CMC Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet, working soft top - 1/18

Description

CMC Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet with functioning soft top.

The Mercedes-Benz 600, also known internally as the W100, was Daimler-Benz's state and representative vehicle in the 1960s and 1970s. The stylish vehicle of the absolute luxury class was used worldwide and epitomised the highest perfection, high-end technology, comfort, exclusivity and uniqueness. The Pullman version was and still is the largest passenger car of the post-war era.

When the Mercedes-Benz 600, known internally as the W 100 series, was unveiled at the 1963 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt am Main, it left experts holding their breath. The development brief had been nothing less than to develop a car that went far beyond what was technically feasible at the time. The motto at Mercedes-Benz back then, perhaps even more so than today, was: the best or nothing. The car was not only absolutely unique in technical terms, but despite its size and weight, it was also the fastest production saloon in the world at the time.

In the sales documents, the car was called „The Great Mercedes“, a reference to the Mercedes-Benz Type 770, which was the ultimate in prestige vehicles in the 1930s. Following this model, the Mercedes-Benz 600 also became a globally sought-after state and representative vehicle from Daimler-Benz

The Mercedes-Benz 600 was built in two basic versions: as a 4- to 5-seater saloon with a short wheelbase (3200 mm) and as a 6- to 7-seater Pullman version with a long wheelbase (3900 mm) and centre partition. The Pullman was available either as a four-door with rear bench seat, centre armrest and two individual seats facing each other or as a six-door with rear bench seat, centre armrest and two folding seats behind the front seats arranged in the direction of travel. This version was aimed at customers travelling with staff or bodyguards. However, private customers also frequently opted for the six-door Pullman and dispensed with the partition wall and folding seats. Based on the Pullman version, Landaulet models with a folding roof over the rear passengers were also produced from 1965 onwards. Two versions were offered: one with a long and one with a short rear soft top.

The exterior of the model series remained virtually unchanged until the end of production in 1981. The vehicles were powered by a specially developed V8 injection engine with a displacement of 6.3 litres and an output of 184 kW (250 hp). This enabled the 2.6 tonne saloon to reach top speeds of up to 205 km/h. This made the „big Mercedes“ the fastest production saloon in the world at the time. The shock absorbers, which could be adjusted from the steering column while driving, and the dual-circuit brake system with air pressure support ensured the greatest possible driving safety. All four wheels had disc brakes, with the front wheels each equipped with two brake callipers.

The extensive standard equipment, which included air suspension, power steering and central locking as well as an electronically controlled heating and ventilation system and automatic air conditioning, ensured maximum operating and driving comfort. A previously unique comfort hydraulic system enabled the automatic operation of the following functions: horizontal and vertical adjustment of the front seats and adjustment of the backrest angle, longitudinal adjustment of the rear seat bench, opening and closing of the car doors, the boot lid and the optional sliding roof as well as opening and closing of the side windows.

With regard to paintwork, interior fittings and special installations, the most varied individual customer wishes could be realised, so that - especially with the Pullman saloons and landaulets - it is unlikely that two examples with the same equipment could be found. For example, a bar in the rear with a refrigerator compartment, entertainment equipment or car telephones were available on request. In addition to being used as a representative vehicle for governments all over the world, a Mercedes-Benz 600 was also owned by many prominent personalities such as Elizabeth Taylor, Elvis Presley, John Lennon, Herbert von Karajan, Aristotle Onassis, Leonid Brezhnev, Emperor Hirohito and even the then Pope Paul VI.

In retrospect, Daimler-Benz succeeded in creating a product with this luxury saloon that caused a worldwide sensation and became a unique automobile of its era. The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman with Landaulet soft-top was primarily procured as a state coach.

CMC would like to take up this challenge and has set itself the task of recreating the Mercedes-Benz Pullman six-door Landaulet model as an authentic all-metal model with unrivalled equipment details in 2020. It is to be a miniature of superlatives. Further variants are reserved.
Item number: M-205