Mercedes Fundraising
March 13th 2008 07:46
What can YOU do?!
Approached to help raise funds for a Sydney childrens hospital (Westmead Childrens) I was asked to help promote in any way, so I have donated the car and myself as driver for a day or more if they wish.
The car is the model '600' built in 1965 and designated 'w100'. Some know them as the "Grosser" but this was never recognised by the factory as it only means 'big' or 'bigger'!
The car was first seen at the 1963 'London Motor Show' and created a lot of interest from Movie stars, Sheiks, heads of state and the wealthy in general. Since it was approximately 1k pounds more expensive (in the 'Pullman' LWB form) than the top LWB Rolls Royce of the day, you certainly needed to be well heeled to place an order and take delivery!
The management of the day wanted this car to overshadow the Rolls and they succeeded in many ways.
One of the major components of this vehicles exclusivity was the hydraulic system.
This high pressure system powered the windows, door closing, multi position front seats, rear seat, bootlid (or trunk lid), firm or soft shock absorber settings and the various flaps for the manual climate control, all with minimal effort from the 'High worth' individuals fingertips.
Some of the short wheelbase (SWB) and all of the long wheelbase (LWB) had the dividing window between occupants and driver, which was also hydraulic as were the sunroof(s) if fitted. The (LWB) cars and Landaulets (convertible top for the passengers) were certainly oppulant and many featured T.Vs', cocktail cabinets, early radio type telephones and the odd special compartments for your special interest or defense.
With special pull-out seats for your security in the middle you could also order the car 'armoured' with all panels and the glass many times heavier than the standard unit.
This car in standard trim (SWB) was 2.5 Tonnes and (LWB) gave it another .5 Tonne (approx) then the armoured car was well in excess of 4 Tonne!
Of course with the big 6.3 litre V8, four speed auto and all the personnel that could be carried it had to have and does have good brakes. With four wheel discs and twin calipers on each front disc this car was never lacking sure footed stopping power!
With a fuel crisis and various regulations relating to emissions the orders dwindled.
Production of this vehicle ended in 1981 and with only 2.650 (approx) built it was sure to be a classic.
Today they are treasured and increase in value every year.
The '600' paved the way for Mercedes in many ways not only as their first production V8 but they showed they could build something 'over the top' showcasing their talents!
RKW
Approached to help raise funds for a Sydney childrens hospital (Westmead Childrens) I was asked to help promote in any way, so I have donated the car and myself as driver for a day or more if they wish.
The car is the model '600' built in 1965 and designated 'w100'. Some know them as the "Grosser" but this was never recognised by the factory as it only means 'big' or 'bigger'!
The car was first seen at the 1963 'London Motor Show' and created a lot of interest from Movie stars, Sheiks, heads of state and the wealthy in general. Since it was approximately 1k pounds more expensive (in the 'Pullman' LWB form) than the top LWB Rolls Royce of the day, you certainly needed to be well heeled to place an order and take delivery!
One of the major components of this vehicles exclusivity was the hydraulic system.
This high pressure system powered the windows, door closing, multi position front seats, rear seat, bootlid (or trunk lid), firm or soft shock absorber settings and the various flaps for the manual climate control, all with minimal effort from the 'High worth' individuals fingertips.
Some of the short wheelbase (SWB) and all of the long wheelbase (LWB) had the dividing window between occupants and driver, which was also hydraulic as were the sunroof(s) if fitted. The (LWB) cars and Landaulets (convertible top for the passengers) were certainly oppulant and many featured T.Vs', cocktail cabinets, early radio type telephones and the odd special compartments for your special interest or defense.
With special pull-out seats for your security in the middle you could also order the car 'armoured' with all panels and the glass many times heavier than the standard unit.
This car in standard trim (SWB) was 2.5 Tonnes and (LWB) gave it another .5 Tonne (approx) then the armoured car was well in excess of 4 Tonne!
Of course with the big 6.3 litre V8, four speed auto and all the personnel that could be carried it had to have and does have good brakes. With four wheel discs and twin calipers on each front disc this car was never lacking sure footed stopping power!
With a fuel crisis and various regulations relating to emissions the orders dwindled.
Production of this vehicle ended in 1981 and with only 2.650 (approx) built it was sure to be a classic.
Today they are treasured and increase in value every year.
The '600' paved the way for Mercedes in many ways not only as their first production V8 but they showed they could build something 'over the top' showcasing their talents!
RKW
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