Sheryl Crow car auction raises $143,000 for Joplin

JOPLIN, Mo. -- Singer Sheryl Crow's vintage Mercedes-Benz convertible will bring valuable help to the Joplin school district.

The 1959 car was auctioned on Sunday in Pebble Beach, Calif., to raise money to help the school district, which suffered serious damage in the May 22 tornado. The 190 SL Roadster went to the top bidder of $143,000, more than double its estimated value.

KY3-TV reports that the company did not release the winning bidder's name.

Crow, who is from Southeast Missouri, offered to auction the car because she was devastated by the tornado destruction. She had hoped it might bring as much as $500,000. Crow said had the car for six years, but doesn't drive it anymore.

The money goes to the Joplin Schools Recovery Fund.