1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB
As the 1960s dawned, Mercedes-Benz’s burgeoning model lineup lacked only one essential component: a super prestige saloon to stand alongside the Grosser Mercedes of yesteryear. This void was triumphantly filled in September 1963 when the all-new Mercedes-Benz 600 made its grand debut at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.
The 600 represented the height of automotive engineering, boasting an array of cutting-edge features that set it apart from its contemporaries.
Classic & Sportscar magazine proclaimed the 600: “In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn’t a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It’s a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence.“
At the heart of the 600 lies a formidable 6.3-liter V8 engine, Mercedes’ inaugural foray into overhead-camshaft design, bolstered by fuel injection technology.
This powerplant, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, propels the 600 to 60mph in just under 10 seconds, with a top speed surpassing 125mph—a remarkable feat considering the vehicle’s substantial heft at about 5,400 pounds.
The 600’s occupants are pampered in unparalleled luxury, thanks to an array of amenities that include multi-way adjustable seating, powered by an intricate hydraulic system that also governs the windows and assists in the opening and closing of doors and the trunk lid.
Separate air conditioning systems for the front and rear compartments further enhance passenger comfort, while air suspension with variable ride control, all-round disc brakes, and power-assisted steering contribute to the 600’s exceptional driving dynamics.
The 600 was offered in two primary configurations: a 10′ 6″ short-wheelbase (SWB) saloon accommodating up to six passengers and a long-wheelbase (LWB) Pullman limousine stretching over 20 feet in length, favored by heads of state and a succession of Popes, with seating for up to eight.
The 600’s production run spanned from 1963 to 1981, during which a total of 2,677 examples were crafted, comprising 2,190 four-door saloons, 428 Pullman limousines, and 59 landaulettes.
This particular 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB, one of 323 examples produced in that model year, was initially delivered to the United States.
Its exterior exudes an air of understated elegance, with graceful lines and impeccable craftsmanship evident in every detail. The interior is a sanctuary of luxury, replete with sumptuous leather upholstery, rich wood accents, and an array of amenities designed to pamper its occupants.
In its heyday, the 600 found itself in rarefied company, competing with the likes of the Rolls-Royce Phantom V and the Bentley S3. However, the 600’s unrivaled blend of engineering prowess, luxury, and performance set it apart from its rivals, cementing its status as the ultimate expression of automotive refinement.
Credit: Bonhams|Cars
