1972 Mercedes-Benz 600 Kompressor - Jay Leno's Garage

[@cartercombs]

Am I the only one that think the sound of these doors opening and closing is just amazing? They just don't make cars like this anymore. Thanks for sharing with us Jay!

[@onlyoneamong300]

Oh! I do love that sound as well! It says sturdiness and power!

[@GeneMacGreyFan]

This car is just timeless. The design, the quality, the features. Just everything so perfect

[@nilsberger9524]

Yes, and it was constructed regardless of any costs or interest in any profit. Just to construct the best car in the world. And looking back I allow myself to say, it still is today.

[@eight-cloudspurple5871]

Its almost as timeless as the gigantic statue of the owner in the capital square of his country.

[@HandsomeMoose]

Yes. I need that car. That car and a small Latin American country.

[@topi7743]

Stealth same here man :D

[@Alvaricokemaureira]

Stealth don't forget the Rolex

[@Schcarraffone]

Stealth would Italy also fit? Berlusconi had one I think and he even put a earth globe to play with in the luggage I think

[@DeathBringer769]

Go boot up a copy of one of the Tropico games to get in the mood, lol.

[@lorenzo_br5803]

My people, my rules.

[@kissthesky40]

We had one growing up. Family road-trips to Door County were so fun. This car was so smooth we slept all the way home w the rear window cracked just enough to fan your face, and silent so the parents didn’t know you opened it. Good memories.

[@ZeroStriker426]

Up until now, I haven't come across a car that has matched the Mercedes 600 in terms of prestige, presence, attention to detail, craftsmanship, build and ride quality, and of course, complexity. I'm sure there are many other cars out there that were built with no regards to cost, but when done right, you'll get something amazing like this. It really is one of the greatest cars of all time.

[@williamclayman2734]

My mother and I had the great fortune to meet Jay about 15 years ago while he was hosting the Tonight Show. After the show, he greeted and chatted with anyone in the audience that wanted to say hello. My maternal grandfather had a very early model Cadillac, probably from the 20s that we asked Jay if he'd be interested in seeing or buying. He was just as genuine and engaging to us as you see in this video. He actually called my mother a few weeks later declining the offer, but just the fact that he called her was a sign of his great character. It's not surprising to me as a new MB owner, who loves his car, that Jay is as passionate about this legendary 600 as any enthusiast could ever be. Regardless of his wealth, he comes across as sincere and appreciative of a rare and wonderfully engineered masterpiece, and that is exactly the man that we met so many years ago!

[@timothydraper3687]

It was classy of him to ring and politely decline the offer.

[@rebel-yell9453]

I worked for a construction company as a summer job between semesters at college. The company was owned by a big time mafia kingpin. He rode in the back of a chauffeur driven Mercedes 600. Whenever he came around everyone took notice. It was an incredible machine.

[@Shiba_Inu_Des]

A repeat watch for me, as I'm always re-inspired by listening to Jay Leno talk about the GOAT Sedan, Grand 600. What a marvel of German engineering, truly a gem.

[@StephenRyder-w3q]

An uninformed, starry-eyed opinion - like the Tiger Tank, a loser - a maintenence nightmare of malfunction and expensive, time-consuming repair - a truly inferior, overpriced make-believe luxury car (any Buick 225 Park Avenue had FAR more luxurious and comfortable seats and just as much horsepower at 1 tenth the price

[@wadecahill6001]

This Is why I love this man, he speaks about his cars with so much compassion, this car is absolutely amazing, and expensive !!

[@threemobileone1371]

This man is either an idiot or very much uninformed.

[@joaquinfranco9012]

@@threemobileone1371 Jay is much better than a jealous idiot like you. He’d owned, driven and seen far more interesting cars than you.

[@emjackson2289]

As Clarkson said, anyone who owned a 600 almost always had access to an Air Force

[@ricenaturaldevelopmentplc6031]

Dear this car available for sale ?

[@jackchurchill3777]

@@ricenaturaldevelopmentplc6031 lmao, this car is worth at least 150k USD these days

[@tarikdzafic7590]

@@jackchurchill3777 150k?? Try closer to 3-400k

[@MkulimaBallerProductsKe]

😂😂 it's funny coz it's true

[@HesseJamez]

and might have also been one of the worst dirtbags on earth😄

[@suitcafe]

Hi Jay, I remember as a kid, my grandfather had a 1969 Navy 600 with grey mohair velour interior. Wearing shorts in the summer, sitting in the back, my legs were so scratchy. I remember cold air conditioning with chrome metal vents and ice popping out when it was set to high. As kids we were always told to keep our hands away from the windows because they were so quick to go up. The best noise was the horn. When my grandparents would visit he always pulled up and honked the strange horn. I also remember my grandfather complaining about the cost to fix anything, especially a window switch. He died in 2000 and my uncle took the car to Las Vegas where he lives. I have not seen it since.

[@williamluedtke7549]

.bigtits

[@Bobba8590]

Lol gay

[@chazzs4365]

Jay, you truly deserve this car because your passion is second to none and thanks again for sharing with the average folk, I continue to be impressed as always with your knowledge and willingness to share your vehicles with us!

[@antonmk1244]

He truly has massive knowledge, actually more than average auto journalist.

[@marklaw4435]

The first job I had after leaving school, the companies CEO had a Dark Blue Mercedes Benz Grand 600. The car was a giant, it made every other vehicle in the car park look like a Mini. The company had a double garage (extra long) built to keep/store it in during the Hot Summer days. In those times, CEO's had Chauffeurs, and this gent had one as well. I recall a few of us young guys, sneaking into the garage to cop a look at this engineering marvel.....The car really had presence. I recall use unanimously concluding that old Mr H had the best job, with the very best car...Ever....He even had a guy to wash it every day, and polish it weekly. That was mind boggling stuff for a couple of 16yr olds. The thing even came equipped with curtains for the rear and rear side windows, it did have a phone, which considering it being the late 60's was something amazing. All in all, it was just a really beautiful magnificent car, and I often wish I had had the money to buy it....As this guy only kept cars for 2 Years, what a waste.

[@kiwiblue9087]

had fun reading your comment, thanks for typing that out.

[@daleperkins3246]

Juke & Me n

[@AJ-go7tu]

You can buy one similar now can’t you? Or is this one of those super rare Mercedes benzes

[@NameSchema100]

___FetchMeTheirSouls___ FetchMeTheirSouls you can get a decent swb example for 100-150k Euros, lwb 400k and pullmann 1.4 million.

[@marvindebot3264]

The dark MB blue is THE colour for these.

[@jennifer86010]

1973, L.A. Jay and I were both struggling, writing comedy and doing stand-up at the Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip and the Improv down on Melrose Ave. I was driving a little Datsun B-210 and he was rolling around in his 1950's Buick Roadmaster. We would see plenty of these Mercedes 600 land yachts rolling around West L.A. and Beverly Hills, mostly owned by middle east oil money. All we could do is stare at those cars and drool with envy. Now Jay owns more cars than Ford and GM put together, his younger life's fantasy come true. Congratulations man, you deserve your success !

[@basehead617]

jennifer86010 really curious who you are! Fun times those must’ve been.

[@fosterfuchs]

My sister-in-law worked in a hotel in Maryland where Jay Leno stayed a few years ago. She said he is a genuinely nice guy. His success has not gotten into his head.

[@utapao74]

@@basehead617 I know Jennifer86010, used to work with her at Medieval Times in Kissimmee FL. She lives in a trailer park about a mile from the property. She was playing the part of the Queen when I was there. I'm, not sure if she's still working, she's gotta be in her mid 60s now. I wouldn't pay too much attention to the Jay story, she can spins some doozies.

[@basehead617]

ROFL

[@utapao74]

@@basehead617 I try my best, hope Jennifer gets a laugh as well.

[@idealist420]

Anyone who had a grosser almost always had access to an Air Force. - Jeremy Clarkson.

[@thearousedeunuch]

Yeah. People like John Lennon. :)

[@Paraclete333]

@@thearousedeunuch The blunt was his air strip.

[@patlydon519]

I tick a tumbs up, simply because clarkson is included as dictator

[@marvindebot3264]

can confirm, I once had access to both. Neither were mine but I had access to them.

[@adrianadrian1887]

Air strip.

[@FAngus-ly8lk]

My Dad bought a new 6.9 liter Mercedes in 1979. Officially it was a 450 SEL 6.9, but the model badge on the trunk lid said, simply, 6.9. It was nowhere near as big or as luxurious as the 600 in this video, but it was quite a bit more advanced and much more suited to fast driving. I was 18 or 19 when my Dad got it, and I used to take it out for solo drives at night when my Dad was out of town - I didn't do this often and I was careful with it. I loved how fast and smooth that car was. Just nudge the gas pedal, and you would instantly feel it leap forward. Absolutely instant acceleration, and beautiful road feel despite the size, weight and luxo seating. A true road car. Lower the suspension, and it felt like it was glued to the road. Just a terrific car.

[@onlyoneamong300]

Lucky you! You dad must have had pretty high income to afford that!

[@hertzair1186]

Wagner’s “ Ride of the Valkyries”...perfect intro music for this Teutonic masterpiece.

[@benjigray8690]

How about J.S. Bach's Organ recital (Fugue and toccata in D Minor)?

[@tiborvisi7438]

@@benjigray8690 It wouldn't suit the size and massiveness of the car.

[@edwardmcilwain2139]

@@benjigray8690 That's music for the Rolls-Royce Phantom V

[@RobertSmith-le8wp]

Amazing car. 300 horsepower in 1972 would be like 600 today. The car is incredibly classy looking. You can imagine a world leader being driven in one

[@SAMann729]

+Robert Smith and the two bodies in the trunk lol

[@frankdenardo8684]

+ALi Ta Owners included Juan Peron, The Shah of Iran, Leonid Brezhenev, Idi Amin, Saddam Hussein, Anistasio Samosa.

[@lucianene7741]

Any decent American muscle car of the era got more than 400. And they were cheap, too.

[@tonycrosby913]

many stock muscle cars from that era hardly got 300 at the wheel although they may have gotten over 300 at the flywheel without accessories connected.

[@lucianene7741]

That's kind of funny you know, with that kind of losses I wonder why didn't they think of using an electric or hydraulic transmission, certainly more efficient, and with the added benefit of continuous ratio variation?

