A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has shattered all records to become the most valuable car ever sold, fetching an astounding 135 million EUR at auction. This automotive icon, one of only two prototypes ever created, was acquired by a private collector, marking a historic moment in automotive history. Named in honor of its creator, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, this vehicle is celebrated by experts and car aficionados globally as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this sale: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés are true milestones in sports car evolution and integral to the heritage of our brand. The decision to auction off one of these extraordinary vehicles was made with a very specific and meaningful purpose – to raise funds for a truly good cause. The proceeds from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’. Inspired by Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative spirit, we aim to encourage a new generation to pioneer groundbreaking technologies, especially in the crucial areas of decarbonization and environmental preservation. To achieve the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and deeply humbling. It unequivocally affirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, indeed, the most valuable car in the world.”
Alt text: Front three-quarter view of the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, showcasing its sleek silver body and legendary status as the world’s most valuable car.
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, highlighted the broader societal impact: “As a global corporation and a luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The funds generated from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé present us with a unique opportunity to deepen our commitment through a long-term, flagship initiative. The global ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ scholarship program will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits and their dedication to building a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating 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 harmony.”
Mercedes-Benz Fund: Investing in a Sustainable Future
The record-breaking auction proceeds will serve as the initial capital for the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” a global initiative with a strong commitment from Mercedes-Benz to provide further resources in the years to come. The fund will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and inspire university students to engage in research and projects focused on environmental science and related disciplines.
- School Scholarships: Targeting younger pupils, this sub-category will support local environmental projects within their communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” is specifically designed to support individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental ambitions and educational paths. Beyond financial aid, the program will offer invaluable extracurricular components, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz experts, opening up exciting career possibilities for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently under evaluation, to co-develop and manage the fund. Further details regarding the program’s structure, implementation plan, and the chosen partner will be announced later this year.
Alt text: Portrait of Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the visionary chief engineer behind the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, a symbol of automotive brilliance and innovation.
A Historic Auction for a Historical Car
The momentous auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in collaboration with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed select Mercedes-Benz clientele and prominent international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was a treasured part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic non-public collection, which encompasses over 1,100 vehicles spanning from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in this initiative: “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 Coupé has graciously agreed to keep the vehicle accessible for public viewing on special occasions. Simultaneously, the second original 300 SLR Coupé remains in our company’s possession and will continue to be a highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
Alt text: Exterior view of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the permanent home of the second original Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé.
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé’s mystique stems from its extraordinary creation, unique design, and groundbreaking technology. Its design established new benchmarks, solidifying its status as one of the most iconic cars in automotive history, particularly recognized for its distinctive gullwing doors. Coupled with its exceptional performance derived from pure racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has earned its legendary position in sports car mythology and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts globally.
For deeper insights into the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, explore the web special.
