A 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupé has shattered records, becoming the most valuable car ever sold at auction, fetching an astounding €135 million. This automotive icon, one of only two original prototypes, was acquired by a private collector. Named after its creator, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, this vehicle is celebrated by automotive experts and enthusiasts globally as a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design.
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 evolution and fundamental elements of our brand’s heritage. The decision to part with one of these unique vehicