1994 | Mercedes-Benz S 600 C

A very special 600 coupé with just 38k miles from new, finished in Pearl Grey with black leather.

In the early 90s this car was top of the tree, the most expensive Mercedes money could buy, costing well in excess of £100k, and the showcase for MB’s technical expertise. This was a car competing for the wallets of the wealthiest.

This car was my father’s for 7 years. We purchased it from Ivan Dutton the Bugatti specialist, who was the car’s second owner.

Sold new by SG Smith of Crystal Palace, the first owner was a lady who kept it until 2009. Dutton had the car until 2016.

When we purchased it, the car was immaculate with a very low mileage and was by far the best example we found in a long search. But it had suffered from the wiring harness failure these cars were known for, which had damaged the engine. Our task was to build a ‘fully sorted’ 600 Coupé, so we fitted a replacement engine (original comes with the car) and while it was out did everything that could possibly be done – replacing gaskets, wiring harnesses, refurbishing the throttle bodies. The transmission was fully overhauled at the same time. The tyres were all replaced. Last year we also did the other big job common to early W140s – air conditioning evaporator replacement.

So, the result of all this work on the right starting point, is a very well sorted car. The bodywork is superb, the underside is exceptional with not even any surface corrosion, the interior is immaculate and original. Even the wheels have never been refurbished and still retain their semi-polished sheen.

This is an incredible car to drive; so smooth, so refined and still remarkably rapid. Everything works as it should; the air conditioning is ice cold, the soft-close pulls the doors up tightly and the original Becker Mexico works perfectly.

The car comes with all its original books and manuals in the V12 embossed wallet, it still has the key box (rarely seen today) and even the Becker demonstration cassette. Full service history, including a full breakdown of all the work we have carried out.

A rare car and this must be best available.