Are you tired of pulling up in a mundane commuter vehicle at your workplace while your boss watches his BMW park itself? If so, today might just be your lucky break. An auction is featuring a 2004 Maybach 57 that could bring a lavish twin-turbo V12 luxury car within reach for the average person. But, there’s a twist: this Maybach is up for grabs on Copart and it has some damage.
The rear of this ’04 Maybach has taken the hit, but the damage is peculiar. It appears as though the Maybach backed into a bollard at 40 mph, resulting in a deep but narrow dent on the bumper and the bumper itself hanging loose. The taillight bar encircling the rear and beneath the trunk lid is shattered as well. Additionally, there are indications of damage to the rear fenders and C-pillars, though it’s uncertain whether these are dents or crumpling from the rear impact.
From the rear doors forward, the Maybach seems to be in drivable condition. Could it be possible that this high-end luxury car from the mid-2000s is salvageable? Finding replacement Maybach bumpers and fenders might pose a challenge, given their rarity and the need to match the unique two-tone paint. Nevertheless, there might be a positive aspect to this situation. The fenders could potentially be repaired without paint and there’s a chance the rear bumper is interchangeable with that of a 2004 Mercedes S-Class, which serves as the foundation for the Maybach 57. If the S-Class bumper fits and the fenders can be rectified, the restoration of this Maybach might not break the bank after all.
This vehicle has clocked only 54,761 miles, meaning its twin-turbocharged 5.5-liter V12 engine still retains its freshness. It’s reasonable to assume that most, if not all, of its 543 horsepower and 664 lb-ft of torque remain ready to unleash. While this iteration of the Maybach brand is considered one of their less impressive efforts, resembling a rebranded S-Class from an underwhelming generation of S-Classes, it remains a lavishly appointed sedan with a potent engine and an illustrious emblem. Equipped with built-in screens for rear passengers to enjoy and ample legroom for even the tall, it stands as a true symbol of opulent transportation.
Depending on underlying issues like possible frame or suspension damage, this could be an intriguing project to undertake. Maybach 57s from comparable years with similar mileage are fetching $50,000-$70,000 on Autotrader. If you can acquire this one and carry out repairs for significantly less than that, you could have a top-tier limousine that commands attention at the office parking lot without breaking the bank. Does the risk appeal to you?
Have any insights to share? Send them to tips@thedrive.com
