Additional Coverage:
- ‘Pawn Stars’ boss Rick Harrison loved this vintage Mercedes but refuses to buy it for over $20,000 (marketrealist.com)
Custom 1961 Mercedes-Benz Drives into “Pawn Stars,” But Price Tag Stalls Deal
A meticulously customized 1961 Mercedes-Benz recently rolled onto the set of “Pawn Stars,” catching the eye of proprietor Rick Harrison. While Harrison expressed admiration for the vintage vehicle’s unique charm, his sharp business acumen ultimately clashed with the seller’s asking price, leading to a standstill in negotiations.
The classic Mercedes presented a striking appearance from the outset. Its gleaming paint and seemingly well-maintained exterior suggested a car ready for the road.
However, the owner quickly revealed that this was no ordinary classic; it had undergone extensive personalization. Among the immediate standout features were the unusually large wheels, which Harrison initially estimated at 25 inches, though the owner clarified they were 19-inch rims, appearing massive on the compact car.
The customizations went far beyond aesthetics. The owner detailed a complete overhaul, stating, “Tore the car down to the bare frame and started ground up.
Interiors re-done, fogged the taillights, shaved door handles. I put poppers on there to be able to open the door just with my remote.”
Additionally, custom airbags had been installed on all four corners, providing a hydraulic-like suspension without the typical bouncing associated with lowriders. A notable void in the dashboard, the owner explained, was reserved for a planned television and surround sound system.
Despite the impressive exterior and custom features, a closer inspection revealed some concerns. Lifting the hood, Harrison discovered significant dust accumulation on the engine, indicating a clear need for thorough cleaning and maintenance.
The seller sought $36,000 for the distinctive vehicle. Given the extensive and unconventional modifications, Harrison was hesitant to place a value on the car himself and called upon his trusted expert, Danny Koker from Counts Kustoms.
Danny, surprisingly, expressed enthusiasm for the unique build, likening it to a “working man’s Mercedes.” After an initial walk-around, he took the car for a test drive with Harrison, during which he also noted the engine’s dusty condition.
However, when it came to assigning a monetary value, Koker found himself in a predicament. The car’s heavy customization made it virtually incomparable to anything else on the market.
He estimated that a standard, unmodified version of the same model might fetch upwards of $20,000. The seller, hoping to secure a deal, lowered his minimum acceptable price to $28,000.
Ultimately, Harrison stood firm on his offer. “I’ll be perfectly honest with you…I really like the car, but $20,000 is all I’m gonna do,” he stated. The $8,000 difference proved to be an insurmountable gap for the two parties, and despite Harrison’s admiration for the classic, no deal was reached.