In an unprecedented event in automotive history, one of only two original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection has been auctioned for a staggering 135 million EUR to a private collector. This sale instantly establishes the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe as the most valuable car in the world, surpassing all previous records and solidifying its legendary status. The groundbreaking auction not only highlights the exceptional allure of this automotive icon but also channels its immense value towards a noble cause.
This remarkable vehicle, a true icon of automotive history, is an extreme rarity. Just two prototypes were ever constructed, making each one an irreplaceable piece of motoring heritage. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is named after its creator, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Automotive experts and enthusiasts globally widely regard it as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. Its sale reflects not just its material value but its profound cultural and historical significance.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this sale, stating, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not just cars; they are milestones in sports car development and crucial historical artifacts that have profoundly shaped our brand. The decision to part with one of these unique sports cars was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose – to benefit a truly worthy cause. The proceeds from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’. Through this fund, we aim to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative spirit and to develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those vital for achieving decarbonization and resource preservation. Simultaneously, achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and deeply humbling. It unequivocally confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, indeed, 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 corporation and a leading luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz recognizes its significant responsibility to society. The sale of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to deepen this commitment through a long-term, flagship initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ global scholarship program will empower young individuals in their academic pursuits, their dedication, and their actions towards creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in environmental science and related fields is paramount to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
Mercedes-Benz Fund: Nurturing Future Generations of Environmental Pioneers
The immense proceeds from the auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe serve as the foundational capital for the newly established global “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Mercedes-Benz has pledged to augment this initial investment with substantial resources in the years to come, demonstrating a long-term commitment to this vital initiative. The “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will operate through two distinct yet interconnected sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and inspire university students to engage in cutting-edge research and projects within environmental science and related disciplines.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering younger pupils to initiate and implement impactful local environmental projects within their own communities.
The core mission of the program is to provide financial assistance to talented individuals who lack the necessary resources to pursue their educational aspirations and contribute meaningfully to environmental sustainability. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer invaluable extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, thereby expanding career horizons and fostering future leadership in the field. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with a seasoned partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund”, ensuring its effectiveness and global reach. Further details regarding the program’s structure, operational plan, and partner organization will be announced later in the year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Car
The auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Museum, in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s most valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors, all of whom share the core values of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was formerly a treasured part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which comprises over 1,100 automobiles 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, stating, “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this forward-looking initiative, bridging the legacy of the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private buyer has graciously agreed to keep the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains a cherished company asset and will continue to be prominently displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, allowing enthusiasts to admire this automotive masterpiece.”
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s enduring mystique stems from its extraordinary creation, groundbreaking design, and innovative technology. Its design established benchmarks that cemented its place among the world’s most iconic automobiles, most notably its signature gullwing doors. Furthermore, its unparalleled performance, derived from thoroughbred 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 worldwide.
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