[@ImInLoveWithBulla]

This makes a brand new Rolls Phantom look like a Nissan Sentra.

[@ANDREWSAMY562]

Andrew Cuthbertson how about no

[@TomasPabon]

Andrew Cuthbertson Hey, my first car was a 1994 Nissan Sentra B13 coupe,great car

[@ImInLoveWithBulla]

My hand-me-down van has 288,000! I win!

[@dru1d1]

Too much.

[@Juanknes]

Totally right.

[@he15rgp81]

Craftmanship at its finest. Shown off by a person who knows how to care for such a beautiful work of art of its day. Stunning vlog which I keep coming back too. ❣️

[@KlunkerRider]

Many dictators owned this car Saddam Hussein Idi Amin Fernando Marcos Jeremy Clarkson

[@254shorttrendystories4]

KlunkerRider president moi

[@shadowhaziq4326]

Elvis Presley too on this car owners list

[@frankdenardo8684]

@@254shorttrendystories4 The Shah of Iran, Tito of Yugoslavia, Mao of China, Juan Peron, the Pope, Samosa of Nicerauga, Willy Brandt.

[@mike_oe]

I don't think Willy Brand qualifies as a dictator...

[@frankdenardo8684]

@@mike_oe he was the chancellor of Germany and the car was often used by him and other high ranking members of the German government.

[@michaelorsini9695]

You can tell what a beautiful car this is just from how it rides in the video...and Jay's pride of ownership!!!

[@mariarusso1325]

Hi Michael how are you doing 😊

[@drewnetwork]

Absolutely amazing and beautiful. I'm grateful for the privilege of "virtually" riding along with you in that work of art.

[@campesinoplastic6169]

I am restoring a 600 pullman limo and the hydraulic goodies are absolutely killing me. Impressive car though. Once all of the windows switches and the seats are working properly, it will be a work of art. It was definitely way ahead of it's time.

[@whitegoodman7465]

Update?

[@The_ZeroLine]

My grandfather had one of these. So sad he didn’t keep it, but it was just a new luxury car back then. Never considered its potential historical value. Jay loves all his cars, but it’s clear that if he had to have only one car, this might be it. I have always wanted one of these. Even before I knew any of the luxury details or cool tech, it just seemed so special. In terms of aesthetics, this and an E34 M5, for me are as close to perfect as you can get (based on my taste that is since it’s all subjective).

[@sputumtube]

Beauty, elegance, style, class, attention to detail, exclusivity - no modern electro toy has the 'road-presence' of this beautiful vehicle. I'm English and even our best Rolls Royce doesn't come close. Thanks for posting...:)

[@joonasmerilainen4382]

+paul greenwood What about Leyland Princess?

[@peterbradshaw8018]

+paul greenwood I prefer the Phantom VI but have loads of respect for the Grosser.

[@heinrichwolf4869]

+Peter Bradshaw "...für den Großen." ;-)

[@sputumtube]

Well obviously. It's clear to me watching this that Mercedes continue even now to emulate the legendary Austin Princess. And of course the Morris Marina.

[@kells77]

paul greenwood bollox give me a roller the build is much better

[@stanojevicnatasa2514]

Marshal Josip Broz Tito used to have like a dozen of Mercedes 600s, from standard one like Jay Leno's, to Pullman limousines, Pullman convertibles and armored car. When they put them on show in 2003, I was a 10 year old kid who was impressed by the sheer beauty and power and historical valuve of those. Knowing really much about them even then, because they were popular in car magazines, I told that to military guard and he was so impressed witk a kid knowing alll that - he let me sit in Marsal's place. Thus I became first civilian to sit in Tito's car.....

[@bitchniggaswag2089]

Imao je Tito mećke ali je imao i narod kruha i posla... A danas šefovi i političari isto imaju Mercedese ali zato narod ima k*rac.

[@tg7423]

3:22 Jay: "It is the most comfortable car" Citroen DS in the background: *Angry Staring*

[@dograishan8504]

The suspension on this is from the DS too

[@47rintin1]

As well the Citroen XM (Maserati engine) is to be seen in the background aside the DS.

[@juergenwolf956]

I am German, never hat a Merc. However from 2CV to the 2,1 Pallas I had them all.

[@47rintin1]

@@juergenwolf956 You made a good choice, however I think this MB is the most beautiful model through out the years. The neighbour of my best friend has a fantastic blue one after being undone of big rust.

[@danielswisaa9050]

You are absolutely right, this vehicle is a work of art, handmade, elegant and equipped with today's standards. Amazing.

[@DrZGard]

Hi Jay, thanks for this review of the Mercedes 600. Oh what a grand memory this car brings. My father owned one of these after selling his 1967 Mercury Cougar, he traded it in for a 300SEL 6.3 in 1969. I remember how quick the windows would close if you pushed the switch all the way, and the moving back seat. He loved whipping Corvettes and other hot rods at streetlight to streetlight drags back then. He'd sit at a stoplight lifting and dropping it back down again with the suspension switch. Then the light would change and whoosh! My sister and I watched Disney's Aristocats through the sunroof at a drive in theatre. My sister did get the end of her finger smashed by the automatic deck lid, fortunately not a permanent injury. My father once had a flat on the Bay Bridge and while working the spare out his belt buckle hit the trunk button and the deck lid kept coming down on him till he could manage to get out from under it... lesson learned. I enjoyed greatly this and your other videos. Dr Zane

[@luxcruisers7870]

Fantastic story!!! Absolutely visual, especially the trunk bit.

