Description
We are privileged to offer a museum-quality, exquisitely restored 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170 S Saloon. While any beautifully presented W136 "Director's Car" stands as a landmark of post-war automotive recovery, this particular chassis boasts a spellbinding, fully documented connection to the twentieth century’s ultimate cultural icon: Marilyn Monroe. Following a multi-year, no-expense-spared restoration, this vehicle presents a rare opportunity for discerning collectors to acquire a legendary piece of motoring history intertwined with Hollywood divinity. For decades, the glamorous past of this Mercedes-Benz remained a hidden secret. The connection came to light during a meticulous frame-off restoration when specialists discovered a bespoke set of period-correct fitted luggage nestled in the trunk, alongside a custom golden dashboard plaque integrated into the polished walnut wood—both meticulously embossed with the initials MM. Intrigued by these visual clues, historical researchers embedded themselves in European transit archives. They uncovered official records proving the car was imported through the Greek port of Piraeus in February 1956. Due to its high-profile occupant, Greek authorities granted the vehicle a strict Special Category Vehicle status, a high-security designation typically reserved for heads of state and top diplomats. Monroe used this elegant saloon as her personal sanctuary and means of transport during a pivotal, transitional European escape in 1956, just months before her high-profile wedding to playwright Arthur Miller. Crucially, the car is accompanied by the ultimate archival discovery: period Greek insurance certificates spanning February to August 1956, bearing the authentic signature of Marilyn Monroe. These signatures have been fully notarised, apostilled, and officially certified by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, offering an airtight level of provenance virtually unheard of in celebrity vehicle sales. Acquired by its current custodian over a decade ago, the car was subsequently entrusted to the renowned specialists at Brookfield Classic Cars for a comprehensive, bottom-to-top restoration overseen by experts Steve Nott and Gavin Bicknell. The vehicle was completely dismantled and rebuilt to exacting factory standards. Components were either sourced from original suppliers or painstakingly remanufactured using historical factory drawings and period-correct methods, utilising direct input from former Sindelfingen factory engineers. The mechanical refinement was elevated further with a dedicated mechanical overhaul exceeding sixty thousand pounds from Pool Lane Classics, focusing on long-term reliability and engine precision. Rare, period-correct components were sourced through premier German legacy specialists Niemöller and Werner Karasch & Co. The result is a mechanically flawless, visually stunning automobile presented in concours-ready condition. As the earliest technological ancestor of the modern Mercedes-Benz S-Class, the 170 S was the ultimate symbol of prestige in post-war Europe. Stylistically, it strikes a commanding stance, retaining the grand, sweeping pre-war teardrop fenders and upright chrome grille, but widened and lengthened to project immense road presence. Inside, the cabin is an oasis of mid-century luxury, complete with a built-in heater, flawless walnut wood, and plush carpeting. Underneath the traditional bodywork lies a revolutionary engineering package. Rather than a crude, rigid frame, the 170 S utilises an innovative oval tubular backbone chassis paired with a highly advanced independent double-wishbone front suspension and coil springs. While contemporary American luxury cars of the era floated and wallowed, the 170 S offered a firm, highly controlled, and remarkably smooth ride capable of traversing challenging European roads with absolute precision. Power comes from the matching-numbers 1, 767 cc inline-four engine featuring an aluminium-alloy cylinder head, producing a lively 52 horsepower and allowing for a comfortable 75 mph cruising speed.
