Eight reasons why the Mercedes 600 Mercedes is the best of all time

There was never better than Mercedes 600, and possibly never will be . The Mercedes 600 “Grosser” was a saloon of representation – and Super luxury real – built by Mercedes between 1963 and 1981. Only 2,677 copies were built by hand, with a level of quality that makes a mockery of any current vehicle . 600 history is little known, but less known are the reasons why the Mercedes 600 is the best Mercedes ever built and deserves a place of honor in the annals of automotive history.

1) Everything is hydraulic on the Mercedes 600

The windows have a variable operation, you can close more quickly the strongest push the button.

Hydraulic systems use a pressurized fluid – similar to oil – to operate mechanical elements with great power, and very gently. It seems a matter of logic that the best Mercedes of all time employed a hydraulic system pressurized to 220 bars for all drive elements . And when I say all, I mean it. Its air suspension is powered by hydraulic system, without going too far.

The windows are not electric, they are hydraulic. The tailgate can not be closed manually, it is hydraulic. The seat adjustment is not electric, is hydraulic . Like the sunroof, ventilation intakes for the passenger or closing the doors. The hydraulic system is surprisingly reliable if is properly maintained (which means not confuse your special fluid transmission fluid), and operates almost silently incredibly magical.

2) was designed and built without thinking about the costs

It was a car built to last and withstand all kinds of mechanical abuse.

The Mercedes 600 – nicknamed “Grosser” – was designed in the early ’60s, and the first models were sold in 1963. In its production is not spared a single German mark . While a complete restoration can reach seven figures, largely due to its complex hydraulic system, it is surprising that no unit has fallen prey to rust. Its steel body was of the highest quality, and its chassis as rigid as a Mercedes 300 at the time, as a whole. There was a light car precisely.

The curb weight of the short wheelbase version was already 2,600 kilos, with a length of no less than 5.45 meters. Injection engine and mechanics employed. Called M100 is a 6.3-liter V8, which in turn developed 250 horsepower , passing the rear wheels through an automatic gearbox four relations. If properly maintained, it was a remarkably reliable, able to provide comfort to its passengers that had nothing to envy to a Rolls-Royce car.

3) If you’re not careful, the Mercedes 600 can really hurt

The whole car is surrounded by high-pressure hydraulic lines. It should properly maintain them.

The hydraulic system operates by Mercedes 600 pressurizing a special fluid to 220 bar . A break in a hydraulic line pushbuttons windows is like a knife to your finger. These windows can also kill you: your upload speed is variable – it depends on how hard you press the button – and can closed with enough force to break the neck of an adult person. The hydraulic system is very powerful and unforgiving. And it seems that his way is not a coincidence.

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Many owners commissioned armored versions in conflict areas, and may have to close their windows quickly. Something similar happens with the tailgate. If you try to manually close the hinges can bend your arms (preparing the portfolio for repair), but better turn away when you press the button to close the . In addition to close very quickly, the hydraulic system provides enough force to break your arm or all fingers of your hand.

4) The Mercedes horn 600 may make a fool of a merchant ship

is a little known fact that Mercedes 600 has two horns . Or rather, a horn with two “speed”. In its standard mode is a horn like any other car. In its most powerful way – that is activated simply by pressing a selector – an air horn high power is activated. It is the most powerful speaker series ever installed in a production and tourism potential rivals those installed on trucks. For the owner of a Mercedes 600 is someone you want to note.

5) was the favorite car of celebrities, heads of state and African dictators

African dictators, heads of state, Jeremy Clarkson or Jay Leno. All Mercedes lovers “Grosser”.
[19459002it] For its price – $ 20,000 in 1963 in the US, 10-15 times more than a conventional tourism – and exclusivity, it was a car that and authorities only famous could afford . In its versions and versions Pullman Landaulet long battle, was the favorite of many heads of state on official visits or military displays car. Interestingly, it was a car that fell in favor of dictators of half the world. The Mercedes 600 was consideradon the ultimate status symbol, especially in Africa and the Middle East.

Among the “distinguished” owners were Saddam Hussein, Fidel Castro or Mao Tse Tung Kim Jong-il , our beloved father “a great leader” of North Korea. It was also the favorite car of stars of film and music, for example, Elvis Presley, George Harrison, John Lennon, Hugh Hefner, Jay Kay – leader of Jamiroquai – and Jack Nicholson. Jeremy Clarkson also owns a unit , and considers it one of the best car he has ever had. Jay Leno agrees with the English.

6) Repairs and maintenance are exorbitantly expensive

Its average consumption is about 25 liters / 100 km, and yet, just over 200 km / h.

Although very expensive, full restoration is not much more expensive than the replacement of wear items. A routine check can cost about 20,000 euros , and assuming be no need to replace any element in a car drives over 50 years in some cases. We will have to pay more than 10,000 euros if we replace the windows controls. On average, specimens sale often require an investment of € 40,000 – € 50,000 for a proper setup. It is not for every budget.

7) As a Rolls-Royce: they are hand built on request

The Mercedes emblem on the front is 20% larger than other Mercedes of the time.

The Mercedes 600 “Grosser” was produced in limited numbers, for almost 20 years. 2,677 units were produced between 1963 and 1981 , all built by hand in Germany by the best technicians and craftsmen of Mercedes. Although the car had a simple appearance, the attention to detail in its construction it was obsessive. Of the total units 428 units were built a long wheelbase versions, also available with six-door body. 41 units were built with high level armor.

8) The designer created the best Mercedes and BMW of the 60 and 70

The designer of the Mercedes 600 was Paul Bracq. This French study in France, in the same time when the Citroen DS was the best in modernity. He soon became the chief designer of Mercedes, plus the 600, its Rotring left the Mercedes 280 SL “Pagoda”, or precious W108 / 109 W111 and W114 / 115. As a consultant, he designed the French high-speed rail (TGV), before settling in charge of the design team of BMW . In BMW I think the first Series 3, 5 and 6, in addition to BMW M1 and the radical 2002 turbo.