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Jennifer Aniston, one of the stars behind the popular television show “Friends,” is no stranger to posh luxury cars. She’s owned vehicles from iconic marques like Porsche, Range Rover, and Mercedes-Benz throughout her decades-long career. However, her car-buying experience wasn’t always glamorous. Such is the case with her Jennifer Aniston and luxury car purchase after joining the cast of “Friends.” In fact, she famously referred to the drop-top Mercedes as a “lemon” in an interview with Jay Leno. 

Jennifer Aniston wasn’t shy in telling long-time television presenter Jay Leno that her Mercedes-Benz 280 SL was a ‘lemon’ in a group interview with her ‘Friends’ co-stars

Jennifer Aniston’s car history starts with an asterisk. Shortly after the television show “Friends” got its start, Aniston and her co-stars had their eyes on new cars. For instance, Courtney Cox, who played Monica Geller in all of the show’s 10 seasons, prudently picked up a Porsche 911 from the 993 generation.

However, Jennifer Aniston’s experience with her luxury car of choice didn’t go as well. The “Murder Mystery” star recounted her experience to Jay Leno in a group interview with her co-stars, “I bought an antique car.” Needless to say, mention of a classic or antique car is a quick way to pique Leno’s attention. “What did you buy?” Leno asked in anticipation.

A silver 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL 'Pagoda' shows off its side profile.
A 1969 Mercedes-Benz 280 SL | National Motor Museum, Heritage Images, Getty Images

“I got a 1969 280 Mercedes,” Aniston responded. For those who aren’t in the know, she’s referring to a W113-generation Mercedes-Benz 280 SL. It’s the iconic “Pagoda” SL, a short-wheelbase drop-top roadster with effortless charm at every angle. “We should go out!” Leno responded.

Jennifer Aniston reportedly spent around $13,000 on the antique car. Unfortunately, her honeymoon phase with the Mercedes-Benz convertible didn’t last long. “It was a lemon,” Aniston said about the car. It’s a tragic development in her relationship with the classic car. She would frequently pass the old SL as she drove through Melrose in Los Angeles, per CNBC. We hope she kept and fixed it; depending on the condition, a W113 280 SL is worth $70,000 or more.