Mercedes Once Owned by Tom Petty Heads to Auction

[Desmond Milligan 0]

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Mercedes Once Owned by Tom Petty Heads to Auction

A well-preserved 1980 Mercedes-Benz 450SL, purchased new by the late rock icon Tom Petty, is set to change hands. Offered by its second owner, the V8-powered roadster retains a striking black-on-tan color scheme and just 49,858 miles on the odometer.

Petty, best known as the frontman of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, bought the car brand new on March 7, 1980, from Jim Bess Mercedes in Canoga Park, California. He kept the convertible for more than 35 years, maintaining it in Southern California under the state’s original blue license plates. The car still carries Petty’s personal touch — a peace sign detail — along with factory alloy wheels and its original black soft top.

The 450SL belongs to the long-running R107 series, produced from 1971 to 1989. Known for combining Mercedes’ mid-size chassis with the S-Class V8, the model became a symbol of refined grand touring. This example is powered by a 4.5-liter single-overhead-cam V8 producing 190 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. The car features independent suspension and four-wheel disc brakes, offering a comfortable yet capable ride.

Inside, the tan leather interior remains in strong condition, with well-preserved wood trim and a period-correct Becker Mexico cassette deck. The instrument panel retains its original gauges, including the metric speedometer installed for U.S. delivery cars at the time.

Included with the sale are the original owner’s books, warranty cards, and data plate, all stamped with Petty’s name, along with a copy of the title. The seller describes the car as running and driving well, ready for its next caretaker.

For collectors of both rock memorabilia and vintage Mercedes, the offering presents a rare chance to own a car that blends automotive craftsmanship with music history.

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