Jerry Seinfeld’s former Mercedes-Benz 500E, a high-performance sedan co-developed with Porsche, recently sold for an astonishing $320,000 at the Amelia Island auction. The price far exceeds typical market values for this model, highlighting the impact of celebrity ownership on collector car values.
The Porsche-Mercedes Hybrid
The 500E (W124) is unique in automotive history: it was partially assembled at Porsche’s Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen plant due to its widened body requiring specialized production. This collaboration resulted in a high-quality, durable sedan often dubbed the “Porsche Mercedes.” The car’s 5.0-liter V8 engine, producing 326 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque, was paired with a four-speed automatic transmission.
A Collector’s Item
Enthusiasts value the 500E for its understated performance and Porsche-enhanced build quality. While decent examples can still be found for around $50,000, truly pristine models command much higher prices. Seinfeld’s car, however, stood out due to its exceptionally low mileage (just 2,335 miles after 34 years) and near-new condition.
The Auction Result
Auction house Gooding & Company, in cooperation with Christie’s, described the car as “near new,” with its original Brilliant Silver Metallic paint and light gray leather interior in impeccable condition. The final sale price of $320,000 blew past pre-auction estimates of $176,000 to $228,000, likely driven by both the car’s celebrity provenance and its exceptional preservation.
The record price demonstrates that well-maintained, low-mileage examples of this classic model can fetch top dollar in the collector market. The 500E remains a coveted car for those seeking a unique blend of Mercedes refinement and Porsche engineering.
