It has been 16 long years since the demise of the legendary Michael Jackson, who was known as the King of Pop and the most successful entertainer of all time. His music wasn’t just a sound to dance to, but a healing to the soul, for the young and old alike.
Michael, born in 1958, began his music career as part of the Jackson 5, a Motown act with his older brothers. His soaring vocals and natural stage presence propelled the group to stardom with hits like “I Want You Back,” “ABC,” and “I’ll Be There.” He passed away at the age of 50 from acute propofol intoxication while preparing for a comeback tour.
Michael Jackson: The car enthusiast
Jackson’s exceptional appetite for luxury is just one example of how he made a statement in other spheres of life. Among the 75 vehicles he reportedly left behind, his favorite was undoubtedly the 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL (Hotcars). “Michael Jackson’s 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL was one of his most cherished and frequently used vehicles, serving as his daily driver for over a decade,” MJ Foundation II wrote on Facebook.
Michael frequently drove this elegant Mercedes between his Encino home and Los Angeles studios. He later used it to navigate Neverland Ranch, expressing his appreciation for performance and luxury. The Mercedes was gifted to his aunt, who cherished it with a personalized license plate. After his death, it was auctioned and displayed at the Star Cars Museum in Tennessee.
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL was Mercedes’ flagship model, featuring a luxurious body style and a 302-horsepower V8 engine. Its timeless design, rounded edges, and subtle curves have earned it iconic status. The interior includes a four-spoke steering wheel, multiple gauges, armrest-backed seats, and a long wheelbase, making it spacious and comfortable. The car was a favorite among the King’s preferred vehicles and highly regarded by German engineers.
The 1985 Mercedes-Benz 500 SEL, weighing around 3,600 lbs, was equipped with disk brakes on all four corners for increased stopping power. The sedan also featured alloy wheels, making it more aerodynamic and nimble. The powertrain of the car was a V8, with a slightly different output from European models.
The American model had a V8 engine, producing 184 horsepower, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Mercedes tuned the 500 SEL models differently based on their destination, with European models boasting 228-horsepower and American models with 184 horsepower. Despite the power difference, the V8 engine remained excellent for its performance and longevity, making it an outstanding choice for the sedan.
Compared to standard production models, Michael Jackson’s famed Mercedes 500 SEL was unique. This classic vehicle, which has a strong V8, is captivating and demonstrates the King of Pop’s passion for cars. – Hotcars
As we celebrate his legacy and his artistic achievement, we’re also reminded of Jackson’s absolute love for luxury cars and how that goes on to impact many generations, especially his Mercedes 500 SEL, which remains a classic till today.
