Sold new to a gentleman in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, this Mercedes-Benz 600 incredibly has just 3,355 miles at the time of cataloging. Its first owner only very occasionally drove the car, selling it to its second owner with just 2,520 miles on the odometer in 1992. The second owner, based in Atlanta, exclusively collected black cars and purchased the 600 believing that it was black. When he realized it was actually Tobacco Brown, the car was placed into storage where it remained preserved until being purchased by 600 authority Karl Middelhauve in 2016.

Middelhauve is famous in the Mercedes-Benz community for his expertise with 600s, and many of the finest examples have passed through his hands over the years. Recognizing what a special 600 this is, Middelhauve decided to mechanically recommission the car while preserving its fantastic original condition.

Finished in Tobacco Brown over a Cognac leather interior, the car is complete with a number of wonderful details that only an example with such low mileage would have. In the door jamb just under the base of the A-pillar, for example, is a Mercedes-Benz sticker intended to be removed once the car received its 5,000-mile service. Starting instructions can be found attached by the steering column and four shot glasses, in addition to a thermos, still retain their stickers and paper sleeve.

The vehicle is further accompanied by its jack, emergency road kit, curtains, spare tire with protective tape overall the whitewall, and a tool roll. The original Cognac leather is in incredible condition and still has the correct factory texture (which wore off over the years on most 600s). The Becker radio features functional rear seat controls, and a special-order 8-track tape deck completes the in-car entertainment set up. Lastly, all four corners ride on the original Fulda tires.

The consignor purchased this 600 from Middelhauve, and the air system and hydraulics have recently been serviced by a former Mercedes-Benz master mechanic under his ownership. Hydraulic leaks were repaired, and the car reportedly runs and drives very well. A spare set of wheels with new tires were sourced for safe driving and are included with the sale of the car. Please note that this 600 was photographed with the new wheels and tires fitted; the original wheels and Fulda tires have since been reinstalled for display at the auction.

Due to the complexity of the 600, some restorations of the model have exceeded $1 million—and it is difficult to imagine a restored car capturing the original, impeccable factory build quality of this 600. Perhaps the closest one can get to experience a delivery-quality 600, this example presents as a wonderful opportunity to get behind the wheel of an engineering tour de force. This outstanding 600 definitely follows Mercedes-Benz motto: “The Best or Nothing.”