Footnotes

• "In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence." - Classic & Sportscar magazine.
  
  By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-litre V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid. Natural successor to the Mercedes-Benz 300 'Adenauer' limousine, its only credible rival was the Rolls-Royce Phantom V.
  
  The most popular version was the 3,200mm (10' 6") wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20' in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 100km/h in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 200km/h flat out. Only 2,677 examples were made, of which 2,190 were four-door saloons, 428 were Pullman limousines, and 59 were landaulettes.
  
  This rare Pullman example was first registered in the UK on 1st April 2014 and has had had only one owner since then. In 2015 the Mercedes was totally restored by recognised marque specialists Cardock Classics of Kildare, Republic of Ireland, a company that adheres to the laudable 'restore where possible, replace if required' philosophy. In Cardock's own words: "Ideally all of our restored cars will be identical to the original artefact that came off the production line. We tend to avoid partial restoration work as this is not the ideal way to approach classic car ownership".
  
  Works carried out include a total disassembly of the body; stripping the body to bare metal and a full repaint; re-chroming all exterior brightwork; new interior leather and carpets throughout; full restoration of all woodwork; and a full mechanical rebuild of the engine, fuel system, and hydraulic system. Along with a photographic record of the restoration process, an 11-page report of all work carried out on the Pullman totalling €330,000 is available on file. The car started 'on the button' and drove well when inspected by a Bonhams specialist last month. Last MoT'd in July 2015 at 15,228 miles, it currently displays a total of 16,007 miles on the odometer. An excellent example of a prestige model from a prestige manufacturer, and one that is now quite rare, this magnificent Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman is offered with a V5C Registration Certificate (it should be noted that the current private registration is being retained).

Saleroom notices

• Please note, an 11-page report detailing the €330,000 of restoration work by Cardock Classics is available to view at the document's desks. The registration number for the Mercedes 600 Pullman is FNA 260C.