The DFW Car & Toy Museum in Fort Worth, Texas, has added a notable piece of automotive and entertainment history to its collection: the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC formerly owned by Johnny Carson. Sold by Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills with an MSRP of $77,910, this pillarless coupe was the flagship of the W126 S-Class line and one of the most expensive production cars in the U.S. during the late 1980s. Carson, known for his discerning taste, reportedly kept the vehicle until 2003.
This 560SEC represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz engineering and refinement from that era. It was featured in the January-February 2022 issue of The Star, the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America. The car not only carries the cachet of celebrity ownership but also resonates with enthusiasts like museum founder Ron Sturgeon, who once owned an identical 560SEC himself. Sturgeon recalls a humorous incident: "I remember sailing along the freeway in mine and spotting a blonde in a Mustang 5.0 beside me. I thought she was looking at me, so I gave her an extra glance—just as I slammed into the curb. I cracked a wheel, limped home, and told my wife Kathi. She just said, 'YOU GOT JUST WHAT YOU DESERVED.'"
This vehicle embodies the spirit of an era where bold design and personal stories merged on the open road. Visitors can explore the 560SEC and hundreds of other automotive and cultural artifacts at the DFW Car & Toy Museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137. The museum offers free parking and admission, and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm. For more information, visit the museum's website at dfwcarandtoymuseum.com.
The museum, formerly known as DFW Elite Toy Museum, was founded by Ron Sturgeon, a car collector for over 30 years. His passion for automobiles began in his teenage years and led to a successful career in the automotive industry. The museum's website DFW Elite Toy Museum remains a go-to source for toy and car lovers worldwide. The new 150,000-square-foot facility offers secure climate-controlled car storage and event spaces, and is dog-friendly.