[@samrosenthal2111]

I like how the DS is lurking quite visibly in the back of the frame when Jay mentions how comfortable the Merc is. It looks like it's jealous.

[@zagyex]

Jay Leno said, the DS is the most comfortable car ever built: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oau6kHiIiMx5iLs

[@johnnymason2460]

This is perhaps the greatest antique Mercedes-Benz car ever(other than the 300SL Gullwing). I wouldn't mind having one of these if I could get one. It looks like a lot of fun to drive. Thanks, Mr. Leno! You are the best!

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Little fridge at the back for keeping your bananas fresh in the republic.

[@AJKPenguin]

Epic. Well composed sir.

[@oljefri]

You should be at the top!

[@benjigray8690]

You got me laughing ten points!

[@petyrkowalski9887]

Happy a few people "got it"

[@Lodestarter]

Hey, that's the people's republic to you. Disrespectful. 🤓

[@MonteOlsen]

Watching this episode makes me realize what a privilege it is to see these great videos by Jay. The cars are incredible, but Jay's presentation makes me feel as though I'm hanging out with my best friend, riding around town and having fun Thanks Jay.

[@mariarusso1325]

Hi Monte how are you doing 😊

[@shawn13mertle13]

I worked on Mercedes for 8 years.I have a lot of respect for the company.They have brought the automotive world a lot of safety.

[@scottslotterbeck3796]

They invented the automobile

[@markgash316]

Wow. Never seen one in the flesh but the quality and craftsmanship of that car just jumps off the screen. Great video and a truly awesome car.

[@billyb7119]

John Lennon: Imagine no possessions. I wonder if you can. Also John Lennon: *Buys a gigantic Mercedes with $11000 hydraulic window switches*

[@robertgrider4346]

Hypocracy of the "Hippie" Lefty's ,tons of $$, show up at Woodstock in one of these,or better yet, arrive in a Hughes chopper towing a banner to "vote for Bernie 2020"!!🤣🤣

[@Ahnenerbe1944]

*Dictator list* followed by “oh yeah, John Lennon had one”

[@001kristinesono]

Yeah, according to Sean, his son, he was a total hypocrite! He wrote some beautiful music, but alas, was unable to live within his own ideals.

[@CockatooDude]

@@robertgrider4346 Hey come on now, you can't seriously think all of them are like that.

[@mediocreman6323]

As a working class socialist, I can tell you: It would be strange otherwise. Or what do you expect from rich people? They have the time to dream about some utopia, because they do not have to worry about how to get food on the table.

[@beverleypearson2646]

What a joy to watch. My Grandfather taught me to drive in his classic E Class and I’ve adored Mercedes through his eyes ever since. His passion became my passion and as far as I’m concerned, Mercedes Benz are by far..... The Best cars ever made ❤️

[@GTA.Sven.Andreas]

💗

[@petermebrown]

The Grand Mercedes 600 was a shock of beauty for me when I first saw one driving down a street - the most beautiful car I had ever seen. That was in 1965, and I have never seen a design that elegant or graceful since.

[@mariarusso1325]

Hi Peter how are you doing 😊

[@lotleoregler6836]

Great to see how Jay values our teutonic way of engineering, cheers from Germany

[@rogerwilliamson7161]

Das waren noch Automobile!

[@wizardofwoz8010]

By far, Germans are superior in engineering. The British including me know this. Amazing, skillful people. 👍

[@blackrifle6736]

*A penultimate example of the German engineering spirit: "Now let's show everyone how it should really be done." Cheers!*

[@ryusufov]

100 years from now, when cars are obsolete, this car will still be remembered fondly.

[@huugo8278]

This car is going strong by then

[@LSnium]

Cars will never be obsolete LOL

[@HeavenlyWarrior]

@@LSnium Yes they will.

[@LSnium]

@@HeavenlyWarrior just like you in 10 years

[@HeavenlyWarrior]

@@LSnium Or you tomorrow with that attitude I'm guessing you'll be punched in the face quite badly. Have fun.

[@ivanadjorovic2627]

Introduced 53 years ago, it was a technological and engineering masterpiece that no other manufacturer came close to.. Still a landmark car, the 600 has lost none of its commanding presence and headturning ability after 53 years :)

[@youhavenoprivacyandownnoth8289]

Mercedes marketing department: 'You are hired!'.

[@1990hennesy]

Ivana Djorovic it actually gained more of head turning ability 😅

[@nrmete]

$25,000 in 1963 was equal to $209,267 in 2019 dollars.

[@vladimirkostic9932]

@@nrmete How calculate inflation in the USA?

[@nrmete]

google "inflation calculator"

[@benjigray8690]

This is one of the few videos that i've watched over and over again, a bit like reading a book that you've read before, I pick up on things that I missed the first time around. You pack so much information and interesting detail into your vids. Thank you for making a really enjoyable to watch video Jay.

[@volkanvural1]

one of his best performance

[@aliataciciek]

same, i'm here for the third time haha.

