A CLASSIC Mercedes once owned by James Bond superstar Sean Connery has gone up for sale and attracted a lot of interest from fans.
The Scottish actor purchased a Mercedes 300SD in the U.S. and drove it around North America, Spain and Scotland for ten years before gifting it to his brother.
James Bond superstar Sean Connery’s classic Mercedes is up for sale and is already attracting interest from fans of the actorGeorge Wright/Wrightmedia
A letter addressed to the actor demonstrates that he purchased the 300SD model direct from Mercedes in 1978Alamy
However, the 45-year-old Mercedes lacks much of the glitz and glamour of a Bond car – the paintwork is peeling and grimy, there’s rust on the wheel arches and roof, the upholstery is stained, and the rear bumper is literally hanging off.
This example boasts an automatic gearbox, climate control and a radio cassette player, the Scottish Daily Express reports.
But, the chief attraction is the documented link to the late, great Bond actor.
A letter addressed to Mr Connery demonstrates that he purchased the Merc direct from the German manufacturer in 1978.
Donna Noble, the company’s sales coordinator, wrote to him saying: “We appreciate this opportunity to be of assistance to you, and thank you for your patronage of Mercedes-Benz.”
Vehicle papers show that the car was registered with the DVLA in 1983, which is the year when Connery reprised his role of Bond in Never Say Never Again.
Five years later, the actor donated the car to his brother.
A letter signed by the star and dated October that year confirms the “white Mercedes 300 Saloon number BRK 862Y” is “a gift to my brother Neil.”
Neil drove the vehicle in Edinburgh for the following 25 years, attracting the admiration of those who knew that the previous owner was the famous actor.
In 2013, he sold the Mercedes to his friend Kevin Wigginton who stored the car in a garage for the next ten years.
After his death, his son decided to sell the car on eBay, which has attracted high interest from car collectors around the globe.
Paul, from Cramond in Edinburgh, told the Scottish Daily Express: “In 1978, this was a very nice car with a powerful engine and luxury interior, exactly what you would expect a star like Sir Sean to drive.
“By the time my dad bought it, it was no longer running. I’ve no idea what it’s worth. However, it’s a piece of history. It’s a car that’s only ever been driven by a Connery – either Sir Sean or his brother Neil.”
This comes after Richard Hammond’s car collection, including a classic Mustang and two stunning Jags.
Plus, car experts warned drivers about simple errors that could result in fines of up to £2,500 during this summer’s wedding season.
This example boasts an automatic gearbox, climate control and a radio cassette playerGeorge Wright/Wrightmedia
The 45-year-old Mercedes lacks much of the glitz and glitter of a Bond car as the paintwork is peeling and grimyGeorge Wright/Wrightmedia