1967 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB

VIN: 10001212000724.

This 1967-model-year LHD auto Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB was delivered new in 1966 to its first owner - H.R.H. Prince Fahed of Saudi Arabia.

It was purchased for the vendor’s collection of static display cars in, we think, 2006, when the vendor requested and was sent a certificate of authenticity by Mercedes-Benz Classic (see documents section).

A note on the windscreen asserts that the car’s mileage was 68,161 kms in 1999.

Today, 24 years later, the odometer reads 68,191 kms.

We haven’t started or driven the car, so we don’t know if the pneumatic suspension will rise. It is currently down, as you can see from the photographs.

The car comes with no history or certification beyond some records supplied by Mercedes-Benz Classic.

None of the paperwork shown represents any kind of licencing or registration documentation.

As we haven’t started or driven the car, our assessment of it is made purely on the grounds of its appearance.

This car is offered from outside of the European Union. It has been imported under temporary admission customs bond and is therefore subject to Dutch import tax (9%) on top of the winning bid price. Cars less than 30 years old will pay 10% Dutch import tax plus 21% VAT on the hammer. If exporting immediately to another country, then tax/duty will only be paid in that country.

The winning bidder will pay €500 customs charge on top of the ‘hammer’ price.

The winning bidder will receive a receipt for the final hammer value, as their proof of purchase.

This vehicle has been on static display in the Middle East for a number of years and the only history or paperwork available is displayed in the photo gallery. In all cases the papers shown are photocopies unless otherwise stated. We do not have the original paperwork.

Unless otherwise stated, we have not tried to start or drive the car and cannot vouch for its mechanical viability or functionality. The car is not registered anywhere.

It will require recommissioning prior to road use and is sold ‘as seen’.

As CARS Europe BV is the guarantor of all customs duties and taxes for vehicles within Dutch customs bond, the car cannot be released until full payment received.

All storage charges (€30 + local VAT per day commencing from the sixth day following the auction end) must be paid in full prior to the vehicle’s collection or onward transportation. Collection and viewings are strictly by appointment only.

Please send an email to the storage centre to ensure vehicle(s) are ready at time of collection. Photographic ID will be required at time of collection. If a third party is collecting for you, then written authorisation is required in advance from you and photographic ID of the third party is required at the time of collection.

CARS Europe BV will contact you after the balance payment is received to confirm onward transport requirements. For enquiries about import tax and shipping contact Madam Joanna Herlihy, +31 (0) 252 682 526, +44 7483 433912, joanna@carseurope.net.

The car’s bodywork is reasonable, with one notable exception: none of the doors sits entirely flush with the surrounding bodywork.

There is a small dent and several scuffs and scrapes on the driver’s-side rear wing.

In general, the ‘Bronze Brown Metallic’ paint still looks pretty good and adds to the striking presence of this magnificent vehicle.

The chrome is not overly foxed or pitted anywhere, but there are some scuffs and dinks on the bumpers and one hub cap is tarnished.

There is some flat, discoloured paint on the roof that looks as if it may be the result of some sort of spillage.

The rubber trim underneath the chrome strip along both sills has deteriorated and begun to liquefy and turn oily.

When new, the upholstery was ‘Velours Grey Beige’.

Today, it is red and grey.

It’s also in excellent condition and there are few indicators of wear or use to see.

The incline/recline mechanism, however, is malfunctioning on both front seats.

The headlining, while intact and free of any rips or tears, is stained and a little baggy in places.

The door cards, carpets and mats are in in decent order.

So, too are the car’s numerous wooden inserts and features, although there are a few minor scuffs in evidence here and there.

The trim beneath the steering wheel is partially detached and the rear screen curtain rail has separated from the wooden trim above it.

The trim underneath the glove compartment, which contains a copy of the owner’s manual, is coming away.

The rubber on top of the kick plates has become oily and started to liquefy and disintegrate.

The boot is OK, but the lid is currently refusing to stay up.

We can’t make any claims about the full functionality of switches, knobs, levers, toggles, buttons, dials, or other electrics as we haven’t started or driven the car.

Everything in the very full engine bay seems to be straight, present and correct.

The car’s undersides look to have a good deal of structural integrity as far as we can see.

Unless otherwise stated, this car comes with no history or service records beyond whatever photocopied documents are shown in the gallery.

No documents shown in the gallery in any way constitute any kind of licensing or registration certification.

It must be registered in the country of your choice and you will need to contact the appropriate vehicle licensing agency for instructions on how to do this.

This Mercedes-Benz 600 ‘Grosser’ is a fine example of the design integrity and uncompromising attention to detail that made these cars the height of luxury and the pinnacle of automotive engineering at the time.

We think it is in good overall order - provided, of course, that the engine, electrics and mechanicals are amenable to recommissioning and as strong as the rest of it.

Viewing is always encouraged, and this particular car is located in a bonded warehouse near Amsterdam. To arrange an appointment please use the Contact Seller button at the top of the listing. Feel free to ask any questions or make observations in the comments section below, or try our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’.