Vintage 1950s Mercedes used by Marilyn Monroe is being sold at a UK auction – and it’s primed to fetch £150k
A vintage Mercedes-Benz linked to pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe is to be sold at auction next month and is expected to change hands for more than £150,000.
Rare 1950 170 S (W136) reportedly It was used as Marilyn Monroe’s personal transportation during her stay in Greece in 1956.
The vehicle, imported from the port of Piraeus in February of the same year, is supported by term insurance documents signed ‘Marilyn Monroe’ covering February-August 1956.
This is consistent with the time she spent in Europe before returning to the United States, where she married playwright Arthur Miller in June of that year.
The trunk bearing the initials of the ‘blonde bombshell’ actress and model, believed to have been used by the 1950s sex symbol during her stay in Europe, will also be sold with the car, increasing its appeal for both vehicle collectors and Monroe enthusiasts.
The car will be offered to the highest bidder at the Iconic Auctioneers sale during Supercar Fest at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire on Saturday 16 May.
This 1950s Mercedes-Benz, closely linked to pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe, will be sold at auction next month. The vintage engine is expected to sell for over £150,000
Monroe is believed to have used the Mercedes as personal transportation during her stay in Greece in 1956
The vehicle’s provenance was revealed by the dealer after he discovered the fitted boot bearing ‘MM’ badging and a bespoke dashboard plate.
Further research into Greek registration and insurance archives led to the discovery of the insurance certificate, which has since been apostilled, notarised and authenticated by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, supporting the historical narrative of the car.
The documents also confirm that the vehicle was classified as a ‘Special Category Vehicle’ at the time, a designation generally reserved for high-profile individuals.
Monroe drove the car during her time in Europe in 1956 before returning to the United States, where she married playwright Arthur Miller in June of that year.
The belief that the vehicle was provided for Monroe’s private use is supported by term insurance documents signed ‘Marilyn Monroe’ covering February to August 1956.
the car itself It has undergone a no-expense-spared restoration, including complete disassembly and rebuilding, with components sourced from original suppliers or remanufactured using factory drawings and period-appropriate methods.
‘The result is a car presented to an exceptional standard, with a detailed history file including restoration invoices, a Mercedes-Benz data card confirming matching numbers and photographic records,’ says Iconic Auctioneers.
The Mercedes-Benz 170 S played a central role in the brand’s recovery after World War II.
Derived from the previous 170 V model, the S offered a more refined driving experience.
Under the wide bonnet is a 1.7-litre engine producing a modest 52bhp.
‘S’ derivatives featured upgraded suspension and chassis components to provide greater comfort and stability on the road.
Experts say the 170 S ‘set a benchmark’ for durability and understated luxury in the post-war era.
Derived from the previous 170 V model, the S offered a more refined driving experience. Under the wide bonnet is a 1.7-litre engine producing a modest 52bhp
The car’s seller began investigating the background of the car, questioning the initials ‘MM’ fixed to the dashboard.
The luggage set bearing the initials ‘MM’, which Monroe is thought to have used during her stay in Greece, will also be sold along with the vehicle, increasing its collectability.
Iconic Auctioneers’ car expert Steve Keen said: ‘Opportunities like this are incredibly rare.
‘Not only is this 170 S restored to an exacting standard, it also bears a well-documented and fascinating link to Marilyn Monroe.
‘It represents an important type of motor car that appeals to a wide range of collectors, from automotive enthusiasts to those interested in cultural history.’
Monroe, who rose to fame in the early fifties, died of an illness in August 1962. At the age of 36, he overdosed on barbiturates at his home in Los Angeles.
His death was ruled a possible suicide.
Yet it remains one of the greatest pop culture icons today, which will further increase the value of this incredibly collectible classic Mercedes.
The auction house quoted a presale price of between £120,000 and £160,000.
