In a stunning move that reverberated through the automotive world, a 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupe has been auctioned for a record-breaking 135 million EUR. This unprecedented sale to a private collector establishes this automotive icon as the most valuable car ever sold, surpassing all previous records by a significant margin. This particular 300 SLR is not just any classic car; it’s one of only two original prototypes ever built, making it an exceptionally rare and historically significant vehicle. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer and designer behind it, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is globally revered by automotive experts and enthusiasts as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the profound rationale behind this landmark decision: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not merely cars; they are milestones in sports car evolution and crucial elements of our brand’s heritage. The choice to part with one of these unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose: to contribute to a greater good. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Our aspiration with this fund is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and to champion the development of groundbreaking technologies, particularly those vital to achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Witnessing a Mercedes-Benz attain the highest value ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling – it unequivocally confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, indeed, the most valuable car in the world.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, further elaborated on the company’s commitment to social responsibility: “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our significant responsibility to society. The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe present us with a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, flagship initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund,’ a global scholarship program, will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits, endeavors, and actions aimed at fostering a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in these crucial fields is paramount to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Alt text: Side view of the iconic 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe showcasing its sleek lines and gullwing doors, a symbol of automotive excellence.
The “Mercedes-Benz Fund”: Investing in Future Innovation
The substantial proceeds from the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe auction serve as the foundational capital for the newly established global “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Mercedes-Benz has pledged to augment this initial investment with further resources in the coming years, underscoring its long-term commitment to this vital initiative. The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two distinct yet interconnected sub-categories: University Scholarships and School Scholarships. University Scholarships will focus on cultivating a network of talented students, providing educational opportunities, and fostering research in environmental science and related fields. These scholarships aim to encourage students to spearhead innovative research projects focused on environmental sustainability. Complementing this, the School Scholarships will empower younger pupils to engage in practical, community-level environmental projects, nurturing environmental awareness and action from an early age. Crucially, the program is designed to support individuals who lack the financial means to pursue their environmental ambitions and career paths. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer invaluable extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, thereby broadening career horizons and providing real-world guidance. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effectiveness and global reach. Details regarding the partner organization and the comprehensive program rollout plan will be announced later in the year.
Alt text: Front angle of the legendary 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, highlighting its distinctive grille and powerful stance, a testament to its racing pedigree and timeless design.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The momentous auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, a fitting location steeped in automotive history. The event was conducted in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s, known for handling the sale of some of the world’s most valuable automobiles. The exclusive guest list comprised select Mercedes-Benz clientele and prominent international car and art collectors, all of whom share Mercedes-Benz’s core values of heritage, innovation, and excellence. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe offered at auction was a prized possession from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, a vast and unparalleled assembly of over 1,100 vehicles tracing the automobile’s evolution from its invention in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in the historical collection’s contribution to this forward-looking initiative: “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can play a part in this initiative, forging a link between the rich legacy of automotive engineering and the future of decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to allow the car to remain accessible for public viewing on special occasions. Simultaneously, the second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain a cherished asset of Mercedes-Benz, continuing to be exhibited at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, allowing enthusiasts and the public to appreciate its enduring significance.”
Alt text: Detailed view of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s interior cockpit, showcasing the driver-focused design and classic instrumentation, reflecting its racing heritage and functional elegance.
The Enduring Mystique of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s creation is shrouded in unique circumstances, and its groundbreaking design and innovative engineering have cultivated a mystique that persists to this day. Its design established new benchmarks, firmly placing it among the most iconic automobiles globally, most notably recognized for its signature “gullwing” doors. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from its purebred racing technology, solidified its legendary status. The combination of these elements has cemented the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s celebrated position in sports car mythology and secured a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz devotees worldwide.
For further information about the remarkable Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, explore our web special.
