The 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible is more than just a classic car; for many, it’s instantly recognizable as a key character from the blockbuster movie, The Hangover. This vintage Mercedes played such a significant role that it became as much of a star as the lead actors themselves – Bradley Cooper, Ed Helms, Zach Galifianakis, and Justin Bartha – not forgetting the infamous tiger. The film puts this beautiful Mercedes-Benz through some truly harrowing experiences, which is particularly poignant considering the rarity of the 220SE convertibles – Mercedes-Benz no longer produces them.
To bring the chaotic bachelor party story to life, a total of five Mercedes 220SE models were used during the filming of The Hangover. Interestingly, only three of these were genuine convertibles. The other two were coupes cleverly modified to resemble the convertible version, ensuring there were enough vehicles to withstand the rigors of filming.
Initial plans for the production involved intentionally destroying the two modified coupes, as their structural integrity was compromised during the conversion process, making them unsuitable for road use after filming. However, amidst the controlled chaos of a movie set, an unexpected mishap occurred. A genuine 220SE convertible was mistakenly destroyed alongside one of the modified coupes, a casualty of the film’s demanding action sequences.
Following the completion of filming, the two surviving Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertibles, spared from destruction, were put up for auction. The proceeds from these auctions were donated to charitable causes. As reported by Autoblog, one of these remaining iconic vehicles resurfaced and was listed for sale on eBay, with a “Buy It Now” price of $95,000. This listing presented a unique opportunity to own a piece of Hollywood history.
The seller’s description highlighted that the car was in excellent driving condition and good physical shape, although honestly stating it wasn’t a pristine, concours-level show car. This particular Mercedes was primarily used for interior scenes in The Hangover, and after filming wrapped, the interior was meticulously restored to its original condition, erasing the traces of its wild on-screen adventures.
To understand the asking price, a comparison of market values for 1964 to 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertibles reveals a valuation range from approximately $40,280 to $82,500, largely dependent on the car’s condition and provenance. Typically, asking $95,000 for a 220SE might be considered ambitious without significant history or exceptional condition. However, the documented and undeniable connection of this particular car to a major motion picture like The Hangover undeniably elevates its value. This Hollywood provenance adds a significant premium, making it a highly desirable collector’s item for both car enthusiasts and movie memorabilia collectors alike.
