A 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupe has shattered all previous records, fetching an astounding 135 million EUR at auction and claiming the title of the most valuable car in history. This automotive icon, one of only two original prototypes ever constructed, was sold to a private collector, marking a monumental moment for both automotive heritage and philanthropic endeavor. Named in honor of its visionary creator, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the chief engineer behind Mercedes-Benz’s racing successes, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is globally revered by experts and enthusiasts as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the historical significance of this sale: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not merely cars; they are milestones in sports car evolution and crucial elements of our brand’s legacy. The decision to part with one of these unparalleled vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a profound purpose – to contribute to a greater good. The auction proceeds 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 spirit of innovation, fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies, particularly those vital for achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Simultaneously, achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling. It unequivocally establishes a Mercedes-Benz as 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 societal commitment: “As a global corporation and a luxury brand, we recognize our significant responsibility to society. The funds generated from the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe auction present us with a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term flagship initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ global 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 fields is paramount to addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Mercedes-Benz Fund: A Legacy of Innovation and Sustainability
The record-breaking auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe serves as the foundational capital for the ambitious global “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Mercedes-Benz has pledged to augment this initial capital with further investments in the years to come. The fund will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and motivate university students to engage in environmental science research projects, fostering innovation and discovery in critical areas.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering younger pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities, nurturing grassroots environmental action and awareness.
The program’s core mission is to provide financial assistance to talented individuals who lack the necessary resources to pursue their environmental projects and educational paths. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer invaluable extracurricular components, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz experts, opening up new career horizons and providing real-world guidance to recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to jointly develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effective and impactful operation. Detailed plans regarding the fund’s structure, implementation, and the chosen partner organization will be announced later in the year.
A Historic Auction for an Automotive Icon
The exclusive auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in collaboration with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s. The event was by invitation only, welcoming a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors who share the company’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was an integral part of Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which encompasses over 1,100 automobiles spanning from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, articulated the significance of this event: “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this vital initiative, bridging 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. Simultaneously, the second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain a cherished asset of the company and will continue to be prominently displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s allure is deeply rooted in its extraordinary creation, distinctive design, and pioneering technology, imbuing it with a mystique that endures to this day. Its design, notably featuring the iconic gullwing doors, established benchmarks that cemented its status as one of the world’s most significant automotive icons. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from its purebred racing technology, solidified the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary position in sports car mythology and its special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz aficionados worldwide.
For deeper insights into the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, explore our web special.
