The simple fact that such a prolific car collector like Jay Leno describes the Mercedes-Benz 600 as his favorite car speaks volumes about the car.
A favorite of dictators, business magnates and celebrities around the world, the Mercedes-Benz 600 was built with no regard to costs. Powered by a 6.3-liter V8 producing 300, the Mercedes-Benz 600 had a top speed of 130 mph (210 km/h), which is impressive even today for a car weighing more than 3 tonnes (6,614 lbs).
Due to its complex hydraulics system that controls everything in the car, from the windows to the seats, sunroof and trunk, these cars are a pain to restore, but that was not a problem for Jay Leno, who found the best man for the job, Karl Middelhauve.
While he gave back the car’s majestic appearance, the restorer also increased the engine’s output to 525hp by fitting a supercharger and fuel injection. Scroll down to find out what it’s like to drive.