The moment I slid behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz W100 600 Pullman, a wave of realization washed over me: maneuvering this automotive leviathan would be my first challenge. Surrounded by a collection of high-value exotic cars and some inconveniently placed planters, the prospect of a three-point turn felt less like a driving task and more like a delicate negotiation.
With a turn of the key, the 6.3-liter M100 V8 engine roared to life, settling into a deep, resonant idle. Engaging what I believed to be a forward gear using the column-mounted selector, I eased off the brake, only to gently roll backward. The gear indicator, it seemed, was a suggestion rather than a precise instrument.
Alt text: Interior view of a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman showing the dashboard, steering wheel, and luxurious front seats.
After correctly positioning the selector, the sheer mass of the ‘Großer Mercedes’ – the Grand Mercedes – shifted as the four-speed automatic gearbox engaged. Extracting this automotive titan from its parking spot became a slow, deliberate ballet. At 6.25 meters (over 20 feet) long, the 600 Pullman rivals a modern S-Class Pullman in length and approaches its width, yet lacks the reassuring presence of contemporary crash structures. The cabin felt immense, a testament to a bygone era of automotive grandeur. Pre-dating widespread inertia reel seatbelts, the manually adjustable lap belt felt like a token gesture rather than a serious safety feature.
Our initial drive was planned to be brief, a short jaunt to Ascot Racecourse for a photoshoot. En route, I couldn’t resist experimenting with the 600’s array of power-assisted systems. Operating with near-silent hydraulic smoothness, these features stood in stark contrast to the hilariously loud horn. The 600 eschewed the then-emerging electronics for its windows, sunroof, and even the glass partition, opting instead for a sophisticated high-pressure hydraulic system. While undoubtedly more refined and befitting of its status than electric motors, the potential maintenance costs of such a system were a sobering thought.
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of a silver Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman highlighting its imposing grille and classic design.
Photos taken, it was time to truly experience the Pullman on the open road. However, a problem arose: the engine refused to restart. The starter motor remained stubbornly silent. Stranded, I was left to ponder the exclusive clientele who would have originally purchased a ‘Grosser Mercedes’ 600 Pullman.
Production of the Pullman variant was limited to a mere 304 units between 1963 and 1972, ensuring its exclusivity. The roster of past and present owners reads like a who’s who of the 20th century elite, encompassing rock stars, heads of state, royalty, and even notorious figures. Pete Townshend, King Hassan II of Morocco, and Idi Amin are just a few names associated with this ultimate status symbol. Even fictional villains like James Bond’s nemesis Blofeld were depicted in a 600 Pullman, testament to its inherent air of power and authority. There’s an undeniable sense of menace and importance that radiates from these cars, reflecting the stature of those they carried.
Alt text: Close-up detail of the rear of a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman showing the taillights, chrome trim, and ‘600’ badge.
Fortunately, my momentary panic about damaging this incredibly rare and valuable Mercedes was unfounded. The culprit was an inhibitor switch malfunction, preventing the engine from starting because the car had been inadvertently switched off in drive. A less-than-precise gear indicator was again to blame for the minor delay. With the V8 now burbling contentedly once more, I could finally proceed with the drive.
The gearbox presented an unconventional operating mode. Devoid of a conventional ‘drive’ setting, it offered positions ‘2’, ‘3’, and ‘4’. These settings essentially locked the four-speed transmission into a specific gear once the car reached sufficient speed for engagement. The engine powering this gearbox is a pivotal piece of Mercedes-Benz history, with enduring relevance. The M100 is the ancestor of the modern AMG ’63’ designation; a nod to this engine’s 6.3-liter displacement, even though contemporary AMG V8s no longer adhere to this exact capacity.
Alt text: Engine bay of a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman showcasing the powerful 6.3-liter V8 engine.
Mercedes-Benz later implanted the M100 engine into the smaller, lighter W109 chassis, birthing their first super saloon, the 300SEL 6.3. This engine would subsequently be enlarged to 6.9 liters for the 450SEL 6.9. In the Pullman, the 245bhp engine faces a considerably heavier vehicle, resulting in a more relaxed, stately pace.
Applying more throttle primarily yields a greater auditory experience without a dramatic surge in acceleration. Eventually, the speedometer needle reaches 60 mph, accompanied by a noticeable increase in wind noise. While undoubtedly considered whisper-quiet in the 1970s, sound insulation technology has progressed significantly since the 600’s era. However, the ride itself is remarkably serene. The air suspension system delivers a supremely smooth experience, effortlessly absorbing imperfections in the road surface.
The brakes performed far better than anticipated, although perhaps this shouldn’t be surprising given the Pullman’s engineering pedigree. Equipped with disc brakes on all four wheels, supplemented by vacuum servo assistance at both axles, the braking system provides reassuring stopping power and a nicely modulated pedal feel. This is crucial when piloting a 2.8-tonne stretched limousine towards a roundabout.
Alt text: Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman driving on a winding road demonstrating its cornering ability.
The air suspension also contributes to surprisingly controlled cornering, minimizing body roll for such a large vehicle. Despite its imposing dimensions, acclimatization to the sheer size of the car comes surprisingly quickly.
For the final leg of the journey, I relinquished the driving duties and indulged in the opulent rear passenger compartment. Restored in 2016, the lavish leather and meticulously crafted woodwork appeared virtually factory fresh. The plush bench seating enveloped me like a comfortable armchair, with a view towards a pair of rear-facing seats separated by a wood-paneled cocktail cabinet – a quintessential Pullman feature. This particular example is purportedly the sole 600 Pullman configured with this ‘conference’ seating arrangement. Rear passenger amenities also included a dedicated eight-track cartridge player (in addition to the front unit) and blackout curtains, ensuring privacy from prying eyes.
Alt text: Luxurious rear interior of a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman featuring conference seating, wood trim, and opulent details.
Returning the keys, a sense of relief washed over me. Beyond their rarity and historical significance, surviving Pullman models command astronomical prices. This particular example was estimated to fetch between £280,000 and £330,000 when auctioned by Historics at Ascot Racecourse on May 15th (alongside a Lotus 340R, a Japanese-imported Mercedes C55 AMG, and a Ferrari 458 from the same auction).
This valuation represents roughly double the original purchase price, adjusted for inflation. While a substantial appreciation, it’s unlikely to offset the considerable ongoing maintenance costs. While not necessarily at the top of my personal wish list even with a hypothetical £300,000 budget for a classic car, the ‘Grosser Mercedes’ 600 Pullman undeniably reigns supreme in terms of sheer class, historical intrigue, and unparalleled presence.
