Growing up in the golden age of 80s television, weekend evenings were synonymous with the glow of the TV screen, showcasing iconic American shows. While high-flying stunts of the Dukes of Hazzard and the futuristic cool of Knight Rider with its talking black Pontiac Firebird held a certain appeal, for some, like my German friend Jorg Sand, the charm lay in a different kind of television sophistication. Jorg, a bit older and perhaps less enthralled by airborne muscle cars, favored the more refined mystery series Hart to Hart. Imagine a blend of CSI, minus the heavy science, infused with the opulent drama of Dallas, all crafted by the producers of the A-Team – that was Hart to Hart.
Every classic TV show needs a star car, and Hart to Hart boasted a striking Yellow Mercedes. Specifically, a lemon yellow Mercedes 450SL. In my “research” (purely for journalistic integrity, of course!), I observed this yellow Mercedes gracefully navigating the glamorous world of Jonathan and Jennifer Hart. No river jumps or talking computers here, but it was undeniably a Mercedes-Benz SL gracing the small screen, a rare feat. In fact, only one other Mercedes shared similar TV stardom – the cherry red Mercedes driven by Bobby Ewing in Dallas. These two stand out as the most iconic Mercedes-Benz vehicles to achieve such prominent roles in television history.
Jorg, already the proud owner of an official replica 1983 Dakar-winning G-Wagen, wasn’t actively seeking another Mercedes for his collection. He simply desired a classic car for leisurely weekend drives. “I’ve always admired the R107,” Jorg explained. “Beyond its iconic Mercedes-Benz status, I remember reading rally reports featuring the SLC winning events in South America and Africa. Plus, when you compare the price of an SL to a Porsche from the same era, it’s remarkably affordable… but values are climbing rapidly, making it a smart investment.”
One evening, while browsing online classifieds, an ad caught his eye – a yellow Mercedes advertised as the original car from Hart to Hart. Initially skeptical, assuming it was merely the same color, Jorg knew a genuine TV star car would command a much higher price than the asking figure. However, a phone call the next day with the owner revealed the astonishing truth: it was indeed one of the three original yellow Mercedes used in the series. This particular car, featured in the first two seasons, was now for sale because the owner’s wife found the removable roof too cumbersome and longed for a true convertible. Jorg’s wife, however, had a very different reaction. “I showed her the advert, and she instantly recognized the car,” Jorg recounted with a smile. “She loved the idea of owning it so much she insisted we go see it immediately!”
The story of how this yellow Mercedes became a TV star is almost as intriguing as the show itself. For the pilot episode, featuring a memorable road rage scene with a Ferrari Dino on a winding mountain road, producers borrowed the personal yellow Mercedes of their location scout. Perhaps he wasn’t aware of the on-screen roughhousing his prized possession would endure. When the series was greenlit, production needed a matching yellow Mercedes. This second car served in the first two seasons before Mercedes-Benz, recognizing the immense promotional value, stepped in and provided a 380SL. Visually, without the badge, there was no discernible difference between the 380SL and the earlier 450SL models, ensuring seamless continuity for viewers captivated by the yellow Mercedes.
The location scout’s original 450SL yellow Mercedes was eventually sold to a private buyer, leading a normal, unassuming life for three decades. Then, a London-based company specializing in importing TV and movie cars from Hollywood rediscovered it and brought it back to Europe. “When we were purchasing the car, the seller showed us the original title deed with the location scout’s name, and then pointed out the same name in the show’s credits,” Jorg explained, “That was more than enough proof for us.”
