1974 Mercedes Benz 600 SWB | 2M HKD "FIRM"
- Classic Insider Exclusive
- Aug 13
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 18
The Last Mechanical Monarch
"The automotive equivalent of Monaco – a quantum leap that redefines opulence"– Classic & Sports Car
Conceived to reclaim Mercedes' prestige throne, the W100 "Grosser" reigned from 1963-1981 as the world's most technologically advanced luxury sedan. This 1974 SWB represents the ultimate owner-driver iteration – a rolling engineering manifesto featuring 47 hydraulic circuits, self-leveling air suspension, and the first-ever production V8 from Mercedes-Benz.
Why the SWB Grosser Commands Reverence
Rarity: One of 2190 SWB models globally (total production: 2,677)
Technical Marvel: Central hydraulic system powers windows, seats, doors, and boot
Performance: 6.3L M100 V8 (250 PS/369 Nm) achieves 0-100 km/h in 9.7 seconds
Historical Pedigree: Transported Popes, dictators, and industrial titans
THIS MOTOR CAR: An Honored Survivor
Provenance & Presentation
Factory Specification: Obsidian Black / Black Leather RHD | Hydraulic partition
Delivery: First registered in United Kingdom (1974)
History: Hong Kong residency in 2017
Mileage: 48,343 miles
Year: 1974
Body: 4 Doors Sedan with Partition
Exterior: Black
Interior: Black
Driver's Side: RHD
Transmission: Automatic
Indicated Mileage: 48,343 Miles
First Registration Location: UK
Registration: Hong Kong Registered in 2017 with 3 previous owners. Road Tax valid
Classic Insider Condition Assessment
EXTERIOR (78/100): Original paint with period-consistent patina on chrome
INTERIOR (82/100): Intact leather with light wear on driver's bolsters
MECHANICAL (90/100): Expertly sorted hydraulic systems
Classic Insider Score: 83/100
WHY THIS GROSSER TRANSCENDS TIME
✅ SWB Rarity: Most desirable owner-driver configuration
✅ Mechanical Resurrection: HK$700,000+ invested in critical systems
✅ Historical Integrity: Unmodified, matching-numbers V8
✅ Operational Readiness: Recently rebuilt drivetrain (2025)
✅ Provenance: UK-delivered, Hong Kong-maintained since 2017
Classic Insider Score: 83/100
"A historically significant engineering artifact – mechanically rejuvenated while preserving its patinated majesty."
SERVICE & MAINTENANCE
ENGINEERING STEWARDSHIP: HK$700,000+ Documented Investment
Summary: Specialist-Exclusive Care
This 1974 Mercedes-Benz 600 SWB has received exceptional, no-expense-spared maintenance at a specialist garage Yau Wing Motors (Hong Kong)
Preservation Philosophy
Mechanical Integrity: Critical systems (transmission, fuel injection, brakes) rebuilt multiple times with genuine/rebuilt parts.
Preservation Focus: Annual anti-rust treatments, comprehensive MOT preps, and low mileage (48,343 Miles over 50 years) indicate garage storage and limited use.
Investment: Over HKD 700,000 spent since 2017 alone, emphasizing preservation over cost.
Documentation: Complete records validate meticulous care, making this a museum-quality example of Mercedes' flagship classic.
Conclusion: A rare, investment-grade classic with unparalleled provenance. Ideal for collectors seeking a fully sorted, mechanically pristine 600 SWB.
Substantial Maintenance Highlights
Drivetrain Overhauls:
3x transmission rebuilds (2019, 2022, 2025)
Fuel injection system replacement (2018)
Suspension & Brakes:
Air suspension bag replacement (2021)
Complete brake caliper rebuild (2018)
Body & Preservation:
Annual anti-rust treatments
Exhaust system refurbishment (2022)
Electrical Systems:
Ignition/distributor rebuilds (2024)
Wiring harness repairs (2023)
Chronological Service Summary
2017
Work Done:
Repaired cigarette lighters in all four doors
Fixed central locking system (replaced air reservoir one-way valve and hoses)
Cost: HKD 9,918
2018
Work Done:
Major Brake Overhaul:
Rebuilt front brake calipers (4 sets)
Replaced genuine front brake pads
Bled hydraulic brake system
Repaired rear hydraulic cylinder leak (replaced piston/seals)
Cost: HKD 73,850
Work Done:
Fuel & Ignition System Rebuild:
Replaced fuel injection pump and 8 injectors (rebuilt units)
Replaced ignition coil, cleaned airflow meter and points
Cost: HKD 130,850
2019
Work Done:
Transmission Overhaul:
Replaced clutch packs, seals, and transmission oil
Repaired power steering pump and air suspension distributor
Cost: HKD 89,101
Work Done:
MOT preparation: Suspension/brake checks, rear height adjustment
Added refrigerant, straightened right-side skirt, applied anti-rust coating
Cost: HKD 8,045
2020
Work Done:
Door handle repair
Cost: HKD 500
MOT service: Brake/suspension checks, added refrigerant
Battery check, anti-rust treatment on right skirt
Cost: HKD 8,045
2021
Work Done:
Replaced starter battery (genuine Mercedes 100Ah)
Cost: HKD 2,350
Work Done:
Major Annual Service:
Replaced air suspension bags, distributor, and 5 tires (BF Goodrich whitewalls)
Ignition system service, hydraulic system checks
Cost: HKD 82,865
2022
Work Done:
Replaced radiator core, rear suspension bushings
A/C recharge, anti-rust coolant treatment
Cost: HKD 31,690
Work Done:
Transmission & Exhaust Overhaul:
Rebuilt torque converter, replaced transmission seals
Repaired exhaust system, undercoated chassis
Cost: HKD 68,200
2023–2025
2023: A/C system rebuild, hood latch sensor replacement (HKD 18,015)
2024: Ignition system overhaul, alternator service, A/C expansion valve (HKD 59,600)
2025: Full drivetrain rebuild - transmission, power steering pump, brake calipers, oil pan gasket (HKD 108,895)
Summary compiled from service invoices.
"Brimming with creature comforts on a grand scale, the 600 reigned as Mercedes' exclusive flagship for 18 years – a rolling sanctum of hydraulic wizardry."
AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY AT CLASSIC INSIDER
Viewing by private appointment for qualified collectors.
Contact Kenneth Wong
📱 +852 9013 2536 (WhatsApp/Call)
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