In an unprecedented event that has sent shockwaves through the automotive world, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has been auctioned for a staggering €135 million. This sale not only makes it the most expensive car ever sold, but also highlights the enduring legacy and unparalleled engineering of Mercedes-Benz. This ultra-rare vehicle, one of only two prototypes ever built, was part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection and has been acquired by a private collector.
Named after the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is revered by car experts and enthusiasts globally as a pinnacle of automotive design and engineering. Its auction marks a historic moment, not just for Mercedes-Benz, but for the entire classic car industry.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized 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.” He further added, “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.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, elaborated on the broader societal impact of this auction. “As a global company and as a luxury brand we bear a great level of responsibility towards society,” she explained. “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: Investing in a Sustainable Future
The record-breaking auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is more than just a transaction; it’s an investment in the future. The entire proceeds from the sale will serve as seed capital for the newly established “Mercedes-Benz Fund”. Mercedes-Benz has committed to further augment this fund in the coming years, demonstrating a long-term commitment to its goals.
The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two key sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Aimed at fostering research and education in environmental science. These scholarships will support university students in conducting innovative research projects focused on environmental sustainability.
- School Scholarships: Concentrating on empowering younger students to engage in local environmental projects within their communities. This initiative will encourage pupils to take action and make a tangible difference in their immediate surroundings.
Crucially, the program is designed to support individuals who may lack the financial resources to pursue their educational and career aspirations in these critical fields. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will also offer invaluable extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz professionals, opening doors to future career paths and providing real-world guidance. The management of the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will be entrusted to an experienced partner organization, which is currently undergoing evaluation, with further details to be announced later in the year.
A Piece of Automotive History: The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
The auction, conducted in cooperation with RM Sotheby’s, took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, a fitting location for such a momentous occasion. The exclusive guest list included select Mercedes-Benz customers and prominent international car and art collectors, all sharing a passion for the brand’s values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was a prized jewel from the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, a vast assembly of over 1,100 vehicles chronicling the history of the automobile from its inception 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 proud that we can contribute with our historical collection to this initiative connecting the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology,” he stated. In a testament to its cultural significance, the private buyer has agreed to keep the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe 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, allowing enthusiasts to admire this automotive icon.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is shrouded in mystique, born from its unique creation, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology. Its design, notably featuring the iconic gullwing doors, set new standards and cemented its status as one of the most significant automotive icons globally. Powered by thoroughbred racing technology, its performance was as breathtaking as its aesthetics. This combination has propelled the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe into automotive mythology and secured a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz devotees worldwide, and now, in history as the most valuable car ever sold, funding a future generation of innovators.
For further information on this remarkable vehicle, explore the Mercedes-Benz web special.
