A 1966 Mercedes-Benz 600 limousine, custom-built for oil magnate Nubar Gulbenkian, will be auctioned on September 21 at Sotheby’s.
In the 1960s, Gulbenkian commissioned Mercedes to build a limousine with a glass roof, but the company was unable to fulfill the request. He then purchased a standard vehicle and handed it over to the French firm Henri Chapron, which carried out the necessary modifications, according to the Formacar website.
In addition to the glass roof, the car features a unique rear sofa that converts into a two-person bed, a mini-bar between the seats, cigarette holders and an instrument panel. Gulbenkian used to say he needed his instrument panel to keep a constant eye on the driver.
After Gulbenkian’s death, the limousine ended up in the hands of his gardener. The car has had several owners but remains in excellent condition. The sellers expect to receive at least $300,000 for it.
