250 hp 6,332 cc SOHC V-8 engine, Bosch mechanical fuel injection, four-speed automatic transmission, independent front suspension with compressor-fed air units, auxiliary rubber springs and telescopic dampers, low-pivot swing-axle rear suspension with compressor fed air units, auxiliary rubber springs and telescopic dampers, driver adjustable hydraulic self-levelling, ride softness and ground clearance, and four-wheel servo-assisted hydraulic disc brakes. Wheelbase: 153.5 in.

• One of 428 Pullman limousines built

• Fully documented matching-numbers example

• Ex-Petersen Collection from new until 2006

• A timeless statement of luxury

In 1957, the W186’s wheelbase was stretched four inches to create the W189. This gave greater legroom and made the car a true limousine. The W189 remained in production through 1960, after which it was nominally succeeded by the W112 300SE. A true flagship Mercedes did not reappear until the advent of the 600 three years later, in 1963.

A full generation after it was built, the Mercedes-Benz 600 remains an engineering and stylistic masterpiece, as exclusive and visually imposing as ever. In its day, it was a favourite of the world’s wealthy and well-connected, used by everyone from Elvis Presley to the Pope. The new 600 was more than a match for its predecessor’s six-cylinder engine, so a new powerplant, a 6,332-cubic centimetre overhead cam V-8, was developed. It was a dry-sump design with Bosch mechanical fuel injection and it developed 250 brake-horsepower. Air suspension gave the car a boulevard ride, and a high-pressure hydraulic system provided every power assist imaginable. The comprehensive hydraulic and pneumatic system powered the self-levelling suspension, assisted the brakes, helped open the massive doors, and smoothly and silently operated the windows, trunk, seats, and sunroof. With characteristic attention to detail, each Mercedes-Benz 600 was to all intents and purposes custom-built.

There were two wheelbases, 126 and 153½ inches. Most 600s, 2,190 of them, were on the short wheelbase. The long-wheelbase cars were called “Pullman” and included a four-door limousine, a landaulet with folding rear top, and a six-door limousine with additional jump seats. Pullmans numbered just 428, many being the four-door limousine, as offered today. The 600 line remained in production until 1981, although only a few were built after 1972.

The Pullman offered here, chassis number 0603, is a highly original matching-numbers example that was delivered new to Mr Robert E. Petersen in 1967. It is presented in its original colour combination of black over a red leather interior. Expertly cared for, this luxurious 600 was maintained by Mr Petersen from new until 2006, when it was sold to the current owner. While the mechanics were recently redone, the car remains in mostly original condition, with only 38,000 indicated miles. The original red hide seats and interior trim are in very good condition, as are the matching carpets. The exterior finish also continues to present itself very well, and the engine compartment is in concours condition, as everything has been renewed.

Known for their numerous custom amenities, this limousine is equipped with a dividing glass partition, front and rear radios, electric windows, air conditioning, as well as a passenger-compartment telephone. Properly maintained throughout its life, the Pullman is accompanied by its original toolset, as well as a complete binder of receipts and documentation. Included are the original invoice, data card, instruction manuals, every invoice from new, as well as correspondence between Mr Petersen and Mercedes-Benz in 1966. This is a largely original and fully documented example of one of Mercedes-Benz’s finest limousines. A 600 Pullman of this calibre and originality is unlikely to present itself again, and it would make for an exceptional piece in the most discerning collection.