A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has made history by becoming the most expensive car ever sold, fetching a staggering 135 million EUR at auction. This automotive icon, one of only two prototypes ever built, was sold to a private collector, marking a monumental moment for both automotive history and charitable giving. Named after its visionary creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, this vehicle is celebrated by experts and enthusiasts globally as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
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 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.’ Our aspiration with this fund is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and to develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Witnessing a Mercedes-Benz achieve the highest value ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and deeply humbling, affirming Mercedes-Benz’s position as the most valued car brand in the world.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, overseeing the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” added, “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our significant responsibility to society. The sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe presents a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, impactful initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will be a global scholarship program dedicated to empowering young individuals in their academic pursuits and their dedication to creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that fostering education in these critical areas is essential to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social unity.”
Mercedes-Benz Fund: Investing in a Sustainable Future
The record-breaking auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the initial capital for the newly established global “Mercedes-Benz Fund”. Mercedes-Benz has pledged further investment in the coming years to ensure the fund’s long-term impact. The fund will operate through two key sub-programs: University Scholarships, designed to connect, educate, and support university students engaged in environmental science research projects, and School Scholarships, focusing on enabling pupils to implement local environmental initiatives within their communities. Crucially, the program is designed to support individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue these vital educational and career paths. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer valuable extracurricular components, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, to broaden career horizons for recipients. Mercedes-Benz is currently in the process of selecting an experienced partner organization to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” with further details regarding the program’s structure and rollout to be announced later this year.
A Historical Icon: The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
The auction, conducted on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, was an exclusive event, attended by select Mercedes-Benz clients and 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, which includes over 1,100 vehicles spanning from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, commented, “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this forward-thinking 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 the vehicle accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain a treasured asset of Mercedes-Benz and will continue to be exhibited at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s mystique is rooted in its unique creation, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology, ensuring its enduring appeal. Its design established benchmarks that cemented its status as one of the most significant automotive icons globally, notably featuring its iconic gullwing doors. Coupled with its exceptional performance derived from purebred racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has solidified its legendary position in sports car history and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
Alt: Iconic gullwing door detail of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Coupe Uhlenhaut, highlighting its innovative design and historical significance.
More detailed information about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe can be found at the Mercedes-Benz web special.
