In an extraordinary event that has reverberated throughout the automotive world, one of only two original 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupe Prototypes from the esteemed Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection has been auctioned for an astounding 135 million EUR. This sale establishes it as the most valuable car ever sold, eclipsing all previous records and cementing its legendary status.
This automotive icon, a true testament to engineering and design excellence, is an unparalleled rarity. Only two prototypes of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe were ever constructed. The vehicle is named in honor of its creator, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Automotive experts and enthusiasts globally recognize the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe prototype as a pinnacle of automotive achievement, embodying both groundbreaking engineering and breathtaking design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the profound rationale behind this landmark sale. “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not merely cars; they are milestones in the evolution of sports cars, fundamental artifacts that have defined our brand’s heritage. The decision to part with one of these utterly unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose – to contribute to a truly meaningful cause. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Our ambition with the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and to develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on the urgent imperatives of decarbonization and resource conservation,” Källenius stated. He further added, “To achieve the highest price ever realized for a vehicle is both extraordinary and deeply humbling. It is a definitive statement: a Mercedes-Benz is unequivocally 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, and the executive overseeing the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” elaborated on the company’s broader societal commitment. “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz acknowledges a significant responsibility to society,” she affirmed. “The proceeds from the sale of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe furnish us with an exceptional opportunity to amplify this commitment through a long-term, signature initiative. We are establishing the global ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ scholarship program to empower young individuals in their academic pursuits, their dedication, and their proactive endeavors towards a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in these critical fields is paramount to addressing the formidable challenges of our era and fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
“Mercedes-Benz Fund” to Champion Future Generations of Environmental Pioneers
The record-breaking auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe prototype provides the foundational capital for this ambitious global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has pledged to augment this initial funding with further investments in the years to come, ensuring the fund’s long-term impact. The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two distinct but interconnected sub-programs:
- University Scholarships: Designed to cultivate a network of talented individuals, these scholarships will support university students in undertaking research projects within environmental science domains. The aim is to foster innovation and accelerate breakthroughs in sustainability-focused research.
- School Scholarships: Focusing on younger generations, these scholarships will empower pupils to conceptualize and implement local environmental projects within their communities. This grassroots approach aims to instill environmental consciousness and action from an early age.
Crucially, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” is explicitly designed to support individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental ambitions and educational paths. Beyond financial assistance, the program will incorporate invaluable extracurricular elements, such as mentorships provided by Mercedes-Benz experts, thereby unlocking new career horizons for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with a seasoned partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effective and impactful operation. Further details regarding the program’s structure, implementation plan, and partner organization will be announced later in the year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Vehicle
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 most valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors – individuals who share the brand’s core values. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe prototype offered at auction was drawn from the non-public Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicle collection, a treasury encompassing over 1,100 automobiles, tracing the entire history of the automobile from its inception in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed the organization’s pride in contributing to this forward-looking initiative through its historical collection. “We are immensely proud that our heritage collection can contribute to this vital initiative, bridging the legacy of automotive engineering with the future of decarbonization technology,” he stated. “The private buyer has graciously agreed that the auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains a cherished asset of Mercedes-Benz and will continue to be prominently displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is enveloped in an aura of mystique, stemming from its extraordinary creation, distinctive design, and pioneering technology, a mystique that has only deepened over time. Its design established benchmarks that firmly positioned it among the most significant automotive icons globally, not least due to its signature “gullwing” doors. Furthermore, its unparalleled performance, derived from its purebred racing technology, cemented its legendary status. These attributes have collectively propelled the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe prototype into the realm of sports car mythology and secured it a uniquely special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz aficionados worldwide.
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