Bring A Trailer auction preview: Excellent condition, long term California car.1967 Mercedes Benz 600 SWBVIN – 10001212000863Engine No. – 100980-12-000908Exterior Color – RedInterior Color – Black leatherEngine – 6.3-liter V8Transmission – 4-speed automaticCurrent Kilometers –45,047 kilometers TMUCurrent Owner – Purchased in 1994General OverviewAfter more than a century of superb automotive craftsmanship, Mercedes-Benz continues to lead the industry as one of the premier automobile innovators, delivering vehicles of superior performance and optimal luxury. During the 1950s, decades of racing achievement and luxury refinements evolved as US market growth encouraged new models with technical advancements and safety features. North American sales grew to become one the largest market for Mercedes-Benz.The mid 60s proved to be a rapidly changing time for Mercedes-Benz. As demand for their cars grew in North America, buyers began seeking cars with luxury appointments, prestige, and features that elevated the brand experience beyond traditional luxury expectations. Launched in 1963, the model 600 proved to be just that – the most expensive car in the world. Celebrity ownership, world leaders, and royalty purchased these cars with confidence. Highly complex and loaded with advanced technology such as hydraulic systems, powerful V8 engines, and sophisticated accessories, both short and long wheelbase models were offered including a 6-door limousine.History and Build Details of This CarAccording to a copy of the Mercedes-Benz data card, this car was completed January 31, 1967 and was purchased by the current family owners in 1994. A dedicated family of collectors, this car was restored over a period of time spanning the 1990s and maintained by the in-house mechanic who kept a written log of services documenting regular fluid changes, lubrication, parts replacement, battery replacement, hoses and airbag services, hydraulic fluid flushing, fuel pump replacement, spark plugs, brake adjustments, etc. from April 10, 1994 – August 9, 2024. Photos included with the car show the exterior stripped to bare metal with chrome and trim removed in preparation for paint. A European model delivered with a kilometer speedometer, the grille wears a 200,000 Kms badge awarded to cars that have covered a documented 200k miles, which this car is believed to have achieved. In preparation for consignment compression readings were taken returning the following numbers:Cylinder 1 – 166Cylinder 2 – 165Cylinder 3 – 160Cylinder 4 – 162Cylinder 5 – 173Cylinder 6 – 170Cylinder 7 – 170Cylinder 8 – 174Condition OverviewToday this Mercedes-Benz 600 presents as a handsome, high-quality driver level Mercedes-Benz. The glossy metallic red paint shows only minor signs of age but is otherwise very nice considering 30 years have lapsed since the restoration was completed. The doors shut very well and retain good panel gaps while the hood and trunk also exhibit proper fit and closure. The chrome throughout is in very good to excellent condition, with nice luster and clean, bright reflections. All lenses, lighting, and glass are in very good condition with no significant chips or marks on the windshield. The exterior presentation overall is handsome, with proper stance, smooth bodylines and a nicely finished set of matching steel wheels with correct wheel covers, beautifully polished wheel opening trim, and a set of contemporary Rainforce MX4 All Season 235/75 R15 radial tires dated 2010. The interior is a wonderful combination of selectively restored and original materials offering a cohesive presentation overall. The leather seats, door panels, and dashboard are in excellent condition, though the bottom of the driver’s seat cushion was reupholstered in vinyl. The original wood for the upper dashboard shows only minimal signs of age and the remaining trim is in very good condition. The seats feature very good foam padding, correct pleating, and offer luxurious comfort befitting a car of this stature. The back seat is in generally good condition though some minor seat tears are present. The instruments are in excellent condition, fronted by a correct steering wheel and padded horn surface. The surrounding dash pad is in excellent condition as are the various wood trims, headliner, sun visors, and interior door panels. As the short wheelbase variant, these were meant to be driven by their owners under regular use, a feature one might consider normal for a modern car, but remarkably so given these were developed more than half a century ago.The engine compartment features the correct matching numbers series 6.3-liter engine, cast alloy engine components, fuel-injection, and correct features. Both the engine and engine compartment are properly presented with correct parts, factory components, with confident driver level cosmetics. The trunk is clean and nicely finished with correct materials. Underneath the car, there is no evidence of structural compromise to the chassis floor and what appear to be the original suspension and drivetrain.The car starts easily and idles smoothly, having benefited from ongoing services. Driving manners are quite nice particularly for this example which shifts smoothly and glides with royal manners over vast stretches of highway. The ride engineering, responsive suspension, and ample seating room create an opulent driving experience offering plenty of room for friends, ample luggage space, and rear seating suitable for comfortable long-range napping. Although this car is in running condition, we recommend the purchasing party commission a PPI to inspect and confirm the mechanical condition of this car. This is a wonderful opportunity to acquire a rare and highly desirable Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB. Beautifully finished with known long-term California ownership, this handsome and iconic car is ready for enjoyable driving, touring family or friends, or extended adventures traversing freeways, Autobahns, or coastal highways throughout the world. Included with this 600This car is offered with a pair of floor mats, a set of tools and tool roll, a car cover, tire changing tools and safety triangles, owner’s books, and California blue and gold license plates.