Of all the configurations in which the Mercedes-Benz 600 was delivered between 1963 and 1981, the Pullman Landaulet stood apart. The combination of a fixed front roof and a retractable fabric section over the rear compartment gave heads of state, monarchs and dignitaries the option of being seen in open-air ceremony without sacrificing the car's characteristic enclosure. CMC's 1:18 die-cast reproduction commits that distinction to metal and fabric at a level of fidelity that makes it one of the defining pieces in W100 collecting.
The Grosser Mercedes: Engineering as Statecraft
The W100 600 was produced over an 18-year run, with a total of 2,677 units built across all body variants — standard short-wheelbase saloon, Pullman, Pullman Landaulet, and full Cabriolet. The Landaulet was among the rarest of these. Under the bonnet sat the M100 6.3-litre V8, producing approximately 250 hp (DIN) via Bosch fuel injection, and the car deployed a sophisticated air/hydraulic system to operate its windows, seats, sunroof, and doors — engineering that was extraordinary even by the standards of the era.
Landaulet Bodywork and the Protocol of Procession
The Pullman Landaulet's defining feature — the retractable rear soft-top — was not a concession to open-air leisure but a tool of political theatre. With the roof folded, rear passengers could acknowledge crowds during official processions, a requirement central to state ceremonial. Pope Paul VI, Emperor Hirohito, and numerous presidents and monarchs used the 600 Pullman Landaulet for precisely this purpose. Blue was a relatively uncommon exterior finish compared to the more prevalent black, giving this particular colour variant a distinct character within the W100 family.
CMC's Die-Cast Interpretation at 1:18
CMC (Classic Model Cars) built their reputation on high-fidelity die-cast reproductions where functional features mirror those of the real car. On this model, that means opening doors, an opening boot, and a retractable Landaulet soft-top — all confirmed for this release. The interior replicates individual rear seats and wood trim details that defined the W100's cabin, reflecting the same ambition for mechanical authenticity that CMC applied to the original car's air/hydraulic complexity.
Frequently asked questions
What body style makes the W100 Pullman Landaulet different from the standard 600?
The Landaulet combines a fixed hard roof over the front section with a retractable fabric roof over the rear passenger compartment, allowing the rear to be opened for official processions while the front remains enclosed.
Who used the real Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet?
Prominent users included Pope Paul VI, Emperor Hirohito, and various heads of state and monarchs worldwide. The open rear section was used during state processions so passengers could be seen by crowds.
Does this CMC model have opening parts?
Yes. The model features opening doors, an opening boot, and a retractable Landaulet soft-top, along with a detailed interior including individual rear seats and wood trim.
How many W100 600 units were produced?
A total of 2,677 units were built across all W100 variants between 1963 and 1981. The Pullman Landaulet was one of the rarest body styles within that production run.
