2006 Maybach 62 S Long Wheelbase
Chassis no. WDBVG78J66A001484

"It's one of the world's most luxurious cars. In fact, only the Rolls-Royce Phantom comes close. It can carry a driver, front passenger and up to three rear passengers on a serene, silent and spacious journey." – Autocar magazine on the Maybach 57 S.

Few industry observers would have predicted the revival of the Maybach brand after almost 50 years of dormancy, but that is exactly what Daimler-Benz did in 1997 when it presented a luxury concept car at that year's Tokyo Motor Show. In pre-war days Maybach had represented the absolute pinnacle of automotive technology, producing some of the most advanced, luxurious and expensive cars the world had ever seen, and its resurrection signalled Mercedes-Benz's intention to compete head-on with BMW-owned Rolls-Royce. Although it had not built any cars since 1940, Maybach had lived on as a manufacturer of proprietary engines, latterly as MTU Friedrichshaven, until its purchase by Daimler-Benz in 1960.

The revived brand's new dawn commenced in 2002 with the launch of the Maybach 57 and 62: a brace of high-performance luxury saloons that, inevitably, incorporated a good deal of contemporary Mercedes-Benz technology. The model designations were derived from their approximate lengths: 5.7 metres in the former's case and 6.2 metres in the latter's, and both were powered initially by a 5.5-litre 542bhp twin-turbocharged V12 engine. The 57 was intended for the owner/driver, while the longer 62 was aimed at the chauffeur-driven elite.

An enhanced version of the 62 - the 62 S, for 'Special' - was introduced for 2007 and featured the 6.0-litre, 604bhp V12 from the 57 S. Costing an additional £40,000-plus, the 60-or-so extra horsepower had little effect on performance, shaving a fraction of a second from the 0-60mph (0-96km/h) time while the top speed remained limited to 275km/h (170.9mph). A base price of around £360,000 ensured that only a privileged few would get to experience the 62 S's stupendous performance at first hand. Autocar magazine hailed the Maybach 62 S as "an even more incredible – and incredibly expensive – place from which to command your business empire".

Unfortunately for Daimler AG (as the group had become), Maybach failed to establish the kind of brand identity enjoyed by its parent Mercedes or the Rolls-Royce and Bentley opposition. Sales were disappointing and in August 2012 Maybach was discontinued, only to be revived again as a sub-brand of Mercedes in November 2014.

Purchased new by the current vendor and stored since acquisition, this imposing Maybach had covered only 6456 km at the time of cataloguing. The original specification sheet on file lists numerous desirable options including the Electro-transparent panoramic glass sunroof and entertainment systems. The car will require its first service before returning to the road.

Please note that this vehicle is not offered with any original registration documents, bidders should satisfy themselves as to registration requirements in their own jurisdiction. Please contact the department for further information.

Please note that if this vehicle remains in Belgium, it will be subject to Import Duty at 10% (+VAT) and 21% Import VAT on the hammer price. Import rates to other EU Country's may vary for VAT rate and an administration fee will be charged to prepare the necessary customs clearances with the Bonhams Customs Agents. Please note that if you purchase as an EU Company, the VAT amount will be calculated based on your registered countries rate. If you have any questions regarding customs clearance, please contact the Bonhams Motorcar Department or our recommended shippers.