The movie The Hangover is memorable for many reasons, from its hilarious plot twists to its ensemble cast. However, for car enthusiasts, there’s another star that shines just as brightly: the 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible. This classic vehicle isn’t just a prop; it’s practically a character in itself, sharing the screen with the likes of Zach Galifianakis and Bradley Cooper. The Mercedes-Benz in The Hangover becomes an integral part of the storyline, undergoing a series of unfortunate events that mirror the chaotic bachelor party.
The Fate of the Mercedes-Benz Cars During Filming
It’s well-known among automotive aficionados that Mercedes-Benz no longer produces the 220SE convertible, making it a prized classic. For The Hangover production, a total of five Mercedes-Benz 220SE models were utilized. Interestingly, this number included three genuine convertibles and two coupes that were skillfully modified to resemble the convertible version. The initial plan was to sacrifice the two converted coupes for the more destructive scenes, as their modifications made them less structurally sound for road use. However, during the hectic filming process, a mishap occurred, and one of the actual convertibles was mistakenly destroyed alongside a modified coupe. This unplanned destruction only adds to the legendary, if somewhat tragic, story of the Mercedes-Benz in The Hangover.
From Movie Set to Auction Block: The Hangover Mercedes-Benz for Sale
After filming wrapped, the two surviving Mercedes-Benz convertibles from The Hangover were auctioned off, with the proceeds benefiting charity. Recently, as reported by Autoblog, one of these iconic vehicles resurfaced and was listed for sale on eBay. This presents a unique opportunity to own a piece of movie history, a genuine Mercedes-Benz from The Hangover. The asking price was set at $95,000, reflecting not only the car’s condition but also its celebrity status.
Is the Hangover Mercedes-Benz Worth the Price?
The seller described this particular Mercedes-Benz 220SE as being in excellent driving and physical condition, though honestly acknowledging it’s not a concours-level show car. Given that this specific vehicle was primarily used for interior shots during the movie, its interior has been meticulously restored to its original pristine condition post-filming. Typically, a 1964 to 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible, depending on condition, might fetch prices ranging from approximately $40,000 to $82,500 on the classic car market. Therefore, while asking $95,000 might seem ambitious for a standard model, the undeniable provenance of this Mercedes-Benz, its documented role in a major motion picture like The Hangover, undeniably increases its desirability and market value, especially for collectors of movie memorabilia and classic Mercedes-Benz automobiles. Owning this Mercedes-Benz in The Hangover fame offers a unique blend of automotive history and pop culture significance.