The Mercedes-Benz 600, a car synonymous with power and prestige, was the vehicle of choice for the world’s elite. Among this ultra-exclusive model range, the Pullman Landaulet stood as the pinnacle of bespoke automotive luxury. These state cars, built upon an imposing 3,900-millimetre chassis, were so unique they were never formally listed in the Mercedes-Benz catalogue. Each 600 Pullman Landaulet was meticulously handcrafted by Mercedes-Benz’s most skilled artisans, personally selected by factory management. The sheer array of custom options and finishes available for the mere 26 long-wheelbase ‘Six-Door’ Landaulets catered to the distinct tastes of their original owners, representing a level of craftsmanship and labour more commonly associated with private jets.
This particular “six-door, short roof” Pullman Landaulet, delivered in early 1974 as an official state limousine to the government of Portuguese Guinea (now Guinea-Bissau) during a period of revolutionary change, is an exceptionally rare specimen. It is one of only a handful produced in this specific configuration, further distinguished by the presence of external handles on its middle doors. Archival data confirms its original specification: a sophisticated Black (040) exterior paint finish complemented by sumptuous black leather upholstery. 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, a tropical battery, and a standard flagpole mount on the right fender.
After its service in Africa, the 1974 Mercedes 600 Pullman Landaulet eventually made its way to the United States, having been registered in California by 1991. It resided in California until 2003 before being imported to Germany, marking a new chapter in its journey.
In 2010, a resident of Böblingen, Germany, acquired this exceptional vehicle and enjoyed it for nearly a decade. In 2019, recognizing its significance and the need for expert care, the owner entrusted the Mercedes-Benz 600 specialist Kienle Automobiltechnik with a comprehensive mechanical restoration. This meticulous undertaking surpassed €280,000, demonstrating the commitment to preserving this automotive icon. Invoices from Kienle document the extensive work, including complete rebuilds of 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, renewing spring bellows, hoses, lines, adjustment rods, and rebuilding the system’s compressor unit, ensuring reliability and longevity.
Today, this 1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet is presented in a striking and period-correct White (050) exterior finish, beautifully contrasted by pristine red leather upholstery and a black Landaulet top. This “six-door, short roof” Pullman Landaulet represents not just a car, but a piece of automotive history, an extraordinary example of Mercedes-Benz’s most luxurious and exclusive creation, meticulously restored for future generations to appreciate.
