This 1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 is the ultimate form of classical, resplendent luxury. It is powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine that sends 184kW/500Nm to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission, and features both hydraulic and pneumatic systems to power various car features. This example has travelled 94,000 miles since new.

Fit for the famous and fortunate, the Mercedes-Benz 600 is well-known throughout the world for being the preserve of the world dictators and world leaders. It was the most high-end model you could buy from Mercedes-Benz at the time, and arguably gave Mercedes-Benz its reputation for luxury. It features self-levelling air suspension for one of the smoothest rides in history and a hydraulic system powers the car’s windows, seats, boot release and self-closing doors.

This short wheelbase example features coachwork finished in original Havana Brown paint and the interior is a decadent mix of tan leather, burl walnut trim and cognac carpets. In its current ownership the car has had more than $30,000 in work, including interior trim work, mechanical work and coach work by renowned Mercedes specialists. This car can be trusted for its reliability and is described as “a turn-key 600 with all the scary bits fully sorted.”

It was first delivered new to a board member of a company in Vermont, United States in 1969 and remained in private collections across California and Texas in the following 20 years. It was acquired by its current owner in 2012 from classic car dealer Daniel Schmitt & Co in Missouri, US. This car is chassis number 1196.

Outside, the original Havana Brown paintwork still presents very well for its age, as does the shining chrome trim. There are no noticeable nicks, marks or scratches, though the paint could benefit from a light detail, if so desired. This Mercedes-Benz 600 rides on a set of 15-inch chrome wheels with body-coloured centre caps. The tyres are in good condition with a good amount of tread depth remaining. This car’s presentation has been extremely well cared for throughout its life.

The interior’s tan upholstery, burl walnut trim and cognac carpets remain in superb condition after having been replaced with factory original materials, and the rear seat leather is the original 1969 material in great condition with no rips or tears. All original VDO gauges work, the Becker radio still sits in the centre dash and overhead lights all function as normal. Hydraulically-powered functions such as the power seats, windows and boot all work after the system was recently rebuilt. This car has the factory front cocktail bar with original Stabilotherm flask and shot glasses. The badge in the centre of the steering wheel is cracked.

This Mercedes-Benz 600 has been serviced by Sydney classic Mercedes experts (Lingane motors, Ben de Boer and others), and the hydraulics have been rebuilt by specialist Claus Gronau. Throughout its current ownership period, this car has also had work done to its air suspension, interior trim, a new automatic transmission and some coach work. All receipts will be supplied with the car.