In an unprecedented event that has reverberated throughout the automotive world, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has been auctioned for a record-shattering price of €135 million. This sale, to a private collector, establishes the 1955 Mercedes 300 Slr as the most valuable car in history, eclipsing all previous records and cementing its legendary status. This remarkable vehicle, one of only two prototypes ever created, is not just a car; it’s a pinnacle of automotive engineering, design, and heritage. Named after its visionary creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the Chief Engineer at Mercedes-Benz, the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is revered by experts and enthusiasts globally as an automotive masterpiece.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, articulated the significance of this sale, stating, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are milestones in sports car development and key historical elements that have shaped our brand. The decision to sell one of these two unique sports cars was taken with very sound reasoning – to benefit a good cause. The proceeds from the auction will fund a global scholarship program. With the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ we would like to encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative footsteps and develop amazing new technologies, particularly those that support the critical goal of decarbonization and resource preservation. At the same time, achieving the highest price ever paid for a vehicle is extraordinary and humbling: A Mercedes-Benz is by far the most valuable car in the world.”
The immense value of the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is not solely attributed to its rarity. It represents a golden era of motorsport and innovation at Mercedes-Benz. The car is a closed-roof variant of the famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR race car, which dominated the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. Rudolf Uhlenhaut designed these coupes for personal and team use, blending racing technology with grand touring comfort, though ultimately, only two were ever built.
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, emphasized the broader societal impact of the auction: “As a global company and as a luxury brand we bear a great level of responsibility towards society. The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with a unique opportunity to strengthen our commitment with a long-term flagship project: We will establish the global scholarship program ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ supporting young people in their studies, commitment and actions towards a more sustainable future. We are convinced that access to education in these areas will be crucial in encountering the great challenges of our time and contribute to greater stability, prosperity and social cohesion.”
The Mercedes-Benz Fund: A Legacy for Future Innovation
The record-breaking auction of the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in the future. The entire €135 million will serve as seed capital for the newly established “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” This global initiative is designed to support and encourage young people to pursue education and research in environmental science and decarbonization. Mercedes-Benz has committed to further investment in the fund in the coming years, ensuring its long-term impact.
The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Aimed at connecting, educating, and inspiring university students to undertake research projects focused on environmental science.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering pupils to develop and implement local environmental projects within their communities.
The fund prioritizes individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their ambitions in these critical fields. Beyond financial assistance, the program will offer invaluable extracurricular support, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz experts, providing unique career development opportunities. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, soon to be announced, to jointly develop and manage the fund, ensuring its effectiveness and reach.
Auction Details and Historical Significance
The historic auction took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, a renowned auction house. The exclusive event welcomed selected Mercedes-Benz customers and prominent international car and art collectors who share the brand’s core values. The 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold was part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, a treasure trove of over 1,100 vehicles spanning from the invention of the automobile to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, highlighted the significance of this moment: “We are proud that we can contribute with our historical collection to this initiative connecting the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe possesses an enduring mystique, born from its unique creation, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology. Its design established new benchmarks, solidifying its place among the most iconic automobiles globally. Notably, its distinctive “gullwing” doors are just one element contributing to its legendary status. Coupled with its exceptional performance derived from pure racing technology, the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe holds an unparalleled position in sports car history and remains deeply cherished by Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
For those wishing to delve deeper into the story of the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, more information is available at the Mercedes-Benz web special: http://www.mercedes-benz.com/300-slr.
