1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 Grosser Saloon

When Mercedes-Benz set out to build a rival for the title of the 'Best Car in the World' they succeeded admirably with the 600, a limousine dubbed the Grosser on account of its massive scale. The 600 was powered by a 6.3-litre V8 engine with 250 bhp and a handy 369 lb/ft of torque available, more than enough to push the Mercedes to indecent speeds and acceleration was surprisingly brisk for a car of this size and weight. Everything about the 600 was over-engineered, with powerful disc brakes all round, fully independent self-levelling suspension and refinements like power steering and a vacuum-operated central locking system on all four doors, bootlid and petrol cap. The 600 was one of the most advanced luxury cars of the era, with power windows, hydraulically operated adjustable front and rear seats, an adjustable steering wheel and two separate heating and ventilation systems. The 600 proved popular with heads of state, celebrities and royalty - famous owners included John Lennon, Elvis Presley, Prince Ranier of Monaco and Fidel Castro, not to mention the countless African dictators who favoured them. Launched in 1963, the Grosser remained in production for nearly two decades and a total of 2,190 short-wheelbase models were made of which 342 were right-hand drive. The 600 remains one of the most awe-inspiring and sought after Mercedes-Benz limousines ever made and good examples like the vehicle offered here are rarely offered publicly.