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Snapshot, 1960s: The Mercedes-Benz 600 draws a crowd wherever it goes

While most people are used to seeing the Grosser limousine from a distance as it transports the world’s most notorious heads of state in parades and processions, the house staff at this modern mansion is getting up close and personal with the most luxurious and imposing vehicle on the planet…

Bigger than most studio apartments in New York City or London, the Mercedes-Benz 600 is the only cost-no-object production Mercedes ever built — and to call it impressive is an understatement. Designed by Paul Bracq, the Pullman version features two additional rear-facing seats separated from the driver compartment by a power divider window; Mercedes’ largest engine yet; a hydraulic pressure system that powers the windows, seats, sunroof, boot lid, and automatically closing doors; and whatever else the owner wishes. Not to mention, the three-pointed-star hood ornament and trunk badges are roughly 20% bigger than the hood ornament fitted to other Mercedes-Benzes — they do say bigger is better…

Photo: Tom Kelley Archive via Getty Images