Vehicle Description
1993 Mercedes-Benz 500E
VIN: WDBEA36E2PB987138
Previously owned by comedian Red Skelton and wife, Lothian
Skelton
Built in a collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes-Benz in
limited production
Extremely rare factory black over black specification, believed one
of three built
All original black paint finish, California car since new
Large collection of service documents, includes owner's manual
Canepa upgrades including BBS Aero II wheels and cosmetic
updates
One of the best under-the-radar cars in the automotive world is the
Mercedes-Benz 500E. Built in collaboration with Porsche in the
early 90s, it is one of the greatest Q-ship sedans ever created.
Using parts from the SL sports car and accessing Porsche's handmade
expertise, these special cars took an average of 18 days to build.
With the immensely powerful 326 horsepower 5.0-liter V8 engine came
impressive performance with a limited top speed of 155mph, all
while maintaining the Mercedes-Benz level of quality and comfort. A
few clues gave away that this was not your ordinary W124 was its
aggressive stance that has 1.5-inch wider track, 0.9-inch lower
profile, flared fenders, side skirts, and a front air dam.
Thankfully the final package, to the untrained eye, was subtle
enough to not attract unwarranted attention from law
enforcement.
This Mercedes-Benz 500E represents a rare example of the
collaboration between Porsche and Mercedes. Color options for 500E
were fairly limited, and many of the colors were relegated to the
usual suspects of silver, dark grey metallic and some other unusual
colors such as Spruce Green metallic. However, a factory black over
black 500E is extremely rare, even more rare that this car retains
all of its original factory paint finish. A stunning example, it
only adds to its Q-ship status and retains an aggressive presence
that is lacking from the rest. Pair that with the visceral exhaust
note that encourages you to mash the throttle at all times, this
unique Mercedes-Benz 500E is the one to have.
Purchased in October of 1993, was first purchased by a model based
in Los Angeles, CA. She owned the car for a few years before the
stealthy 500E was purchased by famous comedian Red Skelton and his
wife, Lothian Skelton. Red hosted the show The Red Skelton Show
from 1951 to 1970, applying his special variety of comedy to
television, film and radio. He retired from performing live in 1993
when he celebrated his 80th birthday. He and his wife, Lothian,
lived in the Los Angeles area until Red's passing in 1997. Lothian
moved to the Palm Springs area a few years later, and would drive
the car sparingly. Most of the miles on the car were amassed during
the first 8 years of ownership, with the Mercedes-Benz driven less
than 3,000 miles between 2001 and 2019. The Mercedes was maintained
regularly at the Mercedes-Benz dealership in Palm Springs,
California, ensuring that it was in proper driving order if Lothian
ever wanted to take the Mercedes out for a drive.
When the 500E recently arrived at Canepa, there was some disbelief
that involved the black over black specification. Supposedly with
only a few ever made, seeing one in person was a rare occasion
indeed. With not a moment to spare, Bruce Canepa had a vision with
the car and immediately entered it into Canepa's system to receive
the "Canepa Difference" process. Comprising of a complete
mechanical inspection and service with a concours-level detailing,
this process is one of the many aspects why Canepa cars are known
for their quality. It was then decided that a set of BBS Aero II
wheels, with the centers painted in Liquid Silver metallic with
polished rim lips, would give the car a subtle yet updated look. In
the meantime, it was given a complete concours detailing, washing
the underside of the car, exterior, engine bay, and cleaning every
square inch of the interior. The factory black paint finish was
polished with only foam pads and polishes, enhancing the deep
luster of the Q-ship sedan. The 18" BBS wheels were added and
completed with new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires in 255/40/ZR18,
bringing the look of the Mercedes-Benz 500E to be a one-of-a-kind
bruiser.
A Mercedes-Benz 500E is a driving automotive history lesson,
showing that manufacturers weren't always in the business of
keeping to themselves. Often times collaborations formed out of
necessity for either technical or expertise needs which often
created extremely innovative and cool projects. With Mercedes-Benz
designing their 500E and the capable hands of Porsche assembling
the Q-ships, these are unique, memorable and ultimately fantastic
driving cars. With this example being one of the very few painted
by the factory in black with a black interior, owned by Red Skelton
and cared for since new by his wife, and paired with the Canepa's
tasteful upgrades to update its look, this Mercedes-Benz 500E is
one for the history books.