A few things in the car world have been constants since pretty much the dawn of the industry. Sports cars are fun, convertibles will always be cool, and big Mercedes-Benz sedans are often seen as the pinnacle of luxury. Few brands have so consistently been ranked as the marque of choice for royalty and one-percenters like Mercedes’ flag-ship models have, and the 600-series sedan is one of the foremost examples of this sentiment. Known for being tremendously expensive to restore and maintain, this 1965 600 sedan listed here on Facebook Marketplace has some needs but appears to be in sound condition overall.
The W100 was a milestone moment for Mercedes, as it represented a shot across the bow at the likes of Rolls-Royce while also introducing the company’s first V8-powered model. It was loaded with notoriously complex systems along with ample amounts of leather and wood trim, all of which typically perish in forgotten cars. The model was also available in long wheelbase form, and that is considered the most desirable model of all – unless, of course, you find one in completely forlorn condition, in which case, I hope you acquire the car for free. Ironically, a few 600s were found in the recent “Junkyard” auction, and one carcass went for a mere $90!
Of course, the models found in Rudi Klein’s collection were all trainwrecks, literal heaps he bought from an insurance auction and sat on for years. Some of the more complete cars still brought real money, with a very needy 600 sedan like this one collecting nearly $20,000, and a Pullman limousine going for a very frothy $67,200. The seller’s car seems like a relative bargain at $89K, with its gorgeous wood dash inlays, seemingly rust-free bodywork, clean carpets, and crack-free dashboard. The price has dropped a bit in recent weeks, as it was originally listed at $97,000.
While I do believe the cosmetic condition is as nice as he promises, the suspension is sitting quite low – and given this car has an air suspension system that is notorious for failing, I can’t help but wonder about the deflated state. Regardless, it may not bother you as you float along with that meaty 6.3L V8 thrumming under-hood, kicking out a very respectable 300 horsepower and cruising on to a top speed of 135 miles per hour. This 600 looks like a solid buy at the current price, but it’s still a buyer’s market at the moment for cars like these so I suspect some further discounting may be possible.
This car tastefully oozes class, built by Mercedes when the name meant class.
It oozes class, but hemorrhages money…
And hydraulic fluid!
But when correct, it’s a dream.
I really think that you need to be at the point in your life where you have your own private army to qualify to cruise around in this ride (note: fender flags not included).
Sharp, understated elegance for the up-and-coming dictator or “C list” celebrity who can’t afford a Pullman.
These were designed to be as silent as possible inside. They have hydraulically operated windows, trunk lid, and door latching, all in the name of silence. How expensive are these to restore and maintain? There is currently a seller on eBay who has a variety of W100 parts. Among them is a scruffy driver’s side master window switch for $2500.
Hydraulic or pneumatic?
Suspension pneumatic, everything else hydraulic. When it needs hoses and seals, it seeps fluid from everywhere.
The door striker plate for that car only costs $92. You could actually make one for next to nothing!
I believe it is M100 engine wise, not W100. I had a 1969 300 SEL 6.3 about 20 years ago and belonged to the M100 club. It had the same engine as the much more exclusive and expensive 600. It is a monster as money pit, which is okay if you can afford it. I couldn’t. I did the labor of replacing the air suspension, just $1000 in parts back then, but the big MECHANICAL fuel injection pump leaked. That was it for me.
Hmmm. strong statement that these were first choice for royalty and the one-percenters… I think Rolls-Royce, Bentley have had more fans with the elites over the years… you have to remember that half the world would not buy anything German for many years after WW2.
These are still cool cars though…even if they were more popular with the real bad guys and banana republics?
I was perplexed as to what makes these cars so expensive to restore besides the obvious high end finishes and then I saw one disassembled so the restorer could work on the hydraulic leveling system – what a night mare of switches, piping and actuators! Now I get it….
I think its exposure in the movie Trading Places helped its recognition. I can’t think of another media time. Anyone, anyone?
The original Mission Impossible series in the 60’s.
When you show up in this, the Red Sea parts!
Too bad the hydraulic parking brake doesn’t work, or are those hydraulic wood blocks under the wheels? This is not the first 600 ad I have seen with blocks under the wheels, and yet none of the ads ever mention them. Curious!
It looks like a towing strap under the car in a photo on Facebook Market place.
What a beautiful automobile had one not that hard to bring back to driving condition a little patience and mechanical ability and the next new owner I have new door seals and trunk seal and other small parts sold my car before these parts came in
Old mate , Ed Kozyrski’s dad had 2 of these , Ed (R.I.P.) actually chauffeured Sammy Davis Jnr in the dark blue one when he visited Perth , Western Australia , pretty cool
I was buddies with a vintage Benz mechanic back in the 1990s, and he regularly worked on a late 60s 600 Benz like this. Two separate AC compressors and all the hydraulics on everything else was mind boggling. These Benz 600s were beautiful. And you better have a climate controlled shop to house this baby. I think $89k is a bit rich, but to the right buyer, who knows? OMG!
Oh yeah, short! For sure. Hahaha.
$89K? Har de har har!
If you want to see a fun vid(s) highlighting the long wb version of this, check out the Top Gear Green Grosser challenge. And hold your breath when they discuss the maintenance/repair bills! But an engineering masterpiece!
Parts one and two:
https://youtu.be/aVDKztQ-n1U?si=1H93s_C9A_WTeXuk
https://youtu.be/5GFNxvauy28?si=naOfHyzsfP3zOmE6
This 65 Benz 600 beast had most everything run by hydraulics, brakes, power windows, door locks and yes, especially it’s suspension system. Tons of specialized lines, pumps, servos and fittings. Jay Leno had specialty hydraulic guys to work on his 600. Definitely out of my league. And shortwheel base is a relative term.
Air bag suspension in rear.
MKG, correct these 600s had air suspension systems, and other miles of hydraulic lines for most everything else. Air suspension. Systems are very expensive and hard to replace once they’ve failed.
“Witches of Eastwick” of course. Jack Nickolson had a 7-foot chauffer who drove the Mercedes 600 with his head sticking thru the open sunroof. Good movie.
“German Engineering”. Yikes.
I know. My 1983 300TDT has almost 500,000 miles on it and still running strong. Least expensive car I’ve ever owned.
Yes, but they are a totally different animal with the excellent 5-cylinder turbo diesel engine, so much less to go wrong, and still the great engineering. I had a 1984 300 SD sedan. It ran better when I sold it after my tuning with only about 130,000 miles.
The closest I ever came to one of these 600s, was a 1971 280SE 4.5. It’s engine had been rebuilt by Star Benz in Tulsa OK before I purchased it. Great road car. Mine looked a little like an embassy car, but this 600 looks more like a dictator’s.
Bob Newhart could have used one of these in the movie “First Family”
Having restored a number of equally exotic German table radios of that vintage, I can testify to the abundance of complicated, and seemingly impossible to get to, components that kept them going well. I still have several, and IMOP nothing, absolutely nothing, made elsewhere compares to the sound quality these radios produce. As to the 600, I’ll enjoy my memories of owning two much more basic MBs from that period. Sadly long gone – they both were dreams to drive.