One to Buy: the ex-John Lennon / George Harrison 1970 Mercedes-Benz W100 600 Pullman
For much of the 1960s and 70s, those industrialists, heads of state and entertainers that wanted an equally grand but more contemporary mode of transport than a Rolls-Royce Phantom only really had one option: a Mercedes-Benz 600.
Available in standard Saloon, long wheelbase Pullman, six-door Pullman and open Landaulet trim (the latter in both four and six-door trim), the 600 quickly became the car of choice for tycoons, celebrities, politicians and royalty.
Accordingly, despite a remarkably high price, Mercedes ultimately completed 2677 examples of the 600 between 1964 and 1981. Of these, 2190 were standard Saloons, 304 were four-door Pullmans, 124 were six-door Pullmans, 33 were four-door Landaulets and 26 were six-door Landaulets (nine of which featured an extended Presidential-type roof).
Despite a roster of famous owners most likely unequalled by any other vehicle in history, one Mercedes-Benz 600 stands head and shoulders above the rest: John Lennon’s four-door Pullman.
Ordered by The Beatles front man in late 1969 and delivered during February 1970, chassis 001580 was configured in Lennon’s preferred colour scheme of white with black velvet upholstery, matching carpet, front and rear Becker Grand Prix radios and a Philips Mignon EP record player.
The spectacular Mercedes would be the last high end car purchased by Lennon who, in September 1971, moved to New York City with his wife, Yoko Ono. At this point, chassis 001580 passed to fellow 600 owner and lead guitarist of The Beatles, George Harrison.
During the 1990s, Mercedes-Benz themselves carried out an exacting restoration of this most significant machine which is today on offer at the Tom Hartley Jnr. showroom in Ashby-de-la-Zouch, Leicestershire.
Reprinted below is Tom Hartley Jnr.’s description:
The Mercedes-Benz 600 is one of the most iconic saloons ever produced. Incredibly popular with celebrities and heads of state alike, it is a masterpiece of engineering and opulence.
Chassis 001580 is a rare right-hand drive four-door 600 Pullman and it is surely the most important 600 ever built. It was ordered and owned new by music legend and cultural icon, John Lennon and was equipped with a whole host of extras befitting one of the greatest music stars of all time.
While many Pullmans were furnished with trivial items such as a bar, Mr Lennon opted for features that helped provide a haven for his creativity. These included a Blaupunkt radio, Pioneer tape recorder, a Philips-Mignon record player and a number of speakers.
The chosen colour was DB 050, which is the understated yet elegant option of white and the interior was trimmed in a luxurious mixture of smooth plush back velour with black leather panelling, grey carpets and a cream headlining.
In the early 1970s, John Lennon moved to the United States and the Pullman was sold to fellow Beatle George Harrison. The car was then purchased from George Harrison by Mary Wilson of The Supremes and she used it while on tour in both the US and the UK. It stayed in her ownership for almost 15 years.
The car was completely restored by Mercedes-Benz themselves in the 1990s and presents exceptionally well throughout.
