(610) 716-2331 1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647484950515253545556of56 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 Stock #: 154848 Exterior Color: Black Interior Color: Tan Body Type: Limousine Transmission: Automatic Drivetrain: RWD Fuel Type: Gasoline Mileage: 0 Title Condition: Clear -Chassis # 100.014-12-000165- Engine # 100.980-12-000159- 1 of just 304 ‘Four Door' Pullman Limousines produced, 1 of only 2 delivered new to China- Delivered new to China’s Foreign Minister and Shanghai Mayor, Chen Yi- Never restored and offered in incredibly original condition- Showing just 21,186 kilometers from from newThe car on offer here, a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB Pullman, Chassis #1001412000165 was first delivered to Automotive Limited Hong Kong, China on February 17th, 1965. This company was related to Zung Fu, the official Mercedes Benz dealer for Hong Kong and China, which was founded in 1938. Hong Kong was a thriving trading hub under the British rule in 1965 and China imported almost all its foreign goods through this port. The Grosser sold new to military commander, spokesman for Chairman Mao Zedong and one of the ten founding fathers of modern China- Chen Yi. When he moved to Paris in 1919, he met Deng Xiaoping, later to be regarded as the Architect of Modern China. Deng was working at the Renault factory’s labor union at the time. Returning to China in 1922, following his expulsion after participating in a mass protest, Chen joined the Communist Party. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the first Mayor of Shanghai in 1949. He was further promoted to Vice Premier in 1954 and ultimately became China’s Foreign Minister in 1958. He was one of the most prolific and well-traveled statesmen, often sporting a white suit and sunglasses during his visits abroad. His entrance to international politics is marked by his appearance on the cover of TIME Magazine (26 February 1965 Edition) under the headline “The Enemy in Asia – Red China’s Foreign Minister Chen Yi”.Upon its arrival in Hong Kong, Chen’s Grosser was immediately loaded onto a train destined for Shanghai. Once there, it was used by Chen Yi and reportedly also used by Mao Zedong during his visits to Shanghai. Cultural Revolution broke out just over a year later and Chen was accused of disloyalty and came under investigation in Feb 1967. His innocence was eventually proven and his position reinstated in 1969. Nonetheless, his Grosser fell into the hands of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of the “Big Four” state-owned Chinese Automakers. It remains a matter of debate on how this Grosser came into Chinese ownership in the first place. Was it a secret gift from the West Germany government as a good-faith gesture in opening trade talks? Or did the Chinese order it with the intention of conducting reverse engineering on one of the world’s most advanced automobiles at the time to help develop its own limousines?As the story goes, this car was reportedly used as a base for the design and manufacturing of Hongqi (literally translates as Red Flag, which was fitting, seeing as it had flags sticking out of the bonnet), China’s first luxury limousine used exclusively by high-ranking government officials. During the Cultural Revolution, the Grosser was put into long term storage until it was discovered in the 90s by Hans Luwich, a German engineer working for Volkswagen Shanghai (a SAIC subsidiary). Luwich acquired the car and exported it to Germany in 1993. It was featured in Germany’s leading motoring magazine Autobild. A collector in the Netherlands purchased the car from Luwich before the current owner’s acquisition in 2014. The current owner brought the car back to Hong Kong until its shipment to Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Los Angeles in the summer of 2018 where it received a full service.Today, the car remains in highly original, unrestored condition with light patina in all of the right places. The opportunity to own a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman is extremely rare, but one that comes with such a fascinating piece of history in Sino-German diplomacy is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.Please visit for many more photos and details. Worldwide shipping is available upon request. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @LBILimited #ClaimYourClassic. Vehicle Description -Chassis # 100.014-12-000165- Engine # 100.980-12-000159- 1 of just 304 ‘Four Door' Pullman Limousines produced, 1 of only 2 delivered new to China- Delivered new to China’s Foreign Minister and Shanghai Mayor, Chen Yi- Never restored and offered in incredibly original condition- Showing just 21,186 kilometers from from newThe car on offer here, a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 600 LWB Pullman, Chassis #1001412000165 was first delivered to Automotive Limited Hong Kong, China on February 17th, 1965. This company was related to Zung Fu, the official Mercedes Benz dealer for Hong Kong and China, which was founded in 1938. Hong Kong was a thriving trading hub under the British rule in 1965 and China imported almost all its foreign goods through this port. The Grosser sold new to military commander, spokesman for Chairman Mao Zedong and one of the ten founding fathers of modern China- Chen Yi. When he moved to Paris in 1919, he met Deng Xiaoping, later to be regarded as the Architect of Modern China. Deng was working at the Renault factory’s labor union at the time. Returning to China in 1922, following his expulsion after participating in a mass protest, Chen joined the Communist Party. He steadily rose through the ranks, becoming the first Mayor of Shanghai in 1949. He was further promoted to Vice Premier in 1954 and ultimately became China’s Foreign Minister in 1958. He was one of the most prolific and well-traveled statesmen, often sporting a white suit and sunglasses during his visits abroad. His entrance to international politics is marked by his appearance on the cover of TIME Magazine (26 February 1965 Edition) under the headline “The Enemy in Asia – Red China’s Foreign Minister Chen Yi”.Upon its arrival in Hong Kong, Chen’s Grosser was immediately loaded onto a train destined for Shanghai. Once there, it was used by Chen Yi and reportedly also used by Mao Zedong during his visits to Shanghai. Cultural Revolution broke out just over a year later and Chen was accused of disloyalty and came under investigation in Feb 1967. His innocence was eventually proven and his