RESTORATION OF THE WORLD'S ONLY GRAND 600 FUNERAL CAR

By Karl H. Middelhauve

The Mercedes Benz Interest Group in Germany, a few years back, published a paper on The Utility Benz, a series of Mercedes conversions of passenger cars made into pick-up, stationwagon, ambulance, and also funeral cars. On page 10 of this publication it showed the only built Grand 600 as a funeral car.

When three years back I read this, I at once began a research for this automobile. One could read on the front door "Carl Holthoff, Hannover". During one of my visits to Germany, and after a few telephone calls, my investigation had been rewarded with these results:

1. The funeral car is still in existance.

2. Since 1-1/2 years the benz is in a repair shop.

3. Yes, I could come to Hannover and see the car.

When I then visited the repair shop and saw the car, it was clear to me that for those folks, that kind of repair exceeded their competence. What had been promised within three months had not been completed after 1-1/2 years. At that time I told Mr. Holthoff the 600 would probably be there in another 2 years, if the shop would ever finish the work. As to his question - what should I do? - I replied - "ship the benz to the USA and I will finish the car".

This was agreed on, and without brakes and a rough running engine, the funeral car arrived in May 1999 in Baltimore, MD. Club members of the International M-100 Group, together with Erich Waxenberger and more German visitors, could inspect the car during the Lode Star Fest in Woxall, June 99.

I thought first only to cut off the front section of the car because of the rust, poor welding of repair work and both front fenders that were beyond repair, the replace up to the fire wall with another front clip out of my collection of 600 car parts. During a further inspection on the lift, I noticed that also the rear of the car had severe rust on frame rails, inner fenders, and rear axle supports. What started as a repair turned into a major rebuilding project. I notified Mr. Holthoff of my findings, and suggested two alternatives to restore the benz:

A. To take another 600 with the same velour interior, same wood trim, transfer the roof section to this car.

B. Take a less expensive 600 in need for new front leather seats as the new chassis.

Mr. Holthoff decided to go with solution "B", a payment schedule was made, and the work began in January of 2000.

The bodyshop took off the roof at "A" and "B" pillar and rear section at the lower frame rails, and after having cut the donor in similar fashion, transferred the roof to the new chassis. Sounds easy and uncomplicated, but showed to be full of surprises when more and more rust showed up on the transferred sheetmetal of rear doors and roof jambs. Up went the repair cost when sections had to be cut out that looked like Swiss cheese.

I in the meantime, had my own problems because expense required to complete the extensive restoration exceeded the owner's expectations and budget. In the meantime I had advanced so much of my own money that to stop would have been a total loss. At that time I told my wife Ruth, "it looks like we are building our own funeral car, in case one of us dies, at least I can drive you in style to the cemetary". Ruth replied promptly "I'm not going to do you this favor"!

So it happened that for the following International M-100 Group meet in Woxall, June 2000, the funeral car could be viewed in primer. Freshly painted with Spies Hecker black paint the benz arrived at my hobbyshop in August to be completed.

I sincerely thank all that helped me to complete the restoration, Mr. Schurjann and Lorenz, and Spielvogel of Fa. Pollmann in Bremen, the original builder of the funeral car, who assisted with drawings and parts hard to get, and of course the original "Pollman Karosserie" sign affixed under the rear doors of the Funeral Benz. Drew Tibcken of Heritage woodworks for restoring the woodtrim to perfect original condition; for Martin's of Philadelphia for a first class job in restoring the original metal bumpers and trim to new like condition; Frank Raus and Ed Trimbur of Extreme Motorsports Paintings, who took on the metalwork and show painting of the 600. Dough Meiers, Dale Cherry of Berrel Automotive, in designing the computerized fuel management system, and the many more suppliers that made the project a true success story.

The loading area for the coffin had been reconstructed to take rollers, an original airconditioner installed. The outside details of the hearse were guided to follow exactly how they were shown in the "Grand 600 Mercedes Benz" book of Michael Wiedmeier and Wulf Knetch, page 147.

The hours to complete the car ticked along until I just lost count, working for months nearly every night until 12:00 o'clock. The time for the first test ride came insight. The engine installed, rear axle overhauled, and exhaust system welded in place.

Without consulting my dear wife, I ordered a new license plate which I thought quite fitting - "LAST RYDE", only to find out that my wife did not want to get in the car with such a plate. I had no choice but to order a new plate "BND 4 GLRY", (bound for glory), much more positive. Anyway, now I have a legal license plate for believers and unbelievers to drive them to their last earthly resting place.

PS: Here are Colin Miller's picture series "Last Call" from the Lode Star Fest 2003 in Woxall, PA - BND 4 GLRY (Bound for Glory_

We recall Benjamin Franklin's well known statement: "Nothing in life is for certain except death and taxes."

"A last word" - John 3:36