From LeBron's Vision to Your Garage: Mercedes-Maybach S-Class Individualized by LeBron James through MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure Heads to Auction for a Good Cause
- A near-identical twin to LeBron James’ own personalized Mercedes-Maybach S-Class will be auctioned by Gooding Christie’s at Retromobile New York in November
- Proceeds from the auction will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its 'I PROMISE' program
- Ahead of the auction, the vehicle is on public display at different locations in New York City, where fans and prospective customers can experience it in person
Two of a kind. One goal.
The story began with a one-of-one Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, designed by LeBron James for his own use. Inspired by the result and because of the enormous public response to the vehicle, Mercedes-Benz and James decided to create a second, near-identical example – this time with the shared goal of supporting his charitable work. The auction vehicle offers collectors a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a unique piece of automotive craftsmanship while making a meaningful impact.
Its design translates LeBron James’ personal references into tangible details:
- A MANUFAKTUR-exclusive Light Ivory non-metallic exterior
- Stormy Weather blue Nappa leather interior with porcelain contrast stitching
- Personalized cushions, floor mats and headrests carrying James' individual signature
- For the first time in Maybach history, the traditional V12 badge has been replaced by a bespoke badge featuring James' personal logo
- A discreet badge referencing the coordinates of Akron, Ohio – a tribute to James' hometown and the community at the heart of his foundation
LeBron James
A showcase for MANUFAKTUR craftsmanship
The individualized Mercedes-Maybach S-Class serves as a powerful showcase for MANUFAKTUR, Mercedes-Benz's cross-brand individualization program for top-end models. MANUFAKTUR brings personality to life through exclusive paint finishes, refined interior materials and handcrafted details such as stitching, embroidery, leatherwork and steering wheel craftsmanship. MANUFAKTUR Made to Measure expands these possibilities even further: customers work one-to-one with Mercedes-Benz specialists to translate a personal idea, color inspiration or symbolic detail into a technically feasible, highly personalized vehicle. In the LeBron James-personalized S 680, that philosophy becomes especially visible: craftsmanship is not an abstract promise, but something collectors can see and touch in every bespoke detail.
On public display in NYC
Ahead of the auction, the vehicle will be on display at Mercedes-Benz Manhattan from November 9-16, 2026, before moving to the Javits Center in New York City for display from 19-20. Additional public appearances and exhibition opportunities ahead of the auction are being explored and will be announced in advance through Mercedes-Benz channels.
The auction
The near-identical twin for collectors will be auctioned at Retromobile New York – the U.S. edition of the iconic Rétromobile, originating from Paris – held at the Javits Center from 19 to 22 November 2026. Gooding Christie's serves as the event's official auction house. Retromobile New York is a premium collector car event combining rare and historic vehicles with luxury and cultural automotive storytelling and is globally established as one of the leading events in the collector car space, with a strong international reputation and credibility.
A legacy that gives back
Proceeds from the auction will benefit the LeBron James Family Foundation and its work in James' hometown of Akron, Ohio. Recognizing the life-changing importance of education, the Foundation invests its time, resources and attention in the children of Akron. Through its I PROMISE program, the Foundation serves Akron-area students and their families, providing the programs, support and mentors they need to succeed in school and beyond. Providing resources in education, housing, healthcare, home ownership, job training, financial literacy and more, the program is rooted in the promises LeBron James and the students make to themselves, their families and each other – to be the best they can be in everything they do.
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Mercedes-Benz Anniversary Year “140 Years of Innovation”
Since Carl Benz filed the patent for the first automobile 140 years ago and Gottlieb Daimler built his motorized carriage shortly afterwards, Mercedes‑Benz has dedicated itself to constant innovation and to creating the world’s most desirable cars for customers. This ambition has driven every innovation – from the world's first automobile in 1886 to the biggest product launch program in the company’s history that is currently underway. With its passion for performance and pioneering power, excellence and an unwavering commitment to customer service, the brand has consistently shaped the future of mobility. The result goes well beyond engineering achievement – it creates the unmistakable feeling that leads through everything Mercedes‑Benz does: Welcome home.
Mercedes-Benz is celebrating 140 years of innovation by driving three new S-Class sedans on a trans-continental journey to 140 locations worldwide. Each place highlights the brand’s technology, heritage, pioneering spirit and worldwide presence. Along the way customers, fans and colleagues will get to join in the celebrations - on an epic adventure that will run until October. Follow the “140 Years. 140 Places” drive across six continents on our “140 Years of Innovation | Mercedes-Benz Media” special and via the Mercedes-Benz Community.
About Mercedes-Benz USA
Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA), headquartered in Atlanta, is responsible for the distribution, marketing and customer service for all Mercedes-Benz products in the United States. MBUSA offers drivers the most diverse lineup in the luxury segment with 18 model lines ranging from the sporty GLA SUV to the flagship S-Class and the dynamic all-electric vehicles from Mercedes-Benz. MBUSA is also responsible for Mercedes-Benz Vans in the U.S. More information on MBUSA and its products can be found at www.mbusa.com and www.mbvans.com. To learn more about all Mercedes-Benz entities in North America, visit https://group.mercedes-benz.com/northamerica/.