Steven Tyler Photographed With His 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220S in Boston, 1975

In October 1975, photographer Ron Pownall captured images of Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler with his 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220S convertible at Jamaica Pond in Boston, Massachusetts. The photos were taken for a CREEM magazine feature called ‘Stars Cars.’ Pownall, who had been friends with the band since photographing them in 1973 at a Boston College gig, noted that while other band members drove flashy Porsches, Corvettes, and Datsun Z cars, Tyler opted for the elegant but aging Mercedes. The vintage vehicle, known for its refined 2.2-liter inline-six engine and advanced suspension, unfortunately broke down at the end of the shoot, requiring a tow despite Tyler’s confidence that the owner’s manual could help fix it on the spot. The session was described as fun and memorable. The 1956 Mercedes-Benz 220S exemplifies classic German engineering and timeless design from the postwar era. Tyler’s choice reflected his personal taste in automobiles, which over the years has included other distinctive vehicles like a 1941 Ford Pickup and a high-performance Hennessey Venom GT Spyder. These images provide a nostalgic glimpse into the 1970s rock scene, showcasing the contrast between rock star lifestyles and the realities of maintaining classic cars. Pownall’s long collaboration with Aerosmith produced many iconic images during their rise to fame.