Britney Spears’ 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 Heads to Auction Block
Sage Matthews here with an exclusive look at a piece of pop culture history headed for the auction block. Time to dive into the cockpit of a vehicle that witnessed a pivotal chapter in Britney Spears’s career.
The black 2006 Mercedes-Benz CLK350 convertible that once carried Britney Spears through late-night joyrides and paparazzi chases is officially available to the highest bidder. After nearly 15 years on display at the Volo Auto Museum in Illinois, this iconic luxury car goes up for auction August 1 through 7. The museum’s announcement confirms no reserve price, meaning the classic Benz could sell for a surprisingly modest sum in the coming weeks.
When this CLK350 first rolled off the Mercedes assembly line, it carried a star at the height of her fame. By 2007, Britney was navigating Los Angeles streets under a constant paparazzi siege. Volo Auto Museum marketing director Richard Prill told TMZ that photos of Britney behind the wheel flooded tabloids daily, making this model one of the most documented celebrity-owned cars in modern history.
While the vehicle’s gleaming exterior still shines, under the hood it bears the scars of a turbulent era. In 2007, Britney’s fleeting freedom turned risky when she refused to pull over for photographers and allegedly ran a red light, triggering a minor hit-and-run incident. TMZ archives show that traffic cameras and eyewitness accounts captured the incident, which became emblematic of her public struggles.
The saga reached a turning point in January 2008, when emergency responders removed Britney from her home and admitted her to a Los Angeles hospital for a medical evaluation. Four months later, a court placed her under a conservatorship that lasted until 2021. Throughout that period, the CLK350 remained in storage or on display, while Britney’s personal and legal battles dominated headlines.
Collectors and fans now have a rare chance to own the convertible that once served as Britney’s escape vehicle. Volo Auto Museum’s catalog lists the CLK350’s original paint, factory options and service records. Car aficionados will note the factory sport package, premium sound system and custom leather interior—all still intact after its museum stay.
As auction day approaches, experts predict intense bidding. Classic car specialist Jesse Ramirez of Collector Auto Trends tells People Magazine that celebrity provenance can boost a vehicle’s value by 20 to 30 percent. Whether it’s a die-hard Britney fan or a luxury car enthusiast, the CLK350 is poised to draw widespread interest.
What comes next? Keep an eye on bidding tallies and museum reports to see if this car breaks records or slips quietly into new ownership. And whichever bidder wins, here’s a word of advice: drive carefully—history is riding shotgun.
That’s the lowdown on one of the music world’s most photographed rides. Buckle up for updates as the auction unfolds.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and TMZ, Volo Auto Museum, People Magazine
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
