Shirley Temple, the beloved child actress of the 1930s and 1940s, is celebrated for various iconic contributions to American culture, including her famous song “On the Good Ship Lollipop,” her tap-dancing performances with Bill “Bojangles” Robinson, and the non-alcoholic drink that shares her name.
Recently, a limited-edition version of this drink has been launched under the 7Up brand. However, her legacy extends beyond her early career in Hollywood; she also played a significant role in U.S. diplomacy, serving as the Ambassador to Czechoslovakia during a pivotal moment in history—the fall of the Berlin Wall.
At the center of this story is a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 300TE wagon that Temple drove during her tenure as ambassador. This vehicle, now up for auction on Bring a Trailer, represents a time when Mercedes vehicles were renowned for their over-engineering.
The model, classified as W124, features utilitarian specifications not available in the U.S., such as crank windows and manual seats. Finished in light ivory, it resembles a European taxicab but carries the unique distinction of a U.S. diplomatic flag, highlighting its connection to Temple’s official role.
Shirley Temple married Charles Alden Black in 1950 and became known as Shirley Temple Black. Her political journey began when Henry Kissinger advocated for her appointment as a delegate to the United Nations in 1969. Later, she was appointed as the U.S. Ambassador to Czechoslovakia by George H.W. Bush, influenced by her experiences during the Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968.
During her ambassadorship, she actively supported anti-communist movements and played a crucial role in establishing diplomatic relations with Czechoslovakia’s newly elected government under Václav Havel, even accompanying Havel on his inaugural visit to the United States.
The Mercedes 300TE was brought to the U.S. in the early 1990s and underwent federalization, a process that likely incurred significant costs. Temple owned this car until her passing in 2014, suggesting a strong personal attachment to it. The vehicle’s understated nature allowed her to maintain a low profile, especially after a childhood spent in the public eye, making it a fitting companion during her diplomatic career.
Celebrity-owned cars can be a mixed bag in terms of value, as their worth can either skyrocket due to their previous ownership or remain stagnant. The upcoming auction for Temple’s Mercedes 300TE has no reserve, leaving the market to determine its value based on the story behind it and its unique connection to a historical figure. As the auction approaches its end on October 23, potential buyers will have the chance to acquire not only a classic vehicle but also a piece of history intertwined with the legacy of Shirley Temple Black.
