Lot 152 - 2000 Mercedes-Benz G500 ex-Eric Clapton
| Lot Number | 152 |
| Registration | V155VKE |
| Chassis Number | WDB4632412X121984 |
| Engine Number | BV126676 |
| Odometer reading | 97,000 miles |
| Result | Sold - £37,356 |
- Previously owned by Eric Clapton
- Desirable 500 petrol engine
The Mercedes-Benz G-Class or G-Wagen, short for Geländewagen (or cross-country vehicle), is a four-wheel drive vehicle/sport utility vehicle and characterised by its boxy styling and body-on-frame construction. It utilizes three fully locking differentials, one of the few vehicles to have such a feature. Originally developed as a military vehicle and offered as a civilian version in 1979, it proved so competent and popular that demand has ensured it is still in production today. Demand came from all over the world with such patronage as the Vatican and the, now famous, series of 'Popemobiles' to use on the Paris-Dakar Rally and many exploratory trips including one to Siberia, the worlds coldest region and driving a standard model traveling 19,000km without breakdown in temperatures as low as -63°F.
Presented in brilliant silver with black leather trim, this desirable G500 was initially registered to Eric Clapton in September 2000 in Antigua, with the purpose to be used we are informed at his famous Crossroads rehab on the Caribbean Island. The G500 was infact one of three gifted to him by Mercedes-Benz. The purpose of the car was, we believe, to collect the rich and famous from the private airfield and chauffeur them to the Willoughby Bay Centre in luxury.
Documentation including the Antigua and Barbuda registration certificates with Mr Clapton’s name can be found within the history file. Remaining in the ownership of the ‘Slowhand’ until 2019. Then our vendor purchased and returned the car back to the UK; where it has been serviced, re commissioned including a recent new fuel pump, starter motor and steering damper, and obtained a UK V5 and MoT test certificate until August 2023.
With rugged good looks and a proven reputation for both on and off-road driving, this comes with a wealth of luxury items that easily brings this model up to date with other comparable offerings. Such as: factory air conditioning, heated seats front and rear, remote central locking, electric heated mirrors, rear factory parking sensors and privacy glass. A new eight speaker Alpine sound system with amplifier has been fitted and it sits on matching Michelin LTX tyres. Couple with the added bonus of such celebrity ownership, let alone the list of famous celebrities that this car may have transported such as Britney Spears, Whitney Houston, Colin Farrell and Billy Joel to name a few this will surely be a popular example.
Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each Lot prior to the sale. Accordingly, buyers are on notice that each vehicle is offered ‘as is/as seen’ subject to the Terms and Conditions for the auction. All registration numbers, engine and chassis details are sourced from registration documents provided to Historics by the client or representative or HPI checks and buyers are to satisfy themselves as to the accuracy of these details. Buyers are advised to inspect the vehicle in person or use a professional to carry out this service. Historics will not entertain disputes over descriptions.