This large flagship limousine was introduced as Mercedes-Benz’s new top-of-the-line prestige car and became one of the most famous chauffeur-driven automobiles of the 20th century. It was unveiled at the 1963 Frankfurt motor show, with series production beginning in September 1964. The model was hand-built in Sindelfingen and positioned far above the regular passenger-car range, combining advanced engineering, exceptional comfort, and extensive custom-order possibilities for wealthy private buyers, heads of state, and other VIP clients.
From the start, it was offered in standard-wheelbase saloon and longer Pullman form, and Mercedes-Benz later expanded the range with special-protection versions, six-door Pullman variants, and Pullman Landaulet body styles. Its reputation rested not on performance figures alone, but on its engineering sophistication, presence, and the level of individualized equipment available from the factory.
The nameplate became an international symbol of executive luxury and ceremonial transport, and it remained in production for roughly 17 years before ending in 1981. Because it had a single continuous production run with no later revival under the same original nameplate, it is best treated as one historical generation of Mercedes-Benz’s classic grand limousine line.