[@rockets4kids]

This is a great double feature with the Top Gear episode Grosser vs. Corniche. Currently third time on this double feature.

[@benjigray8690]

@@rockets4kids You're not wrong 'bout it being a great Double feature, with the Brits doing a humorous comparison. You gotta love the Benz's. German engineering at it's finest.

[@rockets4kids]

@@benjigray8690 Yup! It's best to watch this one first, then TG.

[@jagjeetsihra2862]

Incredible car Jay, I also worked for Mercedes way back when, in Kenya, and we had clients who had a couple of these...driving one of them in all original condition in the early 80s was one of the highlights of my life at the time. You're truly blessed to own such a beautiful car.

[@abrahammalik3389]

When I'll be president of Kenya one day, we're bringing one of these back 😅😅

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

"Nobody wants a car where the refrigerator doesn't work" - classic line, love it......

[@andreaknowles234]

Well do you want your shots warm while you are driving those long desolate roads?

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Andie Ski Absolutely not - we've all been there, and it isn't fun!

[@MyUsernameIsAlsoBort]

I read this post right before Jay said it, perfect timing lol.

[@Gaburio1924]

Listen good if you keep saying that again im gonna have to punish you

[@johnnydeville5701]

That is an impressive car! Germany's finest without a doubt.

[@Daweisstebescheid]

ja genau so ist es der Herr 😉🙋‍♂️

[@smokyrobinson1134]

"Things are rough in LA.""What makes you say that?""I saw a big limo on the highway the other day and the chauffer was Jay Leno."

[@craigmiller1863]

yea, thats rough alright.

[@HerecomestheCalavera]

Oh I know rough, you wanna talk rough lets talk about my wife! My wife she likes to talk after sex, so last night she called me from a hotel room! Oh I got it rough I tell ya.

[@basicanton]

and David Lee Roth driving an ambulance

[@mikekaatman3194]

Very clever!!

[@threemobileone1371]

Yet thus old American fart Leno would not consider Mao as a dictator.

[@Willburys]

You closing the Door and you hear the quality!

[@keijo8238]

A timeless classic. Quality like that doesn't age.

[@onlyoneamong300]

It never does! It's just like jewelry, or a painting, or classical music or an aged bottle of wine!

[@buckorooster]

"It is the most comfortable, easy handling car," Citroen DS in the background said "Watch it, Jay!"

[@buckorooster]

Riki B. Eyestarone look right next to it...

[@buckorooster]

It's all good

[@zagyex]

Mercedes licensed the hydropneumatic suspension from Citroen...

[@zagyex]

and rolls royce

[@HajjCorp]

I'd believe it - I drove a 1978 450SL and it felt great. However, the greatest-handling car I've driven is the 2005 Maserati Quattroporte.

[@TechnikMeister2]

From 1968 to his retirement in 1975, my father was in house legal counsel for one of Australia's wealthiest captains of industry. The Executive Chairman would send one of these around to our home in Northern Sydney at 7am every weekday morning to take my dad to work in the CBD, and took him home at 7pm precisely every night. I rode in it many times as the route passed by my school, so I would be dropped off. I never got picked on at school! There were only three of these in Sydney at the time. It was the most wonderful car. I do not remember it ever breaking down. The corporation had a fulltime driver and fulltime mechanic who was sent to the factory for training. For major servicing it went to the distributor and the work was done on the weekend, so it was always available M-F. It was dark blue with cream leather with cream wool carpet. A refrigerator, mobile phone, dictating machine and TV were installed. The model was the Grosser. It was longer and had forward and backwards facing rear seats with a sliding glass divider separating the driver, and separate air con controls. I remember my dad saying it cost $120k new in 1968. A Ferrari back then in Australia cost $30k. But there was method in providing this car. It meant that my father never had to worry about driving to and from work in the heavy traffic. He read the paper and a coffee was kept hot for him if he wanted one. It enabled him to always leave work at a relatively civilized hour and he could unwind and relax on the way home. His boss said it was a good investment because my dad made my boss millions in helping him run the corporation. To him it was a productivity tool because the deals they did required my dad to be on top of his game. It was a very demanding job.

[@GX2re]

Awesome story

[@FlourescentPotato]

boomer.

[@marccremer2443]

Wer diesen Benz mal live gesehen hat,versteht was Jay Leno genau meint.Ein unglaubliches Auto für diese Zeit....👍

[@marauderhot]

When I was a kid here in Las Vegas the International Hotel had a fire engine red one. Elvis when he was working there would come into my neighborhood and pick up my neighbor Linda and take her to Las Vegas High School in it. She was 15 or 16 but looked 21 and was beautiful. One time I was watching Elvis waiting for her in front of her house and rode my bicycle by him. He rolled down the window and said "Hey kid, cool bike" I was on my Schwinn Apple Krate that I still have 50 years later.

[@psylee8687]

So Elvis liked 15 year Olds?

[@mitchd949]

​@@psylee8687 he met Priscilla when she was 14. ​ @David Mann, my friends up the street had the Cotton Picker and Pea Picker. My folks weren't poor, but I never had a Schwinn...far too pricey. My bikes usually came from Sears or JCPenney. The only brand name bike I ever had was a Huffy, but you know what, those bikes got me around just fine and I never felt like I was missing out.