position reinstated in 1969. Nonetheless, his Grosser fell into the hands of Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC), one of the “Big Four” state-owned Chinese Automakers. It remains a matter of debate on how this Grosser came into Chinese ownership in the first place. Was it a secret gift from the West Germany government as a good-faith gesture in opening trade talks? Or did the Chinese order it with the intention of conducting reverse engineering on one of the world’s most advanced automobiles at the time to help develop its own limousines?As the story goes, this car was reportedly used as a base for the design and manufacturing of Hongqi (literally translates as Red Flag, which was fitting, seeing as it had flags sticking out of the bonnet), China’s first luxury limousine used exclusively by high-ranking government officials. During the Cultural Revolution, the Grosser was put into long term storage until it was discovered in the 90s by Hans Luwich, a German engineer working for Volkswagen Shanghai (a SAIC subsidiary). Luwich acquired the car and exported it to Germany in 1993. It was featured in Germany’s leading motoring magazine Autobild. A collector in the Netherlands purchased the car from Luwich before the current owner’s acquisition in 2014. The current owner brought the car back to Hong Kong until its shipment to Mercedes-Benz Classic Center in Los Angeles in the summer of 2018 where it received a full service.Today, the car remains in highly original, unrestored condition with light patina in all of the right places. The opportunity to own a Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman is extremely rare, but one that comes with such a fascinating piece of history in Sino-German diplomacy is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.Please visit for many more photos and details. Worldwide shipping is available upon request. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook @LBILimited #ClaimYourClassic. Vehicle Warranty Vehicle Does Not Have An Existing Warranty and is being Sold AS-IS. About LBI Limited Built from the ground up: Backed by passion for all things petrol since 2009. From our humble beginnings with a single car housed in a friend’s garage to sales surpassing 600 special examples and counting, LBI Limited has become a predominant force in the collector automobile industry by advising our clients on an enthusiast basis coupled with alternative investment market knowledge for a purchase that is both enjoyable and sensible. Recognized as the ultimate advocate for creative automotive content marketing, up-to-date collector car market analysis, and a full-disclosure sales process, LBI Limited will continue to set industry standards as the market moves into the next generation. As LBI Limited’s growth achieves new heights, so does our accessibility. In 2017, LBI Limited is proud to announce the opening of our Metro Detroit, Michigan location which will be headed by the newest partner & specialist, Keith Koscak, previously with RM Sotheby’s. LBI Limited's metro Detroit office will serve as a staple resource for collectors in the Midwest and beyond. Whether it be the acquisition or sale of a limited production European classic, a contemporary supercar, or a brass-era car to make the 60-mile journey from London to Brighton; LBI Limited is the definitive answer. Built from the ground up: Backed by passion for all things petrol since 2009. From our humble beginnings with a single car housed in a friend’s garage to sales surpassing 600 special examples and counting, LBI Limited has become a predominant force in the collector automobile industry by advising our clients on an enthusiast basis coupled with alternative investment market knowledge for a purchase that is both enjoyable and sensible. Recognized as the ultimate advocate for creative automotive content marketing, up-to-date collector car market analysis, and a full-disclosure sales process, LBI Limited will continue to set industry standards as the market moves into the next generation. As LBI Limited’s growth achieves new heights, so does our accessibility. In 2017, LBI Limited is proud to announce the opening of our Metro Detroit, Michigan location which will be headed by the newest partner & specialist, Keith Koscak, previously with RM Sotheby’s. LBI Limited's metro Detroit office will serve as a staple resource for collectors in the Midwest and beyond. Whether it be the acquisition or sale of a limited production European classic, a contemporary supercar, or a brass-era car to make the 60-mile journey from London to Brighton; LBI Limited is the definitive answer. Contact us for more details (610) 716-2331 Terms and Conditions Payment Options We accept the following payment methods: - Cashier's Check/money order- Cash (in person) Vehicle Pickup & Shipping All shipping charges are buyer's responsibility. Finance, Warranty, Shipping question? Call the dealer at (610) 716-2331 General Terms Notice to Bidders: All of the vehicles we list on eBay are for sale locally. We reserve the right to end an auction early. Deposit: We require a non-refundable $500 deposit within 24 hours of winning the auction. Please call to make arrangements for payment. Payment: Wire transfer is preferred method of payment. We will also accept certified checks or cash. All sales transactions must be completed within 3 calendar days of auction close. Prices subject to change without notice and do not include Title, License, Registration Fees, State or Local Taxes or Processing Fees, if any. Please contact seller first for vehicle availability. Although every effort is made to present accurate and reliable information, use of this information is voluntary, and should only be deemed reliable after an independent review of its accuracy, completeness, and timeliness. It is the sole responsibility of the customer to verify the existence of options, accessories and the vehicle condition before time of sale. Any and all differences must be addressed prior to time of sale. No expressed or implied warranties, including the availability or condition of the equipment listed is made. EPA mileage estimates for comparison purposes only. Actual mileage may vary depending on driving conditions, driving habits, and vehicle maintenance. Fees and Taxes Sales tax, title, license fee, registration fee, dealer documentary fee, finance charges, emission testing fees, and compliance fees are additional to the advertised price. Vehicle is listed locally, we reserve the right to end the auction at any time. |