FAQ: Johnny Carson's 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC at DFW Car & Toy Museum

What is the 1988 Mercedes-Benz 560SEC featured in this content?

It’s a pillarless coupe that was the top-tier Mercedes-Benz of its time, formerly owned by Johnny Carson, featuring as the flagship of the W126 S-Class line and one of the most expensive production cars available in the U.S. during the late ’80s.

Why is this particular Mercedes-Benz 560SEC significant?

It combines celebrity ownership by Johnny Carson, who was known for his discerning taste, with automotive excellence as the most expensive car Mercedes made at the time, and it resonates with personal stories from museum founder Ron Sturgeon who owned an identical model.

Where can people see this vehicle?

It is displayed at the DFW Car & Toy Museum located at 2550 McMillan Parkway, Fort Worth, TX 76137 (at Meacham and I35w) in North Fort Worth.

How much did the 560SEC cost when new?

It was sold by Mercedes-Benz of Beverly Hills with a then-staggering MSRP of $77,910.

Who is Ron Sturgeon and what is his connection to this car?

Ron Sturgeon is the founder of DFW Car & Toy Museum and a dedicated car collector who once owned an identical 560SEC himself, sharing a personal story about damaging his own car while distracted by another driver.

When was this vehicle featured in Mercedes-Benz Club of America publications?

It was featured in the January-February 2022 issue of The Star, the official magazine of the Mercedes-Benz Club of America.

What are the museum’s hours and admission details?

The DFW Car & Toy Museum is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm with free parking and admission, and the facility is dog-friendly while encouraging photographs.

What other features does the DFW Car & Toy Museum offer?

The 150,000 square foot facility offers secure climate-controlled car storage, event facilities for car clubs and board meetings, and displays hundreds of automotive and cultural artifacts including rare supercars and toy collections spanning generations.

How long did Johnny Carson own this Mercedes-Benz?

Johnny Carson reportedly kept the vehicle until 2003, having purchased it when it was new in 1988.

What makes the DFW Car & Toy Museum unique?

Founded by Ron Sturgeon in the 1980s, it combines automobile toys and cars in a massive 150,000 square foot facility, celebrating vehicles that left their mark on the world and the people who drove them, with a focus on both automotive excellence and personal nostalgia.