Owning a Mercedes-Benz is more than just possessing a vehicle; it’s embracing a legacy of luxury, a commitment to safety, and a symbol of prestige recognized worldwide. For many, the three-pointed star represents the pinnacle of automotive aspiration. While the allure of a standard Mercedes-Benz is undeniable, there exists an echelon of vehicles so exclusive, so meticulously crafted, that they transcend mere transportation and become rolling masterpieces. We delve into the world of the Rarest Mercedes Benz cars, models that are not just expensive but virtually unattainable for most, existing in the realm of automotive legend.
Mercedes-Benz has long been celebrated for its seamless fusion of artistry and groundbreaking engineering. Driving a Mercedes is an emotional experience, a symphony of power, performance, and heritage that ignites a passion unlike any other. These are vehicles that don’t just move you physically; they transport you through time, evoking nostalgia and delivering an unparalleled sense of automotive excellence.
While owning a current or classic Mercedes is a dream within reach for many enthusiasts, the rarest Mercedes Benz cars stand apart. These are the vehicles whispered about in hushed tones at auctions, coveted by billionaires, and admired from afar by the rest of us. These aren’t simply cars for sale; they are automotive unicorns, each holding immense value rooted in unique design, significant historical impact, and incredibly limited production numbers. For collectors and aficionados, these models represent the zenith of Mercedes-Benz’s illustrious history, and we are thrilled to explore fifteen of the most exceptional examples ever created.
15. Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer
Units Produced: Less than 175
In the roaring twenties, speed enthusiasts had far fewer options than today’s supercar aficionados. The Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer emerged as the closest embodiment of a race car for the road. However, even for those who could afford its hefty $7,000+ price tag, acquiring one was a matter of chance. Between 1927 and 1928, Mercedes-Benz manufactured fewer than 175 of these magnificent machines – some sources narrow it down to just 146.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1927 to 1928 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | Less than 175 |
| Unique Features | On-demand Roots-type Supercharger, Bought without coachwork |
| Displacement | 6.8 Liters |
| Power | 526 Horsepower |
This automotive jewel quickly established its dominance on the newly inaugurated Nürburgring, setting record times and claiming victory in its class at prestigious events like the Batschari Challenge Trophy and the Baden-Baden Automobile Tournament in 1927.
The numerical designation in its name – 26/180 – was a cryptic nod to its power: 26 for taxable horsepower, 120 for the actual output, and a staggering 180 horsepower unleashed when the driver fully engaged the Roots-type supercharger of the 6.8-liter inline-six engine. This pre-war marvel now commands astronomical prices in the classic car market. In 2021, a Mercedes-Benz S-Type 26/180 Sports Tourer changed hands for a breathtaking $5.4 million at auction, cementing its status as one of the rarest Mercedes Benz models and a highly prized collector’s item.
14. Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet
Units Produced: 99 units
For those who want to broadcast their arrival with unparalleled extravagance, the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet is the ultimate statement. This ultra-exclusive G-Wagen derivative is limited to a mere 99 units, adding to its mystique and desirability. Adding to its exclusivity for the American market, not a single unit was officially designated for sale in the United States.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 2017 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 99 |
| Unique Features | Convertible rear half |
| Displacement | Six Liters |
| Power | 630 Horsepower |
Engineered to conquer the most challenging terrains while cocooning its occupants in supreme luxury, the G 650 Landaulet is a paradox of rugged capability and opulent refinement. Beneath its imposing frame resides a six-liter V-12 bi-turbo engine, unleashing 630 horsepower and a colossal 738 pound-feet of torque. This powerhouse propels the Landaulet from 0 to 60 MPH in under six seconds, reaching a top speed of 112 MPH. It borrows portal axles from the formidable G 500 4×4², ensuring unparalleled off-road prowess.
The Maybach-appointed interior is a sanctuary of technology and indulgence, featuring sumptuously bolstered seats with massage functions and individual entertainment screens for rear passengers. The defining feature of this rarest Mercedes Benz SUV is its convertible rear cabin, where a fabric roof retracts at the touch of a button, allowing occupants to bask in the open air. Originally priced around $754,000, the rarity of the Mercedes-Maybach G 650 Landaulet has inflated its value on the secondary market, with examples now commanding prices upwards of $1.8 million, making it a true collector’s gem.
13. Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG
Units Produced: 85
Born from an AMG Styling Package-equipped R129 Mercedes-Benz SL 600, the SL 73 AMG emerged from Affalterbach as a beastly roadster with formidable power under its hood. Upon its 1999 release, the SL 73 AMG was among the most expensive cars available, exceeding 300,000 Deutschmarks, equivalent to approximately $170,628 USD at the time. With a monstrous 7.3-liter variant of the V-12 M120 engine producing 526 horsepower, the SL 73 AMG was not just a car; it was a statement.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1999 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 85 |
| Unique Features | Early post-merger Mercedes-AMG GmbH model, iconic engine family |
| Displacement | 7.3 Liters |
| Power | 526 Horsepower |
Remarkably, the 1999 SL 73 AMG, one of the earliest models to emerge after the Mercedes-AMG merger, was seldom advertised in sales brochures, adding to its enigmatic aura. Throughout the 1990s, AMG meticulously enhanced the R129 SL, first by introducing a 385-horsepower engine in the SL 600, followed by the 496-horsepower SL 70. However, the SL 73 took performance to an entirely new dimension, unleashing over 520 horsepower and propelling Mercedes-AMG into the new millennium with tire-scorching bravado.
The SL 73 AMG’s engine is a legendary piece of AMG history, famously lending its DNA to the Pagani Zonda S 7.3, albeit in a 547-horsepower configuration. This colossal V-12 engine catapulted the SL 73 AMG from 0-60 MPH in a mere 4.5 seconds and enabled it to reach an astonishing top speed of 200 MPH, solidifying its place among the rarest Mercedes Benz vehicles and a true testament to AMG’s engineering prowess.
12. SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Units Produced: 75 units
The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss Edition represents the final and arguably most extreme iteration of the celebrated Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren. Named in honor of the legendary British racing driver Sir Stirling Moss, this ultra-rare variant of the supercar sheds approximately 440 pounds compared to the standard SLR McLaren. This significant weight reduction is primarily attributed to its unique body design, crafted extensively from carbon fiber.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 2009 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 75 |
| Unique Features | No roof and windshield, but can hit a top speed of 217 MPH |
| Displacement | 5.5 Liters |
| Power | 641 Horsepower |
This open-top speedster pays homage to the iconic 300 SLR McLaren that dominated the 1955 Mille Miglia rally. It’s powered by a potent 5.5-liter V-8 engine generating 641 horsepower. This supercharged powerplant propels the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss to a breathtaking top speed approaching 220 MPH. True to its racing inspiration, this special edition SLR McLaren eschews a roof and windshield, offering a raw and unfiltered driving experience. The interior is minimalist, emphasizing its performance-focused nature.
While “bare minimum” in terms of superfluous features, Mercedes-Benz infused the interior with premium materials like leather and carbon fiber, befitting its luxury pedigree. An aluminum plate on the shift lever bearing Stirling Moss’s signature adds an exclusive touch. Originally priced around $1 million, the rarity and iconic status of the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss have driven its value sky-high. Today, examples can command around $2.5 million at auction, making it a highly sought-after piece in the pantheon of rarest Mercedes Benz automobiles.
11. Mercedes SL 65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition
Units Produced: 45 units
The Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition is a potent embodiment of AMG’s unwavering commitment to driving performance. Created to commemorate AMG’s 45th anniversary, Mercedes-Benz produced a mere 45 units of this exclusive roadster, each one a testament to AMG’s legacy of speed and innovation. Remarkably, all units were sold before Mercedes-Benz even officially unveiled the vehicle, highlighting its immediate desirability and collectibility. Designers bestowed this rarest Mercedes Benz with an exclusive paint finish dubbed designo magno graphite, a new gray matte hue that accentuates the sensuous curves of its aluminum body.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 2013 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 45 |
| Unique Features | Designo Magno graphite paint exclusive to the limited edition SL 65 AMG |
| Displacement | Six Liters |
| Power | 621 Horsepower |
Beyond its striking aesthetics, the SL 65 AMG 45th Anniversary Edition delivers breathtaking performance. Beneath its sculpted hood resides a V-12 twin-turbo engine, unleashing 621 horsepower and a formidable 737 pound-feet of torque. This is the same powerhouse found in the standard SL 65 AMG, ensuring exhilarating acceleration and effortless cruising. A seven-speed automatic transmission channels the engine’s power to the rear wheels, providing seamless gear changes and optimal performance. A pristine example of the 45th Anniversary Edition SL 65 AMG recently crossed the auction block in the U.K., fetching approximately $137,000, demonstrating the enduring appeal of this limited-edition Mercedes-Benz.
10. Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet
Units Produced: 33
The Mercedes-Benz 600 Pullman Landaulet is the epitome of stately automotive grandeur, frequently employed by heads of state and royalty to project an image of power and prestige. These imposing four-door limousines were often loaned to governments for official duties, famously serving dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II, the Duke of Edinburgh, and even the Apollo 11 astronauts upon their triumphant return to Earth. Between 1963 and 1981, only 33 four-door Landaulet variants of this majestic vehicle were ever produced, further amplifying its exclusivity and desirability. Today, these rarest Mercedes Benz limousines can command prices exceeding $2 million at auction.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1963 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 33 |
| Unique Features | Seven-seater with convertible rear |
| Displacement | 6.3 Liters |
| Power | 250 Horsepower |
Affectionately nicknamed “Der Grosse Mercedes,” meaning “the big Mercedes” in German, this moniker perfectly captures the sheer scale and presence of this vehicle. “Der Grosse Mercedes” is propelled by a robust 6.3-liter V-8 engine, generating 250 horsepower. Notably, it was the first Mercedes-Benz passenger car to feature a V-8 engine, a powerplant that would later achieve widespread acclaim in the 300 SEL 6.3 sports sedan in 1963.
All four wheels were equipped with advanced disc brakes featuring two calipers per wheel, ensuring exceptional braking performance for such a substantial vehicle. The Pullman Landaulet also boasted adjustable air suspension, prioritizing passenger comfort. The cabin was swathed in premium leather and generously equipped for its era, featuring dual-zone climate control and a complex hydraulic system that governed numerous vehicle functions, including seat adjustments, partition operation, and the convertible roof mechanism.
9. 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
Units Produced: 29 units
With private racing enthusiasts in mind, Mercedes-Benz developed a lighter, more performance-focused iteration of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. Designated “Leichtmetallausführung,” translating to “Light Metal Version,” the Alloy Gullwing replaced steel with aluminum for the car’s bodywork. Plexiglass windows further contributed to weight reduction, resulting in a vehicle approximately 209 pounds lighter than the standard Gullwing. Between 1955 (24 units) and 1956 (5 units), only 29 examples of these competition-bred cars were manufactured, firmly establishing the 300 SL Alloy Gullwing special edition as one of the rarest Mercedes Benz creations ever.
Google News
Add TopSpeed to your Google News feed.
Follow On Google News
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1955 to 1956 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 29 |
| Unique Features | Alloy body |
| Displacement | Three Liters |
| Power | 215 Horsepower |
Considered a holy grail among automotive collectors, this “Silver Arrow” is propelled by a three-liter inline-six engine, producing 215 horsepower and 203 pound-feet of torque. Paired with a four-speed manual gearbox, this powertrain enabled the vehicle to accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in a brisk 8.8 seconds for its time. In 2022, the 21st of the 29 examples of this legendary Gullwing was auctioned for just over $5 million, underscoring its immense value and desirability within the world of rare and collectible automobiles.
8. Mercedes-Benz 540 K Spezial-Roadster
Units Produced: 26
Just as America boasted the Duesenberg Model J and France the Talbot-Lago Teardrop, Germany presented the magnificent 540 K Spezial-Roadster. Unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1936, the 540 K was exclusively available through special order, a factor contributing to its incredibly limited production run of just 26 Spezial-Roadsters, despite factory records indicating over 400 total 540 K models were built. Compounding its rarity was its exorbitant cost during the 1930s, a period marked by the Great Depression, placing it far beyond the reach of most individuals.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1936 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 26 |
| Unique Features | Available through special order only |
| Displacement | 5.4 Liters |
| Power | 180 Horsepower |
This exceptional model showcased Mercedes-Benz’s most meticulous craftsmanship and incorporated design and engineering contributions from prominent figures in German motorsport and automotive engineering, including Gustav Rohr, Hermann Ahrens, and Mercedes-Benz’s in-house coachbuilder, Karrosserie Sindelfingen.
Beneath its elegant hood, the 540 K Spezial-Roadster housed a 5.4-liter supercharged inline-eight engine, capable of generating 180 horsepower when fully engaged. This propelled the stunning machine to a top speed of 105 MPH, impressive for its era. Contributing to the 540 K’s refined road manners were its four-wheel independent suspension and advanced braking system, both engineered by Gustav Rohr. The 540 K Spezial-Roadster remains an icon of pre-war automotive opulence and one of the rarest Mercedes Benz cars ever conceived.
7. Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR
Units Produced: 25 units
Driven by a desire to re-enter GT1 Class racing, Mercedes-Benz partnered with AMG to rapidly develop the CLK GTR race car. To satisfy FIA homologation regulations, they were obligated to produce and sell at least 25 road-legal versions of the CLK GTR. The collaborative effort involved refining initial CLK GTR designs using CAD software and creating 3D clay models.
