Look up a list of famous figures who’ve owned a Mercedes-Benz 600, and you’ll end up down one of the most fascinating rabbit holes on the internet. Everyone who has owned one of these legendary luxury cars is a true globally recognised figure, although all known for very different reasons.
There are musicians – David Bowie, Elvis Presley, Eric Clapton, even three of The Beatles. TV personalities and noted car enthusiasts Jay Leno and Jeremy Clarkson are also on the list. So too are actors Jack Nicholson and Rowan Atkinson, along with fashion icon Coco Chanel. Even two highly notable Aussies in Bob Jane and Frank Packer are in the club.
And then when you scroll a bit further down past the ‘celebrity’ section, you’ll find a list of politicians… some of whom are more controversial than others. Undeniably, the Mercedes-Benz 600 is a car you’ll want to keep your eyes on closely to see just who emerges from the back seat.
Better known by the ‘Grosser’ nickname, translating to ‘grand’ or ‘large’ in English, the 600 was Merc’s undeniable flagship when it launched in 1963. Although kept in production for 18 years, only 2677 examples were built. Most were short wheelbase limousines, but a long wheelbase version and even a lavish landaulet were among the options.
The car you see here – a 1971 short wheelbase model originally delivered new to the US – is one of the cars starring in RR Auctions’ March 2026 sale. Before the hammer falls on Wednesday 25th, we had a chance to get behind the wheel on the streets of Sydney to live like a celebrity, even if only for an afternoon.
Measuring in at just under 5.6 metres long in standard guise, while lengthened ‘Pullman’ versions measure over 6.3 metres, to simply call the 600’s presence imposing would be an understatement.
Mind you, this luxurious example being finished in a resplendent silver teamed with a stunning blue leather interior classes it up compared to more menacing examples painted darker hues.
Powering all 600 variants is the 6.3-litre ‘M100’ V8 engine delivering 184kW (250hp), although the engine isn’t actually the star of the show when it comes to the Grosser’s oily bits.
That would be the ‘comfort hydraulic system’, developed by Bosch in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz specifically for this car, which uses an immensely complex system filled with pressurised hydraulic fluid to operate just about everything from the windows to the even seat adjusters.
While electronics have obviously become today’s standard for such features, it’s impressive just how advanced this car was for a design that emerged in the ’60s. There’s even a functional fridge in the centre console, complete with factory-fitted shot glasses and a flask.
But while modern luxury cars aim to deliver gadgets galore, featuring more screens than the electronics section of your local department store, what you’ll find here is a more idyllic version of luxury. These beautifully cushioned seats are the most comfortable we’ve ever encountered including many a posh sofa, while the big slabs of wood drill home the fact that this is classic luxury at its finest.
When you get behind the wheel and look out over that long bonnet at the famous three-pointed star stood proud up front, it quickly becomes clear why this car was never dubbed ‘Winzig’.
You could practically land a commercial jet on that long bonnet, while the sheer road presence it has is enough to inflate your ego like helium in a balloon.
Yet from behind the wheel, it couldn’t be an easier car to drive. The steering is unbelievably light to turn, yet it’s still informative and responsive. The air suspension is unbelievably plush and irons our road kinks with aplomb, yet not overly isolating.
The engine itself feels strong, rather than simply powerful, but it pulls confidently and smoothly. Even the four-speed automatic transmission feels surprisingly direct and not at all lethargic.
If you’re searching for the pinnacle of classic automotive luxury, the Mercedes-Benz 600 ‘Grosser’ simply has to be it. From the styling to the dimensions, and the road feel to its sheer prestige, everything about this car is simply summarised perfectly by one word: immense.
If you’d like to add your name to the list of famous Mercedes 600 owners, head to RRAuctions.com.au where you’ll find this one among the other incredible listings in our curated timed sales.
