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1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine LHDChassis no.…
Auction House:
Auction Location:
Sydney
Date:
6-Dec-2009
Lot No.
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Description:
1969 Mercedes-Benz 600 Limousine LHDChassis no. 100012-12-00-1226Engine no. 100-980-12-00-1274 Mercedes-Benz's answer to the Grosser Mercedes of the past arrived in 1963 in the not inconsiderable form of the all-new 600. Built in 5/6 seater Limousine and 7/8 seater Pullman versions - the latter's overall length of more than 20 feet exceeding that of the biggest Cadillac - the 600 was powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine capable of propelling the mammoth saloon to 60mph in under 10 seconds and on to a top speed of 125mph-plus. Supremely well-equipped, the new Grosser incorporated air suspension incorporating variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate heating/ventilation systems for front and rear compartments. In addition, almost everything on the car that could be moved or adjusted - from seats to the sunroof - was hydraulically powered. Needless to say, the interior, with its leather upholstery and real wood embellishment, exhibited craftsmanship of the highest order.This beautiful example was sold new to August Busch Jr, the Chairman of the Anheuser-Busch brewery company of Saint Louis Missouri and was always chauffeur driven during his period of ownership. We understand that circa 1977 it became mandatory that Missouri-registered cars be fitted with head restraints, with the result that Mr Busch's chauffeur could no longer see behind using the rear view mirror and it was decided to sell the Mercedes-Benz, which was purchased by a gentleman in the Los Angeles area in 1978. The 600 was later put up for auction at Pebble Beach, where it sold to the immediately preceding owner.A six-figure sum has been spent on maintaining this car, much of the work being carried out by Bruce Strauss Auto Care of Costa Mesa and also Mercedes Benz, Hollywood, Inc. The car has covered a negligible mileage since arriving in Australia in 2004 and is described as in generally very good original condition. The bumpers have recently been re-chromed and the car is said to run and drive well, with everything working. Finished in silver with Burgundy leather upholstery, this imposing Mercedes-Benz limousine is offered with full history and is currently registered. A sunroof and centre-console refrigerated compartment (for keeping the Budweiser cold?) are the only notified deviations from factory specification.
Estimate:
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Price:
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Category:
Unclassified