[@navelriver]

And you said "Thank you, thank you very much!"

[@SHAGG13]

​@@psylee8687 Yeah he was a confirmed pedo

[@PanzerChicken69]

Jay is a great custodian! Driving your own 1972 MB 600 Kompressor down the highway is gangstar as all hell, much apreciated!

[@johnbockkom9361]

Jay I can’t afford a Ny of these cars but I can certainly afford to watch them with you. Thankyou

[@mariarusso1325]

Hi John how are you doing 😊

[@macmorgan6685]

My first job in 1971 was with Mercedes Benz as a salesman. My favorite car to drive was a 1971 300SEL 6.3. I stayed with MB most of my working days as a salesman until 2010 when I retired. Ive owned a number of MBs to include a UNIMOG and a 280GE. Nobody glues a car together better then Mercedes Benz. By the way, say hello to Mike Kersnick and tell him I still have his Vespa!

[@privatesocialhandle]

I know this is a 7 years old vid. But this car is one of my favorites, and Karl is a treasure for his skills.

[@91PKPower]

I love how Jay says "most comfortable" and you can see the Citroen DS in the background

[@WTRacing]

This is one of the best videos jay has done. You can really tell he knows so much about it and really loves this car. Was nice change up from the types where he is interviewing someone about their car or a new car. This one was much more personal and natural. Well done

[@GrowthCurveMarketing]

The Mercedes re-circulating ball steering of that era was so sublime. I owned a 1962 220Sb and the handling was excellent even by today's standard.

[@davidpranith5333]

I think this is the 1000th time I'm viewing this video. Gosh just can take my eyes off it. Amazing, beautiful, creative, 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@brucelee9941]

If you watched this video that many times you should visit Karl's shop it is an absolutely amazing adventure and his personal 600 sounds like a jet turbine engine he is an absolute genius

[@michaelmeliambro5117]

@@brucelee9941 How do you know he's not bluffing??????

[@mindsharping]

One of only a few youtube videos I like to see every so often. There really is something mesmerizing about this particular vintage and model Mercedes.

[@FrancoTiradorB420]

"Those Germans, they love that power."

[@mirza6399]

Naaaain thas is not true.

[@hertzair1186]

OTx Gapper : ya wohl!

[@HerecomestheCalavera]

What jew talkin bout?

[@_cannedheat_]

OTx Gapper wieso auch nicht?

[@rezafirdaus3179]

Jeremy Clarkson😂😂😂

[@TomBleecker]

Jay forgot to mention that the 600 came with a matching set of luggage. Three of the most joyous months of my life was traveling around the western US with William Holden in his 600 while making "Wild Rovers" for MGM in 1970-71.

[@SovietSunrise]

Wow! That definitely sounds like an amazing story and a wonderful experience!

[@sarahs5340]

I own and love MB. Jay, that car is awesome and glad to hear a MB is your favorite. Congratulations! And thank you Karl for all your knowledge and work.

[@natehawkins2910]

Jay is so fun to watch. So knowledgeable and witty. I still miss him on the tonight show!

[@sheepdog4656]

Gorgeous car. The first one of these I saw was in 1980 while driving thru River Oaks in Houston, TX. Out of my league but definitely a work of art.

[@mariarusso1325]

Hi how are you doing 😊

[@ItsCleto]

As a mechanic.. I 1000% respect anyone who can work on one of these.

[@kingjames8283]

These cars ride like a dream. I would love to learn about the suspension system. Watching the rear wheel movement in the video suggests four-wheel independent suspension with upper / lower control arms both front and back which would allow the drive axle to pivot in and out the way it does.

[@gotham61]

4 wheel independent, but with low pivot swing axles in the rear. The key is that it uses air springs instead of steel. A lever on the steering column lets you adjust the air pressure for either a softer ride or firmer handling.

[@theforgottenorg]

His is pneumatic but they also had air-ride for the regular 6.3s...amazing technology that is still ultra-premium in todays luxury cars.

[@gotham61]

theforgottenorg "air ride" and "pneumatic" mean pretty much the same thing. Both the 600 and the W109 (300SEL, 3.5, 4.5, and 6.3) all had the same air suspension system.

[@theforgottenorg]

actually not all had air pneumatic, and in the case of Jays car, its fluid pneumatic...we (Jay and I) should have said "hydraulic"

[@gotham61]

theforgottenorg The hydraulic system on the 600 is used only for what Mercedes calls the "comfort" accessories. If powers the seats, windows, trunk lid, sunroof, fresh air cowl, and on early 600s even the door closing. The suspension on the other hand is strictly an air suspension, same as on the W109 cars. You may be confusing things with the 450SEL 6.9, which had a hydropneumatic suspension, similar to that used on Citroens. www.m-100.cc/600/brochure/insert/index.html

[@tjs031159]

I worked at a MB dealer too in the '80s...dealer owner had a few and a grey haired tech was the only one that worked on his. He showed me a bunch of stuff on that car...solid copper floor boards and all the hydraulics- just incredible what they put into that car. The parts dept would look up parts for that thing for grins on slow days. Leno in not exaggerating a bit- it was 11k for a window switch no joke.

