---

Footnotes

• The CL Class is the flagship of the Mercedes-Benz car range. Ignore the more exotic fly-by-nights such as the SLR and SLS supercars – they don't have the longevity of the CL, a car that can trace its roots back 30 years along an unbroken line to the W126-generation 500SEC.
  
  As with its predecessors, the W215 model coupé is based on the underpinnings of the S-Class limousine, and in a quest to give the two-door greater standing, Mercedes used it to premiere various technological innovations. It was the first Mercedes to feature Active Body Control (ABC), a system that used four hydraulic suspension struts to keep the car level through corners; the first to feature Bi-Xenon headlights and, on the early V12 models such as this one, it employed Active Cylinder Control.
  
  Helping to reduce fuel consumption, this shut down one bank of cylinders under light engine loads, enabling the CL600 to achieve better fuel economy than the V8 CL500. Not bad for a car with a 5.8-litre V12 that developed 367bhp and 391lb ft of torque, yielding a 0-60 mph time of 5.9 sec.
  
  Although the S-Class' wheelbase was shortened by eight inches and the ABC worked highly effectively, the CL's natural role is as a grand tourer. With more rear seat space than many executive saloons, a huge boot and a cosseting driving environment, the CL is one of the most soothing cars you could hope to take on a long trip. It's remarkably adept on tighter roads, too. Turn into a corner and there's no body roll, so you're aware of all four tyres working evenly. It's an unusual sensation that takes some getting used to – unlike the turbine-smooth V12, which is wonderful from the word go.
  
  Open the door of this motor car and you'd never believe the odometer reading of 96,000km- the fact that it looks almost new inside is a testament to the build quality and the standard of maintenance lavished on the car since Peter Baumberger took delivery in October 2000. Admittedly 96,000km isn't much by Mercedes-Benz V12 standards, and this was one of Peter's favourite long-distance cars. "Elle marche super bien" comments Jean Krucker, recalling it was driven to Italy on several occasions, where Peter kept his yacht Anjaro, and even served as luxury back up on the occasional historic rally. The classic livery is Brilliant Silver with black leather.
  
  The Baumberger Collection 600CL is offered with Swiss registration (cancelled) and a full complement of owners handbooks.
  

Auction Notices

• The Chassis Number should read WDB2153781A011643 Additional items included with this Lot: original tool kit fitted to spare wheel, jack, 3 navigation CDs & triangle We have catalogued paperwork and tool kits/accessories as a courtesy to clients but without guarantee. N.B. We have not checked individual tool kits for completeness

---

Category: Motoring / Automobilia

---

Auction terms and conditions