A piece of automotive history reached an unprecedented milestone when a 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupe was auctioned for a staggering 135 million EUR. This sale to a private collector has officially made it the most valuable car in the world, surpassing all previous records. This exceptional vehicle is not just any classic car; it’s one of only two original prototypes ever created, a true icon of automotive engineering and design. Named in honor of its creator, 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 excellence.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this moment, stating, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are historic landmarks in sports car evolution and fundamental elements that have shaped the Mercedes-Benz brand. The decision to part with one of these two unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose: to support a truly worthy cause. 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 develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Simultaneously, achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling. It definitively confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, unequivocally, 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, “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with an unparalleled opportunity to deepen this commitment through a long-term, flagship initiative. The establishment of the global ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits, their dedication, and their actions towards building a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that providing access to education in environmental science and related fields is crucial to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Seeding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund Scholarship Program
The record-breaking auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe serves 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, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this vital initiative. The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two distinct yet interconnected sub-programs:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to engage in cutting-edge research and projects within environmental science disciplines.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering younger pupils to conceptualize and implement local environmental projects within their own communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
Crucially, the program is designed to provide financial assistance to talented individuals who may otherwise lack the economic means to pursue their educational and career aspirations in these critical fields. Beyond financial support, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer enriching extracurricular components, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, thereby opening up new and exciting career pathways for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with a seasoned and reputable partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effectiveness and long-term impact. Further details regarding the program’s structure, operational plan, and the chosen partner organization will be announced later this year.
A Legacy of Innovation: The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s History and Auction
The historic auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, a fitting venue for such a momentous occasion. The auction was conducted in partnership with the esteemed RM Sotheby’s and was by invitation only, welcoming a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s most valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors who share the brand’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was a prized piece from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, a non-public assemblage of over 1,100 automobiles spanning from the invention of the car in 1886 to the present day, showcasing the rich history and innovation of the brand.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in this initiative, stating, “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this forward-looking initiative, bridging the legacy of automotive engineering with the future of decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep this exceptional vehicle accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains a cherished asset of Mercedes-Benz and will continue to be prominently displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, ensuring that this piece of automotive history can be appreciated by the public for years to come.”
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s creation story, its groundbreaking design, and its pioneering technology have cultivated an enduring mystique around it. Its design established new benchmarks, solidifying its place among the world’s most iconic automobiles, most notably with its distinctive and iconic “gullwing” doors. Coupled with its exceptional performance, derived from its thoroughbred racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has earned its legendary status in sports car history and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
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