The result was a production run of 20 coupes and 5 roadsters. This intense 128-day development sprint yielded remarkable success on the racetrack, with the CLK GTR race car securing 6 victories out of 11 FIA GT rounds in 1997. The road-going version of the CLK GTR continued this dominance, winning every race in the subsequent year.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1997 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 25 |
| Unique Features | Race-spec road car |
| Displacement | 6.9 Liters |
| Power | 604 Horsepower |
Mercedes-Benz and AMG prioritized performance above all else in the CLK GTR’s design. The 6.9-liter V-12 engine was mid-mounted and paired with a six-speed sequential gearbox. This naturally aspirated engine delivered 604 horsepower and 572 pound-feet of torque, launching the car from 0 to 62 MPH in a mere 3.8 seconds. In 2021, RM Sotheby’s auctioned one of these exceptionally rare speed machines for a staggering $4.515 million, solidifying its place as one of the rarest Mercedes Benz and a highly coveted collector’s item.
6. Mercedes-Benz C111 Series
Units Produced: 13
Initially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1969 and subsequently at the Geneva Motor Show in 1970, the C111 was conceived as a showcase of Mercedes-Benz’s technological and design prowess, and it undoubtedly captivated audiences. Its sleek fiberglass body, finished in vibrant bright orange, and dramatic gullwing doors immediately commanded attention. Powered by a range of experimental engines, including a turbo diesel, a turbo V-8, and a mid-engine four-rotor Wankel rotary engine, the C111 concept was also groundbreaking for being the first car designed entirely using computer-aided design. Its fiberglass panels further contributed to weight reduction. Approximately 16 C111 concepts were produced, with the majority being the C111-II variant equipped with a four-rotor Wankel engine. The C111-II’s Wankel-4 engine generated 345 horsepower and could reach 60 MPH from a standstill in under 5.0 seconds, achieving a top speed of 186 MPH.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1969 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 16 |
| Unique Features | First car designed entirely on a computer |
| Displacement | 2.4 Liters |
| Power | 345 Horsepower |
Despite its revolutionary design and performance, Mercedes-Benz ultimately abandoned the C111 concept by the end of the decade. Speculation suggests that this decision may have been influenced by negative public sentiment towards Mercedes-Benz sports cars at the time, potentially stemming from a tragic motorsport accident involving a Mercedes-Benz vehicle several years prior. Regardless, the surviving C111 concepts from over five decades ago remain as striking, futuristic, and captivating as they were upon their debut, representing a unique chapter in the history of rarest Mercedes Benz vehicles.
5. Mercedes-Benz W196 Silver Arrow
Units Produced: 14 units
In the post-World War II racing landscape, Mercedes-Benz dominated the tracks with the W196 Silver Arrow, powered by a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine. Driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, the Silver Arrows achieved consecutive victories at the German and Swiss Grand Prix races during the 1954 Formula One season.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1954 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 14 (including prototypes) |
| Unique Features | Fuel-injected engine |
| Displacement | 2.5 Liters |
| Power | 257 to 290 Horsepower |
Engineered to comply with the regulations of the racing governing body, Mercedes-Benz introduced several innovations to Formula One racing with the W196. These included pioneering features such as a fuel-injected engine, fully independent suspension, and a horizontally mounted engine configuration to reduce the car’s overall height and improve aerodynamics.
While the Silver Arrow’s engine was more modest in output compared to its pre-war predecessors, producing between 257 and 290 horsepower, it was demonstrably faster and more manageable on the track. It was considered more refined than its supercharged forebears, exhibiting exceptional composure during races. In 2013, a Mercedes-Benz W196 Silver Arrow achieved a record-breaking sale price of $29.6 million at auction, cementing its status as not only one of the rarest Mercedes Benz but also one of the most historically significant and valuable race cars ever built.
4. Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo
Units Produced: 5 units
The Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo is a truly outlandish supercar, commissioned by Kazunori Yamauchi, the creator of the renowned Gran Turismo video game franchise, specifically for Gran Turismo 6. Mercedes-Benz unveiled a full-scale, engine-less model of the Vision Gran Turismo at the 2013 LA Motor Show, generating immense buzz. Within the virtual realm of the game, the Vision GT is powered by a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine, unleashing 577 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque. The car’s voluptuous design was meticulously engineered to achieve an ideal weight distribution of 46 percent front and 54 percent rear.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 2013 (Reported) |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 5 |
| Unique Features | Aluminum frame and body |
| Displacement | 6.2 Liters |
| Power | 591 horsepower |
Florida-based J & S Worldwide Holdings reportedly undertook a project to construct five physical examples of the Vision Gran Turismo, each carrying a staggering price tag of $1.5 million. The company purportedly intended to utilize the SLS AMG GT edition as the foundation for bringing this virtual concept car to life, equipping it with a 6.2-liter V-8 engine producing 591 horsepower. If these plans materialized, the Mercedes-Benz AMG Vision Gran Turismo would become an incredibly exclusive and visually arresting addition to the lineage of rarest Mercedes Benz automobiles.
