Ex-John Lennon Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Auctioned Off – Just USD 225K

A 1965 Mercedes-Benz 230 SL (Pagoda) belonging to Beetles legend John Lennon was recently auctioned off in the U.S. for USD 225K.

Bearing the original U.K. registration numbers GCP 196C, this very special 230 SL was originally delivered to John Winston Lennon (M.B.E) in 1965 and retains the original documentation and logbook documents, even bearing the music icon’s signature on the registration.

In pristine working condition, the 230 SL is powered by a 2.3-litre straight-six engine that sends power to the rear wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. With approximately 20,000 kms on the odometer, after nearly 50 years, the car still retains its original chassis plate, engine, transmission, and rear differential – as verified by Mercedes-Benz’s original factory records.

The car was delivered new to its owner in medium blue with a grey leather interior, grey soft top, and factory hardtop cover.

GCP 196C was owned by several British owners before making its way to the U.S. in the mid-1980s. The car has subsequently been owned by a number of collectors and museums before going to auction last week.

Despite its substantial auction price, the transacted value for a car of this much heritage, condition, and prominence was still far off initial price estimates – which ranged between USD 500k and USD 3 million. By comparison, the (Mk4) Toyota Supra used by Paul Walker in the first Fast and Furious movie was auctioned for USD 185K in 2015. 

Photo credit: https://mercedesblog.com