In an unprecedented event that has reverberated throughout the automotive world, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has been auctioned for an astounding 135 million EUR. This extraordinary sale to a private collector establishes this automotive icon as the most valuable car ever sold. One of only two prototypes ever constructed, this vehicle is not merely a car; it’s a testament to engineering excellence and design brilliance, revered by experts and car enthusiasts globally. Named in honor of its creator, the ingenious Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe represents the pinnacle of automotive achievement.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this moment: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are definitive milestones in sports car evolution, deeply embedded in our brand’s history. The decision to part with one of these truly unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose: to champion a noble cause. The capital 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, fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies, particularly those aimed at achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Furthermore, achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both remarkable and humbling. It unequivocally confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, without question, the most prized car in the world.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, and the guiding force behind the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” added, “As a global corporation and a luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe present us with a singular opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, signature initiative. The global ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ scholarship program will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits and their dedication to creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in these critical domains is paramount to addressing the monumental challenges of our era and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social unity.”
Seeding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund Scholarship Program
The record-breaking auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the initial capital for this ambitious global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has pledged to further invest in the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” in the years to come. The fund will operate through two distinct channels: University Scholarships, designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to engage in environmental science research projects, and School Scholarships, focusing on enabling pupils to execute local environmental projects within their communities. Crucially, the program will prioritize individuals lacking the financial resources to pursue their environmental endeavors and career aspirations. Beyond financial assistance, the program will incorporate invaluable extracurricular elements, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz experts, to unlock new career pathways for recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently under evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Comprehensive details regarding the program’s structure, implementation plan, and partner organization will be announced later this year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The momentous auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. This exclusive event, conducted in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s, welcomed a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s valued clients and prominent international car and art collectors who share the brand’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was a treasured piece from the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s 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 his pride, stating, “We are immensely proud to contribute our historical collection to this initiative, bridging the legacy of automotive history with the future of engineering and decarbonization technologies. 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 remains a cherished asset of Mercedes-Benz and will continue to be showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s allure stems from its extraordinary origins, distinctive design, and pioneering technology, creating a mystique that persists to this day. Its design, notably featuring the iconic “gullwing” doors, established benchmarks that cemented its place among the most significant automotive icons worldwide. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from its purebred racing technology, solidified the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary status in sports car mythology and its special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts globally.
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