Elvis Presley's Benz Limo Up For Sale!

                                       Elvis Presley's 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Saloon Limousine
Registration no. 10001212001469
Chassis no. 10098012001547
Estimate: £150,000 - 200,000

Footnote:'In an age when flaunting your wealth wasn't a crime, the 600 was the automotive equivalent of Monaco. It's a masterpiece of engineering, a quantum leap over its opposition, and redefines the word opulence.' - Classic & Sportscar magazine.
By the commencement of the 1960s, Mercedes-Benz's ever-expanding model range was lacking in only one department: a super prestige saloon to rival the Grosser Mercedes of the past. This gap was filled in September 1963 with the appearance at the Frankfurt International Motor Show of the all-new 600. Representing state-of-the-art automotive engineering in just about every department, the supremely well-equipped newcomer featured an overhead-camshaft, fuel-injected, 6.3-litre V8 engine - Mercedes' first - air suspension with variable ride control, four-speed automatic transmission, all-round disc brakes, power-assisted steering, central locking and separate air conditioning systems for front and rear compartments. Its cosseted occupants enjoyed the advantages conferred by multi-way adjustable seating powered by a sophisticated system of hydraulics that also operated the windows and assisted in opening/closing the doors and boot lid.
The most popular version was the 3,200mm (10' 6") wheelbase saloon that could seat up to six passengers, while the long-wheelbase Pullman limousine - a veritable leviathan exceeding 20' in length and beloved of Heads of State, not to mention a succession of Popes - could accommodate up to eight. Despite its not inconsiderable weight, the 600 was endowed with highly respectable performance, reaching 60mph in a little under 10 seconds and exceeding 125mph flat out.
One of 2,190 saloon limousines built on the shorter wheelbase between 1963 and 1981, this example of Mercedes-Benz's luxury flagship was delivered new in the USA and is understood to be one of two obtained by Elvis Presley within a few months of each other: one being kept in California and the other in Memphis, Tennessee. The bill of sale for this particular car shows that it was delivered new to Mercedes-Benz dealer Robertson Motors in Memphis, Tennessee while the accompanying automobile registration card records it as registered to Elvis Aaron Presley, 1174 Hillcrest Road (later 144 Monovale Drive), Beverley Hills, California on the registration plate '650 CNT', which is in the history file.
At the time he took delivery of the Mercedes-Benz, Elvis was in the process of rebuilding his career, for some years in the doldrums, a process that had commenced with his 'Comeback Special' television show of December 1968. NBC's highest-rated show of the season, it was an outstanding success and the singer followed it up with the critically acclaimed album, 'From Elvis in Memphis', released in the summer of 1969. Keen to resume live performing, he commenced a series of engagements at the newly opened International Hotel in Las Vegas that same year, which continued until his tragic death in August 1977.
Following Elvis' death, the 600 went back to Robertson Motors, who requested a letter from Mercedes-Benz of North America confirming the previous ownership. Contained within the history file, this document states: 'Your Grand Mercedes 600 was originally leased by Elvis Presley from his dealer Robertson Motors, Memphis, Tennessee.' The police tracking device and radio were removed, the receipt for this work being on file.
Also contained within the file is a workshop manual; spare parts books; original owners manual; maintenance booklet, unstamped and in original condition; an original advertising brochure for the 600 SWB; two registration plates: '650 CNT' and '1 ELVIS'; and other documentation concerning the car. The photograph of Elvis getting into the car, reproduced here in the catalogue, is in the file also.
The current vendor bought the Mercedes-Benz from Robertson Motors and imported it into the UK in 2005, since when it has been looked after by Bob Empson, of Cambridge. After purchase the car received a bare metal re-spray by Peterborough Painters, the bumpers being re-chromed and the wheels repainted at around the same time. The interior has been well looked after and remains original. In addition to the aforementioned documentation the car comes with USA and UK maintenance bills, two expired MoT certificates, Swansea V5C registration document and MoT to August 2011.
Cars once owned by Elvis Presley are rarely offered for sale on the open market and thus this imposing Mercedes-Benz 600 represents a wonderful opportunity to acquire an iconic automobile associated with one of the 20th Century's most popular recording artists.

Auction takes place December 6, 2010 @ Mercedes Benz World, Brooklands. 10 AM.