Slipping behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz W100 600 Pullman is a moment tinged with both excitement and a touch of apprehension. My initial task? Navigating a tight three-point turn amidst a collection of high-value exotic cars and some awkwardly placed planters. The pressure is on.
With a turn of the key, the M100 6.3-liter V8 engine awakens, settling into a resonant idle. Using the column-mounted gear selector, I attempt to engage drive, but a gentle backward roll reveals the dashboard gear indicator’s optimistic nature.
Correcting the gear selection, the grand car shudders slightly as the four-speed automatic transmission engages. The slow, deliberate process of extracting this ‘Großer Mercedes’ (Grand Mercedes) from its parking spot begins. At a staggering 6.25 meters (over 20 feet), the W100 600 Pullman rivals the length of a modern S-Class Pullman and approaches it in width. However, in this vintage masterpiece, the robust crash structures of today are notably absent. The sheer size from the driver’s seat is imposing. Pre-dating inertia reel seatbelts, the manually adjustable belt feels more symbolic than reassuring in terms of safety.
Our initial drive is planned to be brief, culminating at Ascot Racecourse for a photoshoot. En route, the allure of the power-assisted features proves irresistible. Operating in near silence, the hydraulic system for the windows, sunroof, and glass partition is a marvel of engineering. This high-pressure hydraulic setup, far more refined than electric motors, embodies the 600’s commitment to luxury, though its potential repair costs are best left unconsidered. The contrast with the remarkably loud horn is quite amusing.
With photos captured, it’s time to hit the road proper, but an unexpected hiccup arises – the engine refuses to restart. Silence from the starter motor necessitates a wait for assistance, offering ample time to contemplate the distinguished clientele who originally commissioned these vehicles.
The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman was an automobile for an exclusive echelon. Only 304 Pullman models were crafted between 1963 and 1972, making ownership a statement in itself. The roll call of past and present owners reads like a who’s who of rock royalty, political leaders, actual royalty, and, indeed, despots. Pete Townshend, King Hassan II of Morocco, and Idi Amin are among the notable names. Even fictional villains like James Bond’s nemesis, Blofeld, were depicted in a 600 Pullman. There’s an undeniable air of authority and even menace about these cars, projecting the importance of their occupants.
Fortunately, the issue isn’t a catastrophic failure of this rare Mercedes-Benz gem. An inhibitor switch malfunction, triggered by inadvertently turning off the engine in drive (blame the imprecise gear indicator), is the culprit. With the V8 burbling back to life, the driving experience can finally commence.
The gearbox is unconventional, lacking a typical ‘drive’ mode. Instead, gears ‘2’, ‘3’, and ‘4’ act as hold modes, engaging the four-speed transmission once sufficient speed is reached. The engine powering this gearbox is a landmark in Mercedes-Benz history. The M100 engine is the ancestor of today’s AMG V8s, explaining why modern AMG V8 models are often designated as “63” models, despite lacking a 6.3-liter displacement.
Mercedes-Benz later incorporated the M100 engine into the lighter W109 chassis, creating the 300SEL 6.3, their pioneering super sedan. This engine was further enlarged to 6.9 liters for the 450SEL 6.9. In the heavier W100 600 Pullman, the 245bhp output results in a more relaxed pace.
Pressing the accelerator yields a noticeable increase in engine noise, but acceleration is stately rather than urgent. Eventually, the speedometer needle reaches 60 mph, accompanied by a considerable level of wind noise. While undoubtedly considered whisper-quiet in the 1970s, sound insulation technology has advanced significantly since the Mercedes W100 600 Pullman’s era. However, the ride itself is remarkably serene, with the air suspension effectively neutralizing road imperfections.
The brakes exceed expectations. Equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels and vacuum servo assistance at both axles, the Pullman offers commendable stopping power and a well-modulated brake pedal. This is reassuring when piloting a 2.8-ton stretched limousine towards a roundabout.
The air suspension also contributes to surprisingly controlled cornering, minimizing body roll. Despite its dimensions, one quickly adapts to the sheer scale of the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman.
For the final leg of the journey, I transition to the rear passenger compartment, entrusting driving duties to another. The opulence of the rear cabin is immediately apparent. Restored in 2016, the extensive leather and woodwork present a near-factory fresh appearance. The plush bench seating envelops you like a favorite armchair, with a view of equally inviting, rear-facing seats.
This particular Mercedes 600 Pullman is reportedly unique in its ‘conference’ seating arrangement, featuring rear-facing seats separated by a beautifully crafted wood-paneled cocktail cabinet – a quintessential touch of luxury. Additional rear amenities include a separate eight-track cartridge player (complementing the front unit) and blackout curtains for discreet travel.
Relinquishing the keys is a relief. Beyond their rarity and prestige, surviving Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullmans command substantial prices. This example is estimated to fetch between £280,000 and £330,000 at auction on May 15th via Historics at Ascot Racecourse.
While roughly double its original inflation-adjusted price, this appreciation likely pales in comparison to the ongoing maintenance costs. If possessing £300,000 for a classic car, the Mercedes W100 600 Pullman might not top my list. However, for unparalleled class and sheer intrigue, it’s hard to imagine a more compelling way to spend such a sum.
