A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has shattered all previous records, fetching an astounding 135 million EUR at auction. This sale positions it as the most valuable car ever sold, dwarfing any discussion of even the highest Mercedes Mclaren Price tags. This automotive icon, one of only two original prototypes, was part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection and was acquired by a private collector. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, its visionary creator and chief engineer, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is celebrated by experts and car lovers globally as a pinnacle of automotive design and engineering.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, stated, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not just cars; they are milestones in sports car evolution and fundamental pieces of our brand’s heritage. The decision to part with one of these unique vehicles was carefully considered and made with a profound purpose – to support a truly worthy cause. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Our aim with this fund is to inspire a new generation to embody Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s spirit of innovation and to pioneer groundbreaking technologies, particularly in the crucial areas of decarbonization and environmental preservation. Witnessing a Mercedes-Benz achieve the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling, affirming Mercedes-Benz’s place as the pinnacle of automotive value.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, responsible for the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” added, “As a global luxury brand, we are deeply aware of our responsibility to society. The sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides us with a unique opportunity to significantly enhance our commitment through a long-term, impactful project. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will offer global scholarships, empowering young individuals to pursue education and initiatives focused on creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that fostering access to education in these critical fields is essential to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and promoting greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Funding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund Scholarship Program
The record-breaking auction proceeds serve as the initial capital for the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” a global initiative that Mercedes-Benz is committed to further investing in over the coming years. The fund will operate through two primary scholarship streams: University Scholarships, designed to connect, educate, and motivate students to engage in environmental science research projects, and School Scholarships, aimed at supporting pupils in implementing local environmental projects within their communities. Crucially, the program will prioritize individuals lacking the financial resources to pursue their environmental ambitions and career paths. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer valuable extracurricular support, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz professionals, to broaden career horizons. 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 in the year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in collaboration with renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed select Mercedes-Benz clients and international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was a prized piece from 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, commented, “We are immensely proud to contribute our historical collection to this vital initiative, bridging the legacy of automotive excellence with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep the car accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains a cherished part of our company’s heritage and will continue to be exhibited at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary status is rooted in its unique origin, striking design, and pioneering technology, captivating enthusiasts for generations. Its design established new benchmarks, securing its place among the most iconic automobiles globally, notably due to its signature “gullwing” doors. Coupled with its exceptional performance derived from pure racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has cemented its legendary position in sports car history and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz devotees worldwide. Its unparalleled value significantly surpasses any typical mercedes mclaren price, placing it in a realm of its own.
Further information about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe can be found on the Mercedes-Benz web special.
