A 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupe has made history by selling at auction for an unprecedented 135 million EUR to a private collector. This extraordinary sale establishes the mercedes-benz 300 slr as the most valuable car ever sold, highlighting its exceptional rarity and significance in automotive history. Only two prototypes of this iconic vehicle were ever constructed, named after its creator, the esteemed Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Automotive experts and enthusiasts globally recognize the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the profound importance of this sale: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not just cars; they are milestones in sports car evolution and fundamental elements of our brand’s heritage. The decision to part with one of these unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose: to support a truly beneficial cause. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Through this initiative, we aim to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on decarbonization and environmental preservation. Achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both remarkable and deeply humbling. It unequivocally confirms that a mercedes-benz 300 slr is not only exceptionally rare but also 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, responsible for the governance of the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” elaborated on the company’s commitment: “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz acknowledges a significant responsibility to society. The proceeds from the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe auction present us with a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, flagship project. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ global scholarship program will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits and their dedication to creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that providing access to education in these critical fields is paramount to addressing the pressing challenges of our era and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
Seeding a Global Scholarship Program for a Sustainable Future
The substantial funds raised from the auction of the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe will serve as the foundational capital for this ambitious global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has pledged to further invest resources in the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” in the years to come. The fund will operate across two distinct sub-categories: University Scholarships, designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to engage in environmental science research projects, and School Scholarships, tailored to support pupils in implementing local environmental projects within their communities. Crucially, the program will prioritize individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue these educational and career paths. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will incorporate valuable extracurricular components, including mentorships with Mercedes-Benz experts, to broaden career horizons for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is currently in the process of selecting an experienced partner organization to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” with detailed plans and the partner announcement expected later this year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The auction of the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in collaboration with the prestigious auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors, all of whom share the company’s core values. The auctioned mercedes-benz 300 slr was formerly part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which encompasses over 1,100 vehicles dating back to the invention of the automobile in 1886.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in the initiative: “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this vital initiative, bridging the legacy of engineering excellence with the future of decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep the vehicle accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain under company ownership and will continue to be a highlight at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe’s mystique endures due to its unique origins, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology. Its design established new benchmarks, solidifying its place among the world’s most significant automotive icons, most notably with its distinctive gullwing doors. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from pure racing technology, has cemented the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary status in sports car mythology and its cherished position among Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
Further information about the mercedes-benz 300 slr Uhlenhaut Coupe can be found at the web special.
