A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, an icon of automotive history and an ultra-rare gem from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, has been auctioned for a staggering 135 million EUR (approximately $142 million USD) to a private collector. This unprecedented sale establishes the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe as the most valuable car ever sold, surpassing all previous records and solidifying its legendary status in the automotive world. This exceptional vehicle, one of only two original prototypes ever built, is named after its creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the Chief Engineer at Mercedes-Benz at the time. Automotive experts and enthusiasts globally recognize the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Record Price Drives Positive Change: The Mercedes-Benz Fund
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this sale, stating, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not only milestones in sports car development, they are crucial elements of our brand’s history. The decision to auction one of these unique Mercedes-Benz SL 300 cars was made with a clear purpose – to support a truly good cause. The proceeds from this auction will establish a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’. Our aim is to inspire a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative spirit and develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on decarbonization and environmental preservation. Achieving the highest price ever paid for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling. It unequivocally confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, and always will be, 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 company and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The funds generated from the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe auction provide us with a unique opportunity to strengthen this commitment through a long-term, impactful project. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will be a global scholarship program dedicated to supporting young individuals in their education, engagement, and initiatives towards a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that providing access to education in environmental science and decarbonization is crucial to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
Investing in Future Generations through the Mercedes-Benz Fund
The record-breaking auction of the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the seed capital for this significant global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has pledged to invest additional resources in the coming years to ensure the fund’s long-term success. The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate with two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to undertake research projects in environmental science and related fields.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
The program prioritizes individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental projects and educational aspirations. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, to enhance career prospects and provide real-world guidance. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently being selected, to jointly develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund”. Further details regarding the program’s structure, rollout plan, and partner organization will be announced later this year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The auction of the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, in partnership with renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event was attended by select Mercedes-Benz customers and prominent international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values. The auctioned Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe was previously part of Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which comprises over 1,100 vehicles dating back to the invention of the automobile in 1886.
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 past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private buyer has graciously agreed to keep the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain in company ownership and will continue to be showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, allowing enthusiasts to admire this automotive masterpiece.”
The Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe’s mystique is rooted in its unique creation, distinctive design, and groundbreaking technology. Its iconic “gullwing” doors and exceptional racing performance have cemented its place as one of the most significant automotive icons globally. This auction not only marks a historic sale but also paves the way for a future generation of innovators through the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” all stemming from the legacy of the remarkable Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe.
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