My apprehension was palpable as I settled behind the wheel of a Mercedes ‘W100’ 600 Pullman, realizing the first task was navigating a tight three-point turn. This manoeuvre was made even more daunting by the backdrop: a collection of high-value exotic cars and some inconveniently placed planters.
With a turn of the key, the M100 6.3-litre V8 engine roared to life, settling into a powerful idle. Using the column-mounted gear selector, I attempted to engage drive, but a gentle reverse motion revealed the dashboard gear indicator’s inaccuracy.
Correcting the gear selection, the immense car shuddered as the four-speed automatic gearbox engaged. Thus began the slow, careful extraction of the ‘Großer Mercedes’ (Grand Mercedes) from its parking spot. At a staggering 6.25 meters in length, the Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman rivals a modern S-Class Pullman in size, and nearly in width, yet lacks the contemporary safety structures we now expect. Inside, the sheer scale is striking. In an era before widespread inertia reel seatbelts, the manually adjustable belt felt somewhat inadequate for a vehicle of this magnitude.
Our initial drive was planned to be brief, culminating in a photoshoot at Ascot Racecourse’s periphery. En route, the temptation to explore the car’s power-assisted features proved irresistible. The hydraulic systems operating the windows, sunroof, and glass partition functioned with near-silent grace, a stark contrast to the surprisingly loud horn. This high-pressure hydraulic setup, chosen over electric motors, epitomizes the Mercedes 600 W100’s commitment to refined engineering, though its complexity raises questions about potential maintenance costs today.
Following the photoshoot, an attempt to restart the Pullman met with silence. The starter motor remained unresponsive, necessitating a wait for assistance. This pause offered an opportunity to contemplate the exclusive clientele who originally purchased these vehicles.
Production of the Pullman variant of the Mercedes 600 W100 was limited to a mere 304 units between 1963 and 1972, ensuring its exclusivity. The list of owners, both past and present, reads like a who’s who of rock royalty, political leaders, actual royalty, and even notorious figures. Pete Townshend, King Hassan II of Morocco, and Idi Amin are among the notable names, while fictional villain Blofeld from James Bond also favored the 600 Pullman. The car exudes an undeniable air of authority and menace, perfectly befitting its prestigious occupants.
Fortunately, the issue was minor – an inhibitor switch malfunction, triggered by inadvertently switching off the ignition while in drive, prevented restart. The inaccurate gear indicator was again implicated. With the V8 engine rumbling once more, the Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman was finally ready for the open road.
The gearbox is unconventional, lacking a standard ‘drive’ mode. Instead, ‘2’, ‘3’, or ‘4’ settings are available, each holding the four-speed transmission in the selected gear once sufficient speed is reached. The engine powering this grand machine is historically significant, the M100 being the precursor to the engines that led to the modern AMG ’63’ designation, despite current AMG V8s not being 6.3-litres.
Mercedes-Benz later utilized the M100 engine in the smaller, lighter W109 chassis, creating the 300SEL 6.3, their first super saloon. Engine displacement further increased to 6.9 litres for the 450SEL 6.9. However, in the heavier Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman, the 245bhp output results in a more relaxed pace.
Pressing the accelerator yields a noticeable increase in engine noise, but acceleration is stately rather than rapid. Eventually, 60mph is reached, accompanied by considerable wind noise. While likely considered exceptionally quiet in the 1970s, sound insulation technology has advanced significantly since. The air suspension, however, provides a remarkably smooth ride, effortlessly absorbing road imperfections.
The brakes are surprisingly effective. The Pullman features disc brakes on all four wheels, enhanced by vacuum servo assistance at both ends, offering substantial stopping power and a well-modulated pedal feel. This is crucial for confidently managing a 2.8-tonne stretched limousine, particularly when approaching junctions.
The air suspension also contributes to relatively flat cornering, although the vehicle’s considerable size necessitates a measured approach to bends. Adaptation to the sheer dimensions of the Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman comes surprisingly quickly.
For the final leg of the journey, I relinquished the driving seat to experience the opulent rear passenger compartment. Restored in 2016, the extensive leather and woodwork present as pristine. The plush bench seating offers exceptional comfort, complemented by equally inviting backwards-facing seats.
This particular Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman is reportedly unique in its ‘conference’ seating configuration, with rear-facing seats divided by a wood-panelled cocktail cabinet. Rear passenger amenities include a separate eight-track cartridge player, in addition to the front unit, and blackout curtains for privacy.
Returning the car, a sense of relief mixed with awe prevailed. Mercedes 600 W100 Pullmans are incredibly rare, historically significant, and command substantial prices. This example was expected to fetch between £280,000 and £330,000 at a Historics auction at Ascot Racecourse on May 15th.
This valuation represents roughly double the original inflation-adjusted price. While a significant appreciation, it likely falls short of offsetting decades of running costs. Although a Mercedes 600 W100 Pullman might not be the first choice for a £300k classic car purchase, its unparalleled class and captivating aura make it an exceptionally intriguing proposition.
