Johnny Carson’s long-owned 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC is back on the auction block, offering collectors a chance to own a piece of late-night television history.
A Car with Late-Night Legacy
For three decades, Johnny Carson was the face of late-night television, hosting The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson from 1962 to 1992. While his wit and charm made him a household name, Carson also had a taste for fine automobiles. One of his prized possessions—a 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC—has surfaced for sale on Bring a Trailer, offering an opportunity to own a car that the legendary entertainer kept for more than a decade.
A Well-Preserved
Carson purchased the 560SEC brand new from Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills. Finished in Arctic White with 15-inch Gullideckel alloy wheels, the coupe maintains a timeless aesthetic. Inside, the cabin is trimmed in Anthracite leather, complemented by wood inserts on the dashboard, center console, and doors.
German Grand Tourer
Luxury features include heated and power-adjustable seats, climate control, and a Becker cassette stereo. With 87,000 miles on the odometer, the car appears to have been well maintained, receiving suspension and engine servicing in recent years.
Performance and Engineering
The 560SEC was one of the most powerful luxury coupes of its time. Under the hood, Carson’s car is equipped with a 5.5-liter M117 V8, producing 238 horsepower and 287 lb-ft of torque. Power is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed automatic transmission and a limited-slip differential, making for a smooth yet capable driving experience.
More Than Just a Car
Beyond its celebrity ownership, this 560SEC carries an impressive pedigree. It was featured in The Star, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America’s magazine, in early 2022. The car also comes with a collection of memorabilia related to Carson, adding to its historical appeal. Included in the sale are the original window sticker, manufacturer’s literature, service records, and accessories, making it a well-documented piece of automotive and entertainment history.
A Car That Keeps Changing Hands
While Carson owned the Mercedes for more than a decade, the car has been in constant motion recently. It sold on Bring a Trailer in June 2024 for $36,750, only to be auctioned at the Barrett-Jackson Scottsdale auction in early 2025. It's unclear whether the car changed hands at that auction, or for how much. But we do know that the latest owner wasted no time listing it again, and as of the most recent bidding update, the price had climbed past $ 18,500 with one day left in the auction, as of this writing.
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