Styled to be equal parts elegant and imposing under the direction of Paul Bracq and Bruno Sacco, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was unveiled to the public at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1963. Sitting at the top of the model range, the executive limousine came to define automotive luxury, power, and opulence throughout the mid-to-late 20th Century.

That was in no small part down to the technical prowess and expert engineering of Karl Wilfred, Ernst Fiala, and Rudolf Uhlenhart. The 600 sported a new 6.3-litre overhead-camshaft V-8 with Bosch mechanical fuel injection to deliver 250 horsepower for a top speed of 205 km/h. The model also famously incorporated a hydraulic system to operate the doors and boot lid, front and rear seats, windows, sunroof, and suspension damping. Between 1963 and 1981, a mere 2,677 cars were produced—the majority being the short-wheelbase model.

The example offered here was built in 1971, finished in Beige Grey Metallic over a Bronze leather interior. Significantly, it was desirably configured with a hydraulic sunroof and Behr air conditioning in addition to featuring rear tray tables plus a Becker Grand Prix radio with automatic antenna. The car is thought to have been retained initially for use as a demonstrator vehicle, prior to being sold to The Willy Michiels Collection in May 1972.

Since reupholstered with black hide, chassis number 100.012.12.001791 is accompanied by a glassware set and is fitted with rear window and side curtains. The 600 is further offered with a Certificate of Conformity issued by Mercedes-Benz Belgium in September 1984.