All You Need is Love... and John Lennon's 300TD Station Wagon

Watching the Wheels

This week marked the 78th birthday of legendary Beatle John Lennon, whose life was tragically cut short when he was gunned down in the archway of his Manhattan apartment building on December 8, 1980. Forever known as a Beatle, anti-war activist, husband to avant-garde artist Yoko Ono, and even a Walrus, the two-time Rock and Roll Hall-of-Famer was also noted for several cars that he owned throughout his life. His last car was this 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD. 

Drive My Car

In August, John Lennon's 1979 Mercedes-Benz 300TD station wagon went on the auction block. As a semi-retired Dad who just put out his first album in six years, this was Lennon's daily driver, which he used to haul around recording equipment, the master tapes of his final album, "Double Fantasy," and his son, Sean. It was allegedly sitting in the garage of the Dakota building (where he lived) the night he was shot. 

>>Join the conversation about John Lennon's Mercedes-Benz 300TD right here in MBWorld.org.

Whatever Gets You Through the Night

This 300TD is powered by a 2988cc inline-five diesel that only made 77 hp when new. It sounds low, but remember, this was a turbo-charged diesel which offered a bit more get-up-and-go than the non-turbo version. The wagon has a four-speed automatic transmission, independent suspension, and disc brakes. 

>>Join the conversation about John Lennon's Mercedes-Benz 300TD right here in MBWorld.org.

From Me to You

According to records, the car was well-preserved and well documented. The downside, however, is that it’s not exactly original. The listing states that it has an older repaint as well as upgraded wheels. It’s hard to say if that will hurt the wagon’s price, considering the price is rooted in Lennon’s former ownership. 

>>Join the conversation about John Lennon's Mercedes-Benz 300TD right here in MBWorld.org.

Ticket to Ride

Since his death, the car has spent its time in several museums, including the Legends museum in Nashville, a Toronto car museum, and the Sarasota Classic Car Museum in Florida. Now it's poised to return to private hands... for the right price. 

>>Join the conversation about John Lennon's Mercedes-Benz 300TD right here in MBWorld.org.

Imagine owning this piece of history

The car is now available at the Auburn Auction at the National Auto and Truck Museum in Auburn, Indiana, which kicked off on September 1. It's not clear what sort of price this piece of pop culture will fetch, but there is sure to be a premium on a car that is already valued at $5,000 to $9,000 depending on mileage and condition. So if you are a serious Beatles collector and cars are what you covet, you’ll want to hit the Old Dirt Road to Auburn, Indiana, and try your hand at owning this precious slice of Steel and Glass. 

>>Join the conversation about John Lennon's Mercedes-Benz 300TD right here in MBWorld.org.

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