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 will be sold at auction next month - and it's forecast to change hands for over £150,000.
The rare 1950 170 S (W136) was reportedly used as Marilyn Monroe’s personal transportation during a stay in Greece in 1956.
Imported through the port of Piraeus in February that year, the car is supported by period insurance documentation signed ‘Marilyn Monroe,’ covering February to August 1956.
This aligns with her time in Europe prior to returning to the United States, where she married playwright Arthur Miller in June of that year.
Luggage 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, bolstering its appeal to vehicle collectors and Monroe enthusiasts alike.
It will be offered to the highest bidder on Saturday 16 May at the Iconic Auctioneers sale during Supercar Fest at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire.
This 1950s Mercedes-Benz - which is heavily linked to pop culture icon Marilyn Monroe - will be sold at auction next month. The vintage motor is expected to sell for over £150k
Monroe is believed to have used the Mercedes as her personal transportation during a stay in Greece in 1956
The provenance of the vehicle was uncovered by the vendor after discovering fitted luggage bearing ‘MM’ insignia and a bespoke dashboard plaque.
Further investigation through Greek registration and insurance archives led to the discovery of the insurance certificate, which has since been apostilled, notarised and certified by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, supporting the car’s historical narrative.
Documentation also confirms its classification at the time as a ‘Special Category Vehicle', a designation typically reserved for high-profile individuals.
Monroe used the car during her time in Europe in 1956 prior to returning to the United States where she married playwright Arthur Miller in June of that year
The belief that Monroe was supplied the vehicle for her private use is supported by period insurance documentation signed ‘Marilyn Monroe,’ covering February to August 1956
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The car itself has been subject to a no-expense-spared restoration, including a complete dismantling and rebuild, with components sourced from original suppliers or remanufactured using factory drawings and period-correct methods.
'The result is a car presented to an exceptional standard, accompanied by a detailed history file including restoration invoices, a Mercedes-Benz data card confirming matching numbers, and photographic records,' Iconic Auctioneers says.
The Mercedes-Benz 170 S played a central role in the marque’s recovery following the Second World War.
Derived from the earlier 170 V model, the S offered a more refined driving experience.
Under the expansive bonnet is a 1.7-litre engine producing a modest 52bhp.
The 'S' derivatives featured uprated suspension and chassis components to provide enhanced comfort and composure on the road.
Experts say the 170 S 'set a benchmark' for durability and understated luxury in the post-war period.
Derived from the earlier 170 V model, the S offered a more refined driving experience. Under the expansive bonnet is a 1.7-litre engine producing a modest 52bhp
The car's vendor began researching the background of the car having queried the 'MM' initials fixed to the dashboard
A luggage set bearing the 'MM' intitals that are believed to have been used by Monroe during her stay in Greece will also be sold with the vehcile, increasing its collectablity
Steve Keen, car specialist at Iconic Auctioneers, said: 'Opportunities like this are incredibly rare.
'This 170 S is not only restored to an exacting standard but also carries a well-documented and fascinating link to Marilyn Monroe.
'It represents the kind of significant motor car that appeals to collectors across the spectrum, from automotive enthusiasts to those interested in cultural history.'
Monroe, who had shot to fame in the early fifties, died in August 1962 from a barbiturate overdose at her Los Angeles home at the tender age of 36.
Her death was ruled a probable suicide.
Yet today she remains one of the greatest pop culture icon, which will only inflate the value of this incredibly collectable classic Mercedes.
The auction house has given a pre-sale guide price of £120,000 to £160,000.
