It’s not often that the worlds of Maui celebrities and local public radio affiliates merge, but that seems to be the case here: According to an Apr. 17 Hawaii Public Radio press release (which was embargoed until today, Apr. 20), Clint Eastwood–one of the most famous and accomplished actor/directors in the world right now–has donated his 1971 Mercedes to HPR. According to the statement, the car is a dark blue 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.3, which Eastwood “purchased in California in the 1970s and later shipped to Maui for his frequent stays on the island” (the car is very similar to the model pictured above).
Of course, the donation is extremely generous and all, but a Mercedes? From the guy who’s driven a 1972 Ford Gran Torino, Ford Galaxie 500 and pink Cadillac onscreen?
Sure, why not. Anyway, here’s HPR President/General Manager Michael Titterton on the donation:
That Mr. Eastwood has chosen to make this extraordinary donation to HPR has literally made our day. As well as his work in film, Mr. Eastwoodʻs enthusiasm for jazz is well known. We would like to believe that his donation was made to further encourage jazz artists and audiences in Hawaiʻi. Shortly after the completion of our pledge drive now in progress, we plan to put this collector’s vehicle up for auction, most likely on eBay. The proceeds will then be directed to HPR’s Endowment Fund, where it will help support the station long into the future.
HPR is in the middle of a pledge drive at the moment. If you’ll recall, HPR had difficulties meeting its financial goals during it’s pledge drive last October, though it later surpassed those goals with a brief follow-up drive.
Photo (which is NOT Eastwood’s actual car) courtesy Hawaii Public Radio
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