Today, we go over not just a car, but a true piece of history! This 600 Pullman was ordered by and delivered new to music legend and cultural icon, John Lennon. He then sold the car to his fellow Beatle George Harrison, who owned it for a number of years before being purchased by Mary Wilson of The Supremes, how about that for provenance?
THJ: New Arrivals | John Lennon’s 1970 Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman
If there was ever a timeless status symbol vehicle, it would probably be the Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman limousine. A Pullman is a special vehicle in and of itself, but this one is even more incredibly so, thanks to the kind of celebrity pedigree car collectors can only dream of.
Mercedes-Benz built 304 units of the 4-door version of the 600 Pullman, also known as the W100, and only 39 of those were right-hand drive. That alone would suffice to make this white-on-black, fully restored unit a standout one and a highly desirable collectible, but there’s more to it. It comes with incredible celebrity pedigree, having been owned by three megastars slash music icons.
We mean that. “Iconic” is one of the most overused terms today, but there’s really no other way to describe the Beatles or The Supremes, and this Pullman limo was owned by two of the Beatles and one Supreme.
Ordered and delivered new in 1970 to John Lennon, it was in his ownership for a long time, during which he used it as his daily driver. When the Beatles split in late 1974, and Lennon and Yoko Ono decided to move Stateside, he sold the limo to former bandmate George Harrison.
According to the video presentation below, Harrison owned it “for a number of years,” but take that with a grain of salt because that number is “a couple.” Harrison sold the car off in 1975.
The third owner is just as iconic: Mary Wilson, one of the original and founding members of The Supremes, alongside Diana Ross. She bought it knowing that it had been Beatles property prior and kept it until 1989, when it was sold at auction at Christie’s.
Years later, the car ended back again with Mercedes-Benz, which performed a full restoration on it and used it in marketing materials. As of 2007, it is part of a private collection, and as of last month, it’s up for sale again. Price is listed as “on-demand,” as it befits such an automotive legend with deep ties within music royalty, but expect nothing less than six figures.
Chassis 001580 is described as “one of the most important” Mercedes Pullman limos ever produced, and it presents in excellent condition as well. It comes in the DB 050 spec, with all-white exterior over a black interior with black leather, plush black velour, and gray carpets and cream headliner for accent. Polished wood, including on the dashboard, adds an extra touch of sophistication to an already elegant interior.
The rear seats, separated from the driver’s cab by a privacy glass door, come with Lennon’s choice for entertainment instead of the rather standard bar: a Blaupunkt radio, a Pioneer tape recorder, and a Philips-Mignon record player – all of which can easily be replaced with a smartphone today but were the height of luxury back then. Several speakers allow whoever is inside to enjoy crisp audio quality. Also here, you get privacy curtains in the windows and reading lights.
Power comes from a 6332cc engine mated to an automatic transmission. Given the restoration with Mercedes and the fact that it’s been kept in a private collection afterward, this Pullman limo is in excellent condition.
