The movie The Hangover isn’t just remembered for its wild plot and hilarious cast featuring Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, and Ed Helms. For car enthusiasts, and especially Mercedes-Benz aficionados, there was another star stealing scenes: a classic 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible. This vintage beauty played a pivotal role in the film’s chaotic narrative, becoming as iconic as any of the actors themselves.
The tragedy that befalls this classic Mercedes-Benz throughout The Hangover is particularly poignant because these cars are no longer in production. Mercedes-Benz stopped manufacturing the 220SE convertibles long ago, making them highly sought-after by collectors. For the movie production, a total of five 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE models were utilized. Interestingly, only three were genuine convertibles. The filmmakers cleverly employed two coupes, modifying them to convincingly mimic the convertible style, ensuring they had enough vehicles to withstand the rigors of filming.
Originally, the plan was to destroy the two modified coupes during filming. These altered cars lacked the structural integrity of true convertibles and weren’t considered roadworthy after their cinematic modifications. However, during the hectic filming process, a mishap occurred. A genuine 220SE convertible was mistakenly destroyed alongside one of the modified coupes. This accidental destruction further diminished the already limited number of these classic vehicles.
Post-production, the fate of the surviving Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertibles took a charitable turn. The two remaining cars, veterans of The Hangover filming, were auctioned off. The proceeds from these auctions were donated to worthy causes, adding another layer of positive legacy to these movie star vehicles. As reported by Autoblog, one of these auctioned cars eventually resurfaced on eBay, offered for sale with a “Buy It Now” price tag of $95,000.
The seller, in the eBay listing, described the Hangover Mercedes-Benz as being in excellent driving and physical condition. However, they also realistically pointed out that it was not a concours-level show car, acknowledging its history of movie use. This particular vehicle was primarily used for interior shots during filming. Following the movie’s completion, the interior was meticulously restored to its original pristine condition, erasing the on-screen chaos from within the cabin.
When examining market values for 1964 to 1966 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertibles, price ranges vary considerably based on condition. Typical selling prices fall anywhere from approximately $40,000 to upwards of $82,500. Without the added provenance of its movie history, asking $95,000 for a 1965 Mercedes-Benz 220SE convertible might be considered ambitious. However, the undeniable fact that this specific car starred in a major motion picture like The Hangover undeniably elevates its desirability and, consequently, its market value to collectors and fans alike. The “Hangover Mercedes Benz” is more than just a classic car; it’s a piece of cinematic history.
