History and Fascinating Media Information about the Red Baron
THE MIGHTY MERCEDES BENZ 600
Classic 1972 long wheelbase (L.W.B.) seven passenger 4-door Pullman Limousine.
VIN # 1000 1412 00 2260
Factory exterior color: Signal Red #568.
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This distinctive color (the only LWB we know of ordered in this color) and the factory installed front fender
pendant flag holders are owing to the Charles Schulz legacy. One of the flags is of Snoopy and the Red Baron.
The interior color is Cream Beige "bone" leather.
Historical Events
- Delivered in Germany reportedly for use by Charles Schulz (Peanuts creator) in 1973 where legend is he
toured Europe in it.
- The car was sent to the U.S. entering through Hollywood Mercedes. It was fitted with U.S. DOT items
such as side marker lights, etc..
- In 1974 it was traded at Hollywood Mercedes where Baron Hilton bought and shipped it to the Las Vegas
Hilton in Nevada for Mrs. Hilton's and his personal use. It was used there during the next 15 years sporting
Nevada license: HILTON 1
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During Mr. Hilton's ownership, this car with driver was provided for use by 21 celebrity friends whenever
they were guests at the Las Vegas Hilton. Some names you may recognize include: Elvis Presley, Bill Cosby &
Jack Nicholson. Interestingly, each purchased their own Mercedes Benz Classic 600 automobiles. Elvis even
bought two of them!
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- In 1987, after a 2 year world wide search for a well maintained LWB 600, we learned about & bought the Red Baron.
It had approximately 64,000 KM on the "clock" ... or a bit over 50,000 miles and included the service records.
- Mechanical and cosmetic restoration work was accomplished in the following years to where this car is in top
road-ready condition. The powerful 300 hp V-8 engine can eat up the highway miles with ease. It can reach a
cruising speed of 120 mph in no time. A professional driver is used for special evening outings, private airport
deliveries or other events in which the Red Baron provides a travel experience second to none.
- In 2002 the Red Baron was equipped with a custom DVD/CD - surround sound system. It provides an awesome
entertainment experience that can make a 100 mile tour pass by in a flash.
- Beginning in 2000, a challenging 18 month interior restoration was completed. The 75 pieces of hand crafted
interior wood were refinished to the original factory appearance. The result: a magnificent glass smooth 60 clear
coat finish.
- In the course of its restoration we discovered the wood veneer is Madagascar ebony, on the endangered species
list, and now extinct. There are three different grain patterns used in the door & window garnish molding, dashboard
and refrigerator/bar. The upholstery uses the correct pattern German leather of a cream beige "bone" color
complimented with a light beige German wool velour carpeting.
Movie Appearances:
In the latest Disney film, The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement (2004)
The Red Baron was chosen by director Garry Marshall to carry the queen (Julie Andrews) in this delightful
family/comedy movie. It provides the special elegance to compliment the continuation of this charming story that
takes place in the mythical country of Genovia, somewhere on the European continent.
View! Princess Diaries 2 Movie Clip featuring the Red Baron
In the original movie, The Princess Diaries (2001)
Mia, (Anne Hathaway) an awkward San Francisco teenager, has just learned her deceased father was the crown
prince of Genovia. To keep the royal reigns from passing to another family due to a broken bloodline, the queen
(Julie Andrews) seeks the favor of her estranged granddaughter in hopes that she will take her father's place as the
crown princess. While Mia contemplates her future, her grandmother insists on turning her from a social misfit to a
lady fit for the throne. What these two discover about each other is that blood is more important than bloodlines.
Summary written by Robin {soonerzs@yahoo.com}
And - -
The Red Baron transported Poison Ivy in Batman & Robin (1997)
View! Batman Movie Clip featuring the Red Baron
The Caped Crusader returns to battle the abominable Mr. Freeze and green-thumbed Poison Ivy. To save his ailing wife,
Dr. Victor Fries turns to a life of crime after a hideous accident makes him unable to tolerate even moderate
temperatures, while Dr. Pamela Isley falls victim to mutated plant DNA when things go awry in a jungle laboratory
funded by Wayne Industries. Of course, though their interests are diametrically opposed (Freeze wants another Ice Age;
Ivy wants to make the world safe for plants), the two villains team up to defeat Gotham's dynamic duo of Batman and Robin,
who are joined by butler Alfred's motorcycle-obsessed niece as Batgirl. And when Alfred is diagnosed as having the same
terminal disease as Freeze's wife, the trio find themselves not only fighting an altruistic battle, but a personal one
as well. A frenetic, colorful, and often overwhelming sequel to "Batman," "Batman Returns," and "Batman Forever."
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Concours Exhibitor:
As a focal point of attraction, The Red Baron has been on display at numerous charitable and non profit show events.
A few include:
- The Newport Beach Fashion Island all Mercedes event for eight annual shows.
- The Santa Barbara Concours d'Elegance
- The Newport Concours d'Elegance at The Oaks
- The grand opening of the ten million dollar Fletcher Jones Motor Car Co. in Newport Beach.
- The Palm Springs Classic Concours d'Elegance
As the owner, I attend these events and enjoy answering the many questions people have about the history of the
Red Baron and the many steps taken in restoring it to its factory appearance and road ready condition.
And of course I thoroughly enjoy hearing the stories others have to share about classic 600's, some owned by
celebrities, and other trophies said to be valued at nearly a million dollars.
I welcome all interested parties to contact me for additional information by:
Phone: (949) 644-6333 Fax: (949) 644-4748 or Email: conway-c@cox.net
-Conway Chester
