Greek getaway: Marilyn Monroe’s secret Mercedes-Benz to be sold
A classic car with Hollywood provenance has surfaced at auction house Iconic Auctioneers: a 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170 S (W136) once used by Marilyn Monroe during her 1956 visit to Greece.
A discovery worthy of a film script
For years, the car’s celebrity connection went unnoticed. Its history came to light only after the current owner began a restoration.
A key piece of evidence was an insurance certificate bearing Monroe’s signature, reportedly authenticated with involvement from the U.K. Foreign Office. Additional clues included suitcases with an «MM» monogram found in the trunk and a gold plaque with the actress’s initials mounted on the polished walnut dashboard.
Records show the car was imported through the port of Piraeus in 1956 under «Special Category Vehicle» status — a designation at the time reserved for heads of state and internationally recognized figures.
A postwar luxury icon restored
The Mercedes-Benz 170 S was the company’s first postwar luxury model. Powered by a 1.8-liter engine producing 52 horsepower and equipped with independent front suspension, it was considered a premium vehicle in its era.
Following restoration by Brookfield Classic Cars, the vehicle has been returned to near-original condition, evoking its mid-20th-century glamour.
Estimate reflects star power
The car is expected to fetch between £120,000 and £160,000 at auction — well above the typical value for a 170 S. Memorabilia linked to Monroe has historically commanded premium prices, and the final bid could exceed estimates.
The car is scheduled to go under the hammer May 16, 2026, offering collectors a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of automotive and Hollywood history.
