHROME, and new tires. Anything the car needs, the car gets. She is frequently shipped back to Star Motors for any and all routine maintenance.

The paint on this car is partially original, and indeed metering suggests that the trunk, roof, hood, and rear fenders still have their original paint. Overall, the impression is extremely strong, with a high level of gloss, excellent matching and great presentation overall. Close inspection reveals some crazing, and a few light scratches. The body is extremely straight and solid and the chrome is excellent. The glass and lights are excellent and the car has American headlamps.

The interior was left as original as as possible and remains in wonderful condition with a lovely Patina. The wood around the windows and parts of the dash was replaced and the car looks gorgeous. Cars are only original once, and great effort was put forth in keeping as much originality as possible. The carpets are also in very nice shape and look near new. The steering wheel is excellent overall, with light crazing. The headliner is excellent, as are the instruments and switches. There are a great many switches that operate the various accessories such as the power operated front and rear seats, windows, and suspension. All of these items are hydraulic and operate rapidly and silently in a way that is impressive even today; this must have been downright magical fifty years ago. Even the cowl vent is hydraulically operated by a switch on the dashboard. Her original stereo unit is in place both front and rear and works as it should.

The trunk is in very good condition. The hydraulic opening and closing systems work perfectly (think guillotine!!!) The hydraulic service kit is still present in its original case and spare lives in its own compartment. The spare tire is original and the general condition is excellent. The engine compartment is fully restored and looks new. Correct Mercedes hoses and OEM clamps and fixings were used throughout. Likewise, the underside of the car is in near new condition, with all suspension and exhaust hardware replaced or restore. Great attention to detail was lavished upon the car; even the wheel weights are the proper Mercedes factory items??!!

The car’s road performance also reflects the considerable expense lavished on its mechanical systems. It is extremely solid throughout. The major mechanical systems work as they should, from the brakes and suspension to the engine and gearbox. The quality of the ride is fantastic and the entire experience oozes of quality and luxury.

The 600’s reputation is well deserved, in its tim, the car was technically awe-inspiring, high-performing, and stately like very few other cars. Produced in limited numbers, even fewer examples survive as this one has, complete with original books, tools, and partially original paint. If you are looking for the finest 600, look no further. Please feel free to call 203 256 9800 or email Steven@classiccargallery.com if we can answer any of your questions.