The Mercedes-Benz 600, a vehicle synonymous with power and prestige, was the chariot of choice for global leaders and dignitaries. Among this elite lineage, the Pullman Landaulet stood as the zenith of exclusivity. These bespoke automobiles, built upon an extended 3,900-millimetre chassis, were so unique they bypassed the standard Mercedes-Benz catalog, each one a handcrafted masterpiece by the company’s most skilled artisans. The customization options available for the mere 26 long-wheelbase ‘Six-Door’ Landaulets were as individual as their illustrious owners, boasting a level of craftsmanship and cost more akin to private jet commissions.
This particular “six-door, short roof” Pullman Landaulet, a rare configuration in itself, was originally delivered in early 1974 as the official state limousine for the government of Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau) during a pivotal period of its history. Adding to its distinctiveness, this model features exterior handles on the middle doors, a detail not always present in these vehicles. Historical documentation confirms its original specification as a stately Black (040) exterior paired with luxurious black leather interiors. Furthermore, it was generously equipped with features befitting a head of state, including a Becker Grand Prix TR radio with remote control and automatic antenna, a Reims II adapter, a Tekade BSA 21 car phone, under shields for added protection, a tropical battery designed for demanding climates, and a standard flagpole mount on the right fender, ready to display national pride.
The journey of this 1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet took it from the African continent to the United States, where it was registered in California by 1991. It remained in California until 2003 before being imported to Germany, marking a return to its engineering homeland.
In 2010, a resident of Böblingen, Germany, acquired this automotive icon, enjoying it until 2019. Recognizing the importance of preserving such a rare vehicle, the owner entrusted it to renowned Mercedes-Benz 600 specialists Kienle Automobiltechnik for a comprehensive mechanical restoration. This meticulous undertaking exceeded €280,000 and included complete rebuilds of critical components such as the engine, gearbox, steering assembly, axles, the complex Behr air conditioning system, and the exhaust system. Crucially, Kienle also addressed the notoriously intricate high-pressure hydraulic system, replacing spring bellows, hoses, lines, and adjustment rods, along with a rebuild of the system’s compressor unit, ensuring the vehicle’s complex systems functioned flawlessly.
Today, this “six-door, short roof” Pullman Landaulet is presented in a striking and period-appropriate White (050) finish, beautifully contrasted by pristine red leather upholstery and a sophisticated black Landaulet top. This 1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet stands as an exceptional and distinguished example of Mercedes-Benz’s most opulent and exclusive creations, a rolling testament to automotive artistry and historical significance.