[@spoonful1018]

My dad had a 1968 MB 600 in Boston - he was in show business and used to pick up the stars at the airport in the Limo - he ran a dinner theater outside of Boston in Framingham - Jay Leno played there 1978 as the backup to Guy Lombardo - he used to ride his Harley to the theater every night from Andover with hot, hot Mavis on the back with her white scarves blowing in the wind

[@miaugato93]

17:02 GODDAMNIT DON'T TRY TO GIVE PEOPLE A HEART ATTACK

[@Z-Twinturbo]

that surprised me :D

[@xMrin10se]

Jesus Christ, I'm sat in my bed a 1:21 in the pure darkness, that wasn't fun

[@JMNTN]

9:23 that made me jump a bit too lol

[@NicholasTJR]

jesus christ i was lying in bed watching old benz reviews at 1.30am and i almost died from that loud sound

[@mentallyhandicappedpoptart2649]

Tiago Costa Ikr before he shows poor cars sitting like that he should warn us

[@OfficeHanchoBoxing]

Jay Leno should be hosting the American Top Gear he already dresses like Jeremy Clarkson XD Funny and knows his history of cars.

[@weldonwin]

But he doesn't piss people off as much as Jezza does

[@petterforsberg8527]

No one should host Top Gear US, because it is crap! *Grabs popcorn*

[@steinwaygrande3971]

weldonwin Thats what he is meant to do and remember it was his idea to start Top Gear. And he does take the piss out of his team and his guests . Top Gear will never be the same. Top Gear US is absolute rubbish

[@cefnonn]

A lot of us here in the UK were getting fed up with Top Gear and Clarkson because it was no longer a serious car programme. It was just light entertainment. I'd love to see Jay hosting Top Gear for the UK!

[@CathyC454]

OfficeHanchoBoxing And he's not as arrogant as Clarkson...don't get me wrong, I like Clarkson and the other too former Top Gear guys and I loved their Top Gear. I think Leno would be a great addition to their present car show, or at least a frequent guest.

[@wm6398]

For reference, here are some specs from a Car and Driver test of six luxury cars July 1965. Cost: $20,500 Length: 218" Width: 76.8" Height: 59.5" Wheelbase: 126" Engine: 386 cid, 300 bhp @ 4100 RPM, 434 ft-lbs @ 3000 RPM Induction: Bosch Fuel Injection Transmission: 4-speed Auto Acceleration: 0-30: 3.2 sec 0-60: 9.4 sec 0-80: 16.5 sec Mileage: 10.91 MPG 80 MPH stop: 4.7 (no distance listed) It also scored the highest in the comparison with an overall average score of 8.6/10. Cadillac Fleetwood Brougham: 7.9/10 Lincoln: 6.7/10 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud: 6.4/10 Imperial LeBaron: 6.2/10 Jaguar 4.2 Liter: 5.9/10

[@patkaczmarek7362]

The 600 has many landmark features and a build quality yet to be exceeded today, but that real wood interior is beyond description.

[@orange70383]

At 10:55 look how well the suspension is working, totally absorbing all the road irregularities while the rest of the car is riding dead smooth.

[@djizzah]

70's dictator vehicle of choice

[@weskitten]

Papa Doc had one: Haiti.

[@jamesahazelwood2624]

1967 300 couple benz

[@sirxavior1583]

lol. Castro, Mugbee and even North Korea owns one.

[@vlajster]

tito! :DD

[@AndreasWernerReiske]

... Pardon: In the 1970's there was no A.d.o.l.f. any more. Thank Goodness..

[@Mikolaj_u]

There's a very funny Top Gear episode when Jeremy drives this Merc vs James' old Rolls.

[@allfasten]

Merc wins, if I memory serves me right. Great episode indeed.

[@bg0013]

allfasten isn't Jamiroquai in one show, he owns one previously owned by coco Chanel ,

[@macsrule94]

James' car was a "Ford Zephyr with a Chrome Nose" as Jeremy described it.

[@cybertree]

Jay's episode is better. (I'm a TG fan too though.)

[@gregraines1599]

Yeah, and they couldn't park in the city of London because none of the spaces were big enough. Hilarious.

[@mathb6523]

Hi Jay, really like that you appreciate this nice car so much. I have owned, fixed and driven these 60-70 Mercedes since i was 14 years old (and still do every day). The nice thing is that Mercedes had the same build quality on all models and you could enjoy it on a 200 like on the 600. Wish you the best from Europe

[@HesseJamez]

But the quality (+ 8 Billion) got lost during the fusion with Chrysler when they built the last crap.

[@sebastianrapuano]

Those Mercedes wheels are still the best looking.

[@Vankim789]

I prefer the 250SL (1968) but then it's my choice haha

[@Riyad.I]

Yes they’re beautiful

[@frankdenardo8684]

I saw one with original equipment OE aluminum alloy wheels with the Mercedes Benz logo

[@quiteactually]

Class act, both Jay and this automobile. The stretch was called a Pullman, and used extensively on the original Mission Impossible series.

[@izeawalker]

'Its the most amazing road machine, certainly of the 60's and 70's and certainly of all time' Well said Jay

[@markl9428]

Agree. This was a fabulous car. My dad had an exotic refinish shop in the 70s. I worked on the 600 several times - removing molding, sanding, detailing etc. We bought one to refinish and flip. Drove it daily for a few months. Really nice, quiet, smoorh ride and huge.

