1:18 Mercedes Benz 600

[Petrolhead]

Here is a 1:18 Mercedes Benz 600 SWB by AutoArt.A fantastic model of the ultimate Mercedes Benz.

A car of such legendary status deserves a proper introduction.Time for a Wikipedia sourced history lesson.
The 600 was so heavy that the largest engine of Mercedes at that time,the 6-cylinder 300,was inadequate.So a new engine with more than twice the capacity was developed to move the vehicle and its hydraulically powered amenities,the 6.3 litre V8 'M100' engine with single overhead camshafts (SOHC) and Bosch mechanical fuel injection.
The 600's M100 engine and hydraulics were fitted to the 300 SEL 6.3 model in 1968 creating,at that time,the world's fastest four-door sedan.(Here's a link : 1:18 Mercedes Benz 300 SEL 6.3)
The 600 featured many luxury features including a complex hydraulic 150 bar (2176 psi) pressure system that powered everything from the windows and seats to the automatically closing doors,sun-roof and boot-lid.Adjustable air suspension gave the car a good ride quality and handling over any road surface.
Apart from the Pope and governments,famous owners of the 600 have included celebrities such as Coco Chanel,Hugh Hefner,Elizabeth Taylor,John Lennon,George Harrison,Jay Kay,Aristotle Onassis,Jack Nicholson,Simon Spies,Ronnie Wood,Bob Jane,Frank Packer,Elvis Presley,Rowan Atkinson and Jeremy Clarkson.Communist leaders include Nicolae Ceauşescu,Josip Broz-Tito,Fidel Castro,Pol Pot,Enver Hoxha,Leonid Brezhnev,Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il.
The list of famous 600 owners runs much longer that the one above.I think it is safe to say that almost everyone who was someone at that time has been driven around in some variant of the 600 at some point in their life.

I hope my pictures go some way toward explaining why nothing else would do for rich and the powerful of its age.

[model collector]

Amazing model and great detailes. I think I will add the short version near my Pullman

[Petrolhead]

In case you missed it in the last photo,the compartment on the right opens to reveal the spare tire.One of the most interesting and detail packed boots in my collection.




Large button in the middle of the steering wheel sets off what is famously one of the loudest horns ever fitted to a car.

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As Jeremy Clarkson once explained on television,the glass flap at the back end of each rear window prevents the wind from messing up your hair while riding with the windows down.Mercedes Benz really did think of everything while making this car.Wish cars were still built this way.Now it's all about filling the brochure with names of gadgets and technologies that have a billion settings each.

Curtains provide privacy.Something most 600 owners valued above all else.

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Thanks for the kind words,Sergiu.I wish I had been in a position to afford the 1:18 Pullman by AutoArt when it became available here all those years ago.I have a SunStar rendition but the AutoArt remains on my wish-list.It is truly spectacular.

[siddvi]

Pure awesomeness, that what this car exudes. In looks perfect in each & every way. Those cases are a nice addition. Congrats again!

[Petrolhead]

Thanks.The suitcases sure add a little more style to this masterpiece.

[manishalive]

This is very nice car and the suitcase touch is so damn awesome. I like the curtains too. As for the plastic flap. Even the Fiat from 1950's era sported them. Which were cheap cars equal to todays Maruti 800.

[Guggga]

Aah! The car of rockstars, dictators, despots and mass murderers!

Love it! Lovely detailing and huge presence! A real masterpiece.

[winstoncds]

Sid, thats a grand model. I know I want one but I simply cannot afford it....just because I ain't no rockstar. Anybody who thinks a moderator is a dictator...again....I cannot afford this model.

[Petrolhead]

Haha!!Thanks for the appreciation,guys.

[amit V8]

AWESOME! Reminds me of the Top gear episode where JC drove a green colored 600 Grosser and JM drove a RR Parkward.