The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet occupies a singular position in automotive history: a car engineered without compromise for heads of state, royalty and those who demanded the absolute pinnacle of mid-century luxury motoring. This 1:18 scale model by CMC (Classic Model Cars) captures the 1972 example in Gold Metallic — a finish consistent with the bespoke individual orders that distinguished the W100 programme from any other production car of its era. The Landaulet body style, rarest of all 600 variants, adds a further layer of historical significance.
A 6.3-Litre Engineering Landmark in Long Wheelbase
The W100 600 Pullman measured 6,240 mm in length — a figure that underscores the sheer scale of Mercedes-Benz's ambition when the car entered production in 1963. Power came from the M100 6.3-litre V8, a 6,332 cc unit with single overhead camshaft per bank and Bosch mechanical fuel injection producing approximately 250 hp (DIN). The same engine family later found its way into the 300SEL 6.3. Beyond the powertrain, the 600 deployed a fully hydraulic ancillary system — windows, sunroof, seats and boot lid all operated from a dedicated hydraulic circuit, a level of complexity unmatched in series production at the time.
The Landaulet Configuration and Its Place in the 600's Story
Of the 2,677 W100 units built across the 1963–1981 production run, the Pullman Landaulet was the most exclusive body style: a fixed roof over the front compartment combined with an electrically operated folding soft-top section above the rear passengers — offering open-air travel without exposing the chauffeur. This configuration was a favoured choice among heads of government and royalty, with documented owners including Emperor Hirohito and Nicolae Ceaușescu. The Gold Metallic finish on this 1972 car reflects the W100's extensive special-order programme, through which each client could specify a colour entirely their own.
CMC's 1:18 Scale Model: Die-Cast, Photo-Etched and Fabric
CMC constructs this model from die-cast metal complemented by photo-etched detail parts and fabric components — the soft-top material being the most immediately striking of the latter. The bonnet, all passenger doors and boot lid open, and the Landaulet soft-top itself is fully poseable, allowing display in either the closed or open position. CMC's W100 releases are characterised by part counts running into the hundreds, reflecting the engineering complexity of the real car. The Gold Metallic livery is rendered across the full long-wheelbase Pullman body, with interior and exterior trim detailed accordingly.
Frequently asked questions
What body style is the Landaulet, and how does it differ from the standard Pullman?
The Landaulet has a fixed roof over the front passenger and driver compartment and a folding soft-top section above the rear passenger area only. The standard Pullman Limousine has a fixed roof throughout. The Landaulet was the most exclusive — and rarest — body style in the entire 600 range.
Does the CMC model have opening parts?
Yes. The bonnet, all passenger doors and the boot lid open. The Landaulet soft-top is also operable and can be posed in either the open or closed position.
How many Mercedes-Benz 600s were built?
Total W100 production across all body styles was 2,677 units, built between 1963 and 1981. The Pullman Landaulet is among the rarest configurations within that total.
What engine does the real Mercedes-Benz 600 use?
The M100 6.3-litre V8, a 6,332 cc unit with Bosch mechanical fuel injection producing approximately 250 hp (DIN). The same engine family was also used in the Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3.
