MERCEDES BENZ 600 Landaulet (W100) 1965-1981 Photos, engines & full specs

Mercedes-Benz introduced the model 600 in 1963 at the Frankfurt International Motor Show. Then it added new versions for it, including the state-limousine Pullman and the open rear top Landaulet.

The German carmaker was known for its exceptional products designed and engineered for motorcades. It made the vehicles for more heads of states than any other carmaker in the world. Among its customers were tyrants and democrats alike. For them, but especially for the latter, Mercedes-Benz made the Landaulet version.

Friedrich Geiger, Bruno Sacco, and Paul Bracq worked together to design the car 600 Pullman, and then they continued their work for the Landaulet version. If the Pullman was the most expensive car in the world in 1964, the open-top version was even pricier. Mercedes-Benz applied the "if you have to ask, then you can't afford it" principle. The long vehicle featured an open area behind the driver's cabin and made it available with four or six doors.

The car featured hydraulically adjustable dampers. The pneumatic system controlled the door locks, windows, and even seat adjustments. The trunk lid was closed by the pneumatic system too. The brakes were not on hydraulic fluid, but with air, like on a big truck. But all that system came with a cost of a 3 ton (6590 lbs) vehicle. And, in the armored version, it was even heavier.

Under the hood, there was a 6.3-liter V8 engine with a fuel injection system. It offered a vast amount of torque, but, unfortunately, the hydraulic system used a big part of it. The automatic transmission provided the best comfort when it changed gears. But still, the car was not slow and could go over 200 kph (120 mph). The Pullman Landaulet was built in 59 units in three body versions: two with four doors and one with six doors.