Some Like it Hot: Unexpected Bombshell Benz at Cars & Coffee in SoCal

MB World crashed a meetup in Manhattan Beach and discovered a beautiful 220SE with a surprising former owner—Ms. Marilyn Monroe! 

When we arrived at the recent Cars & Coffee event at The Point, in Manhattan Beach, CA, we had no idea that we were having a brush with greatness. We spotted this 1960 Mercedes-Benz 220SE and it was incredible. But it was only later, after doing some research, that we discovered this classic Mercedes once belonged to the ultimate blonde bombshell, Marilyn Monroe.

We spoke to the gentleman who owned the car, and he had a lot of interesting information about the car. He even held the car’s original keys in his hand.

Pristine and beautifully maintained, this car would turn heads anywhere it went. The interior was especially gorgeous. Cream leather seats and exquisite woodwork on the dash definitely made our knees weak.

The birdseye maple was refinished by Madera Concepts. And this rang a bell. Why did we know that name?

Oh right, because they once posted about a restoration they did on a 1960 Mercedes that had once belonged to the legendary Monroe.

Monroe owned many cars throughout the years; from Cadillacs to Jaguars, Fords to Chryslers. The one thing they all had in common was they were almost all convertibles, a favorite choice for the movie star.

We’re not sure why the owner failed to mention this tidbit! However, he did tell us more about the Mercedes. The car remains just as it was in 1960, and he hasn’t changed a thing on the car, except the battery.

The car has been lovingly maintained, and is incredibly clean under the hood. It looks and feels like it has remained the same from the days Norma Jean was behind the wheel.

We’re not sure if the owner knew this car’s pretty mind-blowing history, or if he was just keeping it on the down low. Either way, this is one of the reasons it is always a good time at a car show. You never know what unusual, sexy, or exciting ride you might just come across.

Photos for MB World by Derin Richardson

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Sherry Bryan

Longtime automotive journalist S.J. Bryan has been covering the automotive industry for over five years and is an editor with Ford Truck Enthusiasts and regular contributor to F-150 Online, Harley-Davidson Forums, and The Mustang Source, among other popular auto sites.

Bryan first discovered her passion for all things automotive while riding in her parent's 1968 Ford Mustang. The automotive expert cut her teeth growing up riding on Harleys, and her first car was a Chevy Nova. Despite her lead foot, Bryan has yet to receive a speeding ticket.

The award-winning former playwright was first published at age 18. She has worked extensively as a writer and editor for a number of lifestyle and pop culture publications. The diehard gearhead is a big fan of American muscle cars, sixth-gen Ford trucks, and Oxford commas.

S.J. can be reached at sherryjbry@gmail.com.