This is a VERY, VERY rare opportunity to own a 1 of 1, impressive part of automotive and the cultural history of the United States of America.
Playboy Magazine Founder, Hugh Hefner's, 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEL, Allen Coachworks 52 inch Stretch, Personal Formal Limousine.
A vehicle like this rarely, if ever, shows up as available for transfer. Full documentation identifying the provenance of the car will be available for viewing upon the vehicle inspection tour. No sooner.
Below is the exact listing as written by Christie's Auction House for the Sale Lot 311 for the "PLAYBOY AT 50" auction on December 17, 2003 held at the New York, Rockefeller Center. At that Playboy Auction the car sold for: USD $77,675.00. You can buy it today at a fraction of that.
View the listing from Christie's: http://www.christies.com/lotfinder/Lot/1988-mercedes-benz-560-sel-stretch-4204954-details.aspx
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"Throughout motoring history, Mercedes-Benz has been known for
their supremely built, highly luxurious, limousines. The S-Class
range were no exception to this adage, and it is therefore no
surprise that a top-of-the-range 560SEL model was the executive
carrier of choice for Mr. Hefner.
This 1988 560SEL Sedan was purchased new by Playboy Enterprises
Inc. and then converted by Allen Coachworks/Coachworld Limited of
Inglewood, CA in 1989 to a full 52 inch stretch limousine. The
specification and equipment levels were considerable and apart from
the special request 52 inch stretch, also included: passenger
compartment power moon roof, dual divider (glass & soundproof
solid) with Carpathian elm, Sony standard audio/video, Magnavox
video cassette player, auto temperature control, original leather
bench seat, original carpets, portiere in burl wood, overhead
controls front and rear, Halo lighting, intercom, center mount
drink holder, under seat storage drawers, illuminated ice storage,
illuminated vanity mirrors, dual battery, suspension upgrade and
tires upgrade. The cost of the conversion was some $40,000 in 1988,
over and above the $50,000 for the new car! Today the car has been
retired from the business fleet and will be sold with the license
plate HMH LIMO, as Mr. Hefner has chosen to keep the plate HMH 1.
The indicated mileage is 61,000 plus a few added miles, as Mr.
Hefner took the limousine for one last spin in Beverly Hills on
September 10, 2003."
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The HMH LIMO plate will be sold with the car, as will the original Chrities PLAYBOY AT 50 catalog along with other poventional pieces.
Besides it's incredible history with PLAYBOY, the car has also been used in the made for HBO TV show VINYL with Mick Jagger and Martin Scorsese.
The car has been meticulously maintained and carefully upgraded with the latest sound and video equipment.
It has very recently been given new Michelin tires, brand new chrome wheels, batteries, belts, HD alternator and many other electronic components.
The car was stored by its last owner for eight years. Consequently when it was removed from storage the car was PROPERLY prepped for starting. The fuel tank had aged gas in it. So every component, starting with a fresh fuel tank, forward to the exhaust manifolds, was removed and replaced, inclusive of plugs, wires, injectors, fuel accumulator and all fuel carrying lines. All correct post storage starting procedures were followed to ensure the integrity of the engine.
All brake pads and rotors front and rear have been removed and replaced. All fluids throughout the car were removed and replaced. The car is currently utilizing Amsoil Z-Rod Synth, 20W-50 oil. An oil designed for older classics and late model cars that are not regularly driven. Zinc coats the walls and all moving parts.
All other components of the car have been inspected and replaced or repaired as needed.
All of the leather seating has been cleaned and rejuvenated with the finest leather care products available. (There are no cracks, tears or other blemishes on any leather surfaces, carpets, headliner or panels.)
The car drives and rides exactly as it should. Like a limo made for a Statesman.
By now you should have a very good idea of the overall condition of this historical automobile.
The limousine is available for viewing and inspection by appointment only. A 100% refundable deposit of $425.00 is required, via PayPal or credit card, prior to viewing the car. If you decide to not buy the car then the full deposit will be refunded back to you immediately or the following business day. If you choose to buy the car then an additional deposit of $575.00 must be made at the acceptance of the agreement to purchase. Failure to consummate the sale may result in a forfeiture of all deposit monies, at the seller's discretion. There will be no exceptions made to this rule.
All questions and requests for inspection must be made in writing via email only. All responses will be sent back via email Ccing any other potential buyers except in the event the question contains personal and requestor specific information.
Assistance will be made available on transporting the vehicle to the buyer's choice of destination.
Full payment is expected within 48 hours of offer acceptance. Removal of the vehicle is expected to be within 10 business days of offer acceptance.
