Beschreibung:

FORMERLY THE PROPERTY OF MR. ACHILLE LAURO 1967 MERCEDES-BENZ 600 PULLMAN LIMOUSINE Chassis No. 100012-12-000-906 Engine No. 180 980 12-000-942 Black with grey leather upholstery and taupe cloth rear Engine: V-8, single overhead camshaft, 6,329cc giving 300bhp at 4,000rpm; Gearbox: four-speed automatic; Suspension: self-levelling independent and anti-roll bars; Brakes: four wheel disc. Left hand drive. In 1963, Mercedes-Benz introduced their 600 Series, a car that instantly became the world's most luxurious limousine, and retains the same reputation today. The 6.3 liter engine was the first production V-type eight cylinder with fuel injection and overhead camshafts - enough to propel the big car to almost 130mph. Three production styles were available: the four-door limousine, the Pullman six-door limousine and the Pullman landaulette. 2,600 model 600's were built between 1963 and 1981. The cars offered the ultimate in mechanical sophistication and luxury with such features as air suspension, adjustable shock absorbers, central locking, hydraulic trunk opening operation, adjustable steering wheel, twin heating systems, air conditioning, rear seat bar and refrigerators. Suspension was unique with heavy rubber airbags added to the four wheel independent system used to raise and lower the car. Automatic transmission was standard, with fuel consumption at a remarkable 15.2mpg. Testing the 600 in 1963, The Autocar commented that every item had been "...designed from scratch with cost seemingly of secondary interest." Having eulogised every feature, they then commented on the superb air assisted brakes that could stop even a laden Pullman from 100mph in six seconds. This highly original 600 limousine was originally commissioned for the Greek shipping tycoon, Achille Lauro, and delivered to Rome for his exclusive use. Features included on this example are an electric division, power seats in the front and rear, power steering, cocktail cabinet in the rear with thermos flask and shot glasses, vanity tables in the rear and power windows throughout. Unusually, this example does not have air conditioning. It does however carry Mercedes-Benz emblemed flag staffs. There is a comprehensive service history recorded in the maintenance book which is complete up until 1983, at which time the recorded mileage was 115,000 km. The second owner of the vehicle was Mr. Larry Ledbetter who acquired the car in 1982 and brought it to the United States. At 120,000 km the car was returned to the factory for a major mechanical overhaul which cost in the region of $20,000. Mr. Gary Gallup purchased the vehicle in February 1988 and the recorded mileage is now some 131,000 km (around 81,000 miles). While this 600 has never been fully cosmetically restored, it has a wonderful patina of age. It is a very honest and straight vehicle that clearly has been very well cared for throughout its life. The interior leather and wool cloth shows beautiful care, and the woodwork is very presentable with just a few minor heat cracks to the veneer. A couple of years ago, Mr. Gallup replaced the two rear air bags. The paintwork is largely original and consequently has a few minor blemishes and marks. The car ran very well on a recent inspection and all the mechanical systems including the hydraulic system were operative. This is one of the most original examples we have ever had the pleasure of offering.