[@tech9803]

$11,500 for a hydraulic window switch. Terrifying.

[@EliteKozarcan]

not the switch, but a new hydro boot system

[@thenormalyears]

@Marco Deo yea this is why buddy sure thing

[@honchoryanc]

I laughed

[@adorabasilwinterpock6035]

If you have one of these that’s nothing.

[@ed-rb4bs]

I broke a Merc window playing around with it on the way to the theatre and was made to sit in the car with the unclosable window for the duration of the show. So much for privilege lol. At the next theater show outing the car was broken into. It's only as an adult now that the shattered window seems like karma to me. Anyway, scroll on.

[@gsilva220]

The windows were hydraulic because of the heavy bulletproof glass mercedes was certain the majority of owners would use.

[@Mercmad]

Actually it was to keep the noise of the electric motors out of the equation. When you operate them or the seats it's earily quiet.Even the air con controls are hydraulic!.

[@marvindebot3264]

@@Mercmad Both actually

[@michaelbenardo5695]

The earliest power windows and power seats were indeed hydraulic, and convertible tops still are.

[@step4560]

@@michaelbenardo5695 In the Old Licolns the windows were pneumatic. Similar idea just not as much power...

[@michaelbenardo5695]

@@step4560 Was that the pre-war models? There is a hydraulic pump in the post-war models. Its on the firewall, and looks like a starter motor with a reservoir.

[@nhaaaPl]

I love the thinking behind it. Let's cram every bit of luxury we can into this, no matter how much it costs.

[@johnc.bojemski1757]

Jay, in 1973 we visited my cousins in PORTUGAL. We "toured" the sights by hiring a car and driver for the day. On one LONG trip THIS was the car we got to ride in. It was MAGNIFICENT! Driver, FOUR adults. Two kids... Room to spare. It FLOATED down the road!

[@frederickkruse4815]

8:09 "Good day, Mr. Bond!"

[@philippedefontenoy6876]

Frederick Kruse : no english, no "bond " sorry

[@JonBlondell]

2 friends of mine had this car. 2! I got to ride in them a lot, and even in my 20s, I appreciated the craftsmanship and power. Seeing this now, I'm freaked at how intricate they were! I was pretty naive then.

[@artallmon3773]

I am glad someone gets the joy from driving from the collection. Hopefully the collection will continue to grow. I really like his restore, enjoy, repeat model.

[@kendalson7100]

Hydraulic systems are sweet. Hydraulic steering was really crazy smooth.

[@johnlong9534]

When it comes to cars, Jay has a wealth of information in his head.

[@123Greekboy]

I think this is the greatest car ever made period. I'm lucky enough to drive a 1967 250SE W108 and it is the most rewarding and fun car to drive. It looks incredible with that classic styling but has the build quality to be driven every day 47 years later. I know that it is is just a small piece of that 600. I hope one day to see or drive that incredible machine.

[@JackpodyDK]

280 SE driver here, also W108. They're great cars, even 44 years later.

[@gotham61]

JackpodyDK I have a 300SEL 6.3. Same engine and suspension as a stock 600, but in a smaller and lighter body. It's a lot of fun.

[@theforgottenorg]

amen, former 280 SEL owner...cheers to all former brothers

[@axia24]

Still miss the 4.5 I daily drove in college. Body and chassis succumbed to PA salted winters, but the damn thing ran like a Swiss watch and started on the first or second compression stroke (1/2 rev) every time.

[@theforgottenorg]

I forgot all about that...mine started like a champ too....Fuel injection from 1972

[@wizardofwoz8010]

Jay, what's amazing watching this is how logical you are with each car, so refreshing watching a KZbin channel like this, instead where people have car collections and have no scooby of the cars themselves just rich people with way too much money. But you, my friend, deserve these cars. 👍

[@The_ZeroLine]

I love the story about the elderly Persian gentleman. When you produce an instantaneous visceral response, you know you’re a very unique and special type of icon.

[@LarryC213]

Dear Mr. Leno, Thank you for telling us what "kompressor" means when you see it on the back of a Mercedes. I have wondered about that for a while. I remember seeing a documentary that mentioned this this was Elvis Presley's favorite car, and now I can see why.

[@ExternalInputs]

Another sad indictment on the US education system.

[@ZerokillerOppel1]

"Goodday Mr. Bond!" I love Jay!!!

[@callumhardy5098]

3:24 “The most comfortable, easy handling car” Citroen DS looking cross in the background.

[@edbo10]

heh, those things...the faster you went over a speed bump, the smoother the ride would be lmao. Give tailgaters a nice surprise

[@mikekaatman3194]

Hahahahhaaa

[@xxn0cturn3xx]

Nah Citroen DS is chilling in the background, who do you think invented the suspension that mercedes 600 has ?

[@callumhardy5098]

@@xxn0cturn3xx exactly, that’s what I’m saying the Citroen was better.

[@Wolfgang-the-Gray]

We owned a 1966 280SEL in W. Germany & it was the smoothest riding car we've ever had. It had mechanical fuel injection. I loved sitting behind that hood & grill as it looked so awesome!

[@The10folks]

Thank you so much Jay. Thanks for bringing these amazing and rare works of art to the masses. This was truly an enjoyable experience.