Marilyn Monroe’s personal 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170 S is going under the hammer in the UK this month, with a guide price of up to £160,000. The car’s authenticity is backed by an insurance certificate signed by Monroe herself, making it one of the most talked-about celebrity cars for sale in 2026.
Key Facts
- £160,000 – The top-end estimate for Marilyn Monroe’s 170 S.
- 16 May – Auction date, hosted by Iconic Auctioneers at the Supercar Fest event.
- 1950 model year – The Mercedes-Benz 170 S (W136) saloon.
- Certified provenance – UK Foreign Office confirmed Monroe’s signature.
- 52bhp – Power output of the 1.7-litre engine after full restoration.
Marilyn Monroe’s Mercedes-Benz set for UK auction
One of Hollywood’s most iconic stars is taking centre stage once more, this time in the form of a stunning 1950 Mercedes-Benz 170 S (W136), once owned by Marilyn Monroe herself. The car is set to headline Iconic Auctioneers’ sale at Supercar Fest in Northamptonshire on 16 May, and collectors are already buzzing about it.
It’s not every day a car combines post-war German craftsmanship with Golden Age Hollywood magic, but this one does exactly that. With a guide price between £120,000 and £160,000, this classic Mercedes could easily become one of the year’s standout celebrity car auctions in the UK.
The provenance: Signed by Monroe herself
What truly sets this car apart is the rock-solid provenance. Inside the glovebox sits an insurance certificate personally signed by Marilyn Monroe, officially verified by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office – a level of authentication that’s virtually unheard of in celebrity vehicle sales.
Many so-called “star-owned” cars struggle to back up their claims, but this example leaves no room for doubt. According to auction documents, Monroe used the 170 S while living in Greece in 1956, where it was uniquely registered as a “Special Category Vehicle”, a title usually reserved for diplomats or royalty.
A hidden Hollywood treasure
Even the car’s discovery story feels like a movie twist. The current owner only uncovered its glamorous heritage after finding original fitted luggage, each piece embossed with ‘MM’ initials. Add to that a custom dashboard plaque, and you’ve got evidence that connects the Mercedes directly to Monroe in the most tangible way.
Immaculate restoration with classic charm
Beyond its headline-grabbing past, the car has undergone a meticulous Mercedes-Benz restoration. Every part, down to individual nuts and bolts, was either restored from original 1950s components or recreated using factory specs. Under the bonnet, the 1.7-litre engine might only produce 52bhp, but it still represents the luxury and craftsmanship that made Mercedes a symbol of prestige in the 1950s.
Will the ‘Monroe factor’ push it past £160,000?
More than six decades after her passing, Marilyn Monroe remains one of history’s most captivating cultural icons and that timeless appeal could push this Mercedes past its guide price. Whether you’re a long-time collector or just someone intrigued by Hollywood legends, the Supercar Fest auction promises to be one worth watching.
And if the car’s combination of elegance, engineering, and celebrity allure tells us anything, it’s that the “Monroe factor” is still as powerful as ever.