3. Mercedes-Benz 300 SL By HWA
Units Produced: 3
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL was a truly groundbreaking model, achieving record-setting performance and earning the title of “fastest production car on the planet” upon its release. Over six decades later, the rarity and timeless allure of the 300 SL, in any form, remains captivating. Among the most exceptional iterations are the modified versions commissioned by the Sultan of Brunei in the 1990s, known as the 300 SL by HWA.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1990 (1954 original) |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 3 |
| Unique Features | Modern AMG V-8, suspension, and interior |
| Displacement | 6.0 Liters |
| Power | 381 Horsepower |
HWA in the name represents Hans Werner Aufrecht, a co-founder of AMG. This ambitious project involved meticulously retrofitting original 300 SLs with modern AMG components. The transformation included replacing the original inline-six engine with a contemporary AMG V-8, along with upgrading the suspension, brakes, and interior. While purists might consider modifying such an iconic classic sacrilegious, HWA AG reportedly produced three examples of the restomodded 300 SL. One resides at HWA headquarters in Affalterbach, another was delivered to the Sultan of Brunei, and the third is rumored to belong to a wealthy collector in Hong Kong. Today, the 300 SL by HWA is estimated to be worth an astounding $14.8 million, making it one of the rarest Mercedes Benz and a truly unique blend of classic design and modern performance.
2. Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Units Produced: 2
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe stands as a legendary vehicle that commands the ultimate desire of any serious car collector. This hardtop variant of the open-top SLR race car was never intended for competition. Instead, it served as a company car for Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the head of Mercedes-Benz’s test department, hence its moniker.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1955 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 2 |
| Unique Features | Elektron Body over Steel Tubular Space Frame |
| Displacement | Three Liters |
| Power | 302 Horsepower |
Its design is characterized by an elongated hood, assertive body lines, prominent side-mounted exhaust pipes, and a gracefully sculpted windshield. While undeniably a work of automotive art, this tourer is also a high-performance machine. The automotive Mona Lisa is powered by a three-liter naturally-aspirated inline-eight engine, producing 302 horsepower and 229 pound-feet of torque. It can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in a mere 6.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 182 MPH, remarkable figures for its era.
In 2022, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe achieved global headlines by becoming the most expensive car ever sold. It was auctioned for an astounding $142 million during a special event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, solidifying its place as the pinnacle of automotive collecting and the rarest Mercedes Benz of them all.
1. Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pininfarina Coupe
Units Produced: 1
The Mercedes-Benz 230 SL officially debuted in early 1963. The “Pagoda,” as it’s affectionately known, was designed by Paul Bracq and embodied the highest standards associated with the Mercedes-Benz SL lineage. However, just weeks after the W113’s launch, the renowned Torino coachbuilder Pininfarina approached Mercedes-Benz with a proposition to create a 230 SL Coupe. Pininfarina entrusted the design to Tom Tjaarda, the visionary behind the iconic Ferrari 330 GT 2+2.
Limited Production Specs
| Production | 1964 |
|---|---|
| Units Produced | 1 |
| Unique Features | Coachwork by Pininfarina |
| Displacement | 2.3 Liters |
| Power | 146 Horsepower |
Tjaarda reimagined the Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pininfarina Coupe with a more assertive front fascia featuring a pronounced forward lean. The sides showcased slender A and C pillars and more angular lines, while the rear incorporated minimalist taillights and a distinctive three-piece bumper. Inside, Pininfarina’s team elevated the one-off vehicle’s ambiance with premium materials and sophisticated detailing.
Despite garnering widespread acclaim at the Paris and Torino Motor Shows, Mercedes-Benz opted not to proceed with production. This singular Mercedes-Benz 230 SL Pininfarina Coupe, the only one in existence, was auctioned for $1.215 million in 2022 at the prestigious Pebble Beach Auctions. Its unparalleled rarity and exquisite Italian coachwork firmly establish it as the rarest Mercedes Benz and a true automotive masterpiece.