Having spent its life in the dry Californian climate, the yellow Mercedes was remarkably well-preserved. Beyond routine maintenance – oil, filters, and belts – Jorg hasn’t had to undertake any restoration work. Its striking “Maple Yellow” paint, an unusual color especially for European tastes, turns heads wherever it goes. However, it’s at car shows where this yellow Mercedes truly shines, receiving the recognition it deserves. Jorg doesn’t just attend local classic car gatherings; he takes it to prestigious events like the Essen Motorshow, right alongside the official Mercedes-Benz display. “I’m part of a club called Mercedes-Benz Fans, and the factory allows us to have an owner’s section adjacent to their main stand,” Jorg said. “Hart to Hart was, and remains, incredibly popular in Germany, with reruns still airing today. When I posted on the forum about bringing the yellow Mercedes, they called me the very next day with an enthusiastic invitation!”
Jorg often encounters people who instantly recognize the yellow Mercedes, sharing their favorite scenes from Hart to Hart. Jorg’s own favorite is from “The Blue Chip Murders,” the final episode featuring this particular car before it was replaced by the 380SL. “It’s the only real car chase scene it was ever in, and it’s actually quite impressive,” he notes.
In this scene, Jonathan Hart, behind the wheel of the yellow Mercedes, pursues a Lancia Beta through the streets of Downtown LA, culminating in a storm culvert. While the Lancia clumsily crashes onto the ramp, the Mercedes, demonstrating its superior suspension, gracefully absorbs the impact, keeping its wheels clear of the arches. It then executes a stylish pirouette in the water before mimicking rally legends Mikkola or Waldegård on the Safari Rally, powering through six inches of water at full throttle. The highlight, however, is the yellow Mercedes effortlessly driving sideways up a 40-degree incline of concrete banking, parking nonchalantly at the top – a truly impressive feat.
To fully appreciate his car’s on-screen history from nearly four decades prior, Jorg invested in the Hart to Hart box set. “If you look closely, there are subtle differences between the car now and how it appeared in the show,” Jorg observed. “The third season 380SL lacked a rear badge, so I focused on the first two seasons with my 450SL. I noticed the radio wasn’t original, so I meticulously watched episodes, pausing to get a clear view of the dashboard, and then sourced the correct, period-appropriate radio on eBay. Now, the dashboard is authentically original again.”
But seeing the yellow Mercedes on screen is one thing; experiencing it firsthand is another. As Jorg opens the garage door, the “Maple Yellow” paint is even more striking in person than in photographs. “Sick Custard” might be a less charitable description, but the boldness is undeniable. Why the TV producers chose this particular color for the Harts remains a question. Traditional Mercedes-Benz colors like red or silver, or perhaps a sophisticated deep gloss black to accentuate the chrome trim, might seem more fitting. Although, this US-spec car features noticeably less chrome than its European counterparts.
The oversized plastic bumpers, necessary to meet US “5MPH” impact regulations, give it a somewhat playful, bumper-car aesthetic. Jorg admits he’s not a fan, but they remain, preserving the car’s complete originality.
“Sometimes I feel a slight guilt putting miles on it,” Jorg confesses. “Cars like this are usually museum pieces, not daily drivers. But we only use it for special occasions – SL club events, family drives along the Rhine, always in good weather.” When Jorg acquired it, the odometer read 72,000 miles; a year later, it barely nudged past 75,000.
Sinking into the plush, couch-like front seat, the driving position is surprisingly low for a sports car. Despite his meticulous care for this venerable classic, Jorg doesn’t hesitate to put his foot down. The 4.5L V8 awakens with a lazy rumble, hinting at its 160 horsepower. The sound is certainly there, but the acceleration isn’t quite as dramatic. Cruising along uneven country roads, the 40-year-old suspension provides a wonderfully smooth, gliding sensation. Cornering, however, is less assured, with noticeable body roll. Perhaps fresh shocks and springs would sharpen the handling, but this yellow Mercedes was designed for cruising, not chasing Ferraris through mountain passes.
The SL, with its R107 generation, enjoyed the second-longest production run in Mercedes-Benz history, surpassed only by the G-Wagen, with over 300,000 units sold between 1971 and 1989 before the R129 succeeded it. But this particular yellow Mercedes, with its unique history and television fame, is truly one-of-a-kind.
