Pol Pot’s Stretch Mercedes Limo Seeks New Home with Mercs of Idi Amin, Saddam, Marcos
The advert might read: “For Sale – Black, 1973 Mercedes Benz Stretch Limousine “Murderous Dictator Special Edition Pimped Out Ride. Previous Owner: Pol Pot.”
In fact, it does, sorta.
BenzWorld.org, where classic Mercedes enthusiasts gather, some with an appreciation for iconic Mercedes Benz’s with a dark and colorful political pedigree, has informed its readers that the black, 1973 Mercedes Benz W115 LWB stretch limousine with a tarnished past is up for sale.
Benzworld.org announces to its niche readership that Pol Pot’s black, 1973 Mercedes Benz W115 LWB stretch limousine is for sale—and even to benefit a good cause
For the full detailed story, see http://www.nate-thayer.com/sale-pol-pots-pimped-mercedes-benz-stretch-limo-murderous-despot-special-edition/
It was first used by the Cambodian dictator, Lon Nol, before being seized as war booty by his extreme left successor, Pol Pot. It then resurfaced as a fruit truck used by a watermelon farmer, and later was leased by Oscar award nominated Hollywood icon Matt Dillon and featured in his cult classic film, “City of Ghosts, starring Gerard Depardieu and James Caan and Matt Dillon, written and directed by Mr. Dillon.
Since then the iconic limo has spent much of its life in storage and undergoing restoration, although Freer says it is “occasionally fun to roll around in since the traffic police hold up all other traffic assuming a big potato’s on board.”
The affable Mr. Freer said he “occasionally uses it for Sunday drives around town.”
But Freer, a long-time resident since he fell in love with a local girl and settled down in Phnom Penh two decades ago, says his wife is not amused with his hobby, and the vehicle has caused considerable challenges to marital bliss .
She refuses to ride in the vehicle, known about town as “Pol Pot’s car”, because of the cars sordid political past.
“She definitely doesn’t share my passion for oil and iron,” said Freer dryly.
Pol Pot’s 1973 Mercedes Benz E115 LWB stretch limo in Phnom Penh Cambodia in photo taken March 19, 2014
This month, Freer decided to put the 1973 black Mercedes Benz W115 LWB stretch limousine up for sale and donate a portion of the proceeds to raise funds to publish my book, Sympathy for the Devil: A journalist’s memoir from inside Pol Pot’s Khmer Rouge.
“It’s quite fitting that the car finally has an opportunity to be put to good use in such a constructive fashion,” Freer wrote in a statement announcing the vehicle would be put up for auction. “That I’m able to help someone whose work I admire so much is doubly rewarding. It feels as though it has all somehow come full circle.”
The next proud owner of Pol Pot’s pimped-out ride will be responsible for all shipping costs, but current owner Paul Freer said he will arrange for transportation to any global destination. The car, now 40 years old, is “sold as seen’ and is available for inspection in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
Pol Pot and other Khmer Rouge leaders standing next to Mercedes limousine waiting at Phnom Penh airport to greet arriving VIP delegation
To ensure that only those serious about acquiring the vehicle put down bids, a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is required to post a bid.
The bidding starts at US$15,000.00 and the silent auction will commence on Friday March 21, 2014 at 5:00 PM Eastern Standard Time. It will end ten days later at 5:00 PM EST on March 31, 2014.
The highest bidder will be the proud new owner of Pol Pot’s pimped-out ride. In the event that the winning bidder is not able to make payment immediately upon close of the auction bidding on March 31, 2014 at 5:00 PM EST, the second highest bidder will assume ownership upon payment received.
Interested parties can contact [email protected] or phone (in the U.S.) 443 205 9162 for details on how to place a formal bid and other inquiries.
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