Elvis’ affinity for Cadillacs is well known. He bought dozens of them for himself and others over the years. That’s why the inclusion of a Mercedes-Benz 600 is a bit of an anomaly in the collection. However, for someone of vast wealth and power, the 600 is a logical choice. They were cars owned by wealthy entertainers and businessmen, but also notoriously owned by the likes of Idi Amin Dada, Enver Hoxha, Nicolae Ceauşescu, Papa Doc Duvalier, Saddam Hussein, Chairman Mao, Marshal Josip Broz Tito, and Kim Jong Il. It’s not exactly the kind of club one wants to be in (via GQ).
The car is a mechanical masterpiece of 1960s engineering. A high-pressure hydraulic system operates the suspension, brakes, power windows, power trunk, and a power sunroof. It has a 300-horsepower V8 and is built on a famously rock-solid chassis. It is a car that expresses wealth and power in an elegant, yet understated fashion. Of course, Elvis gave his away (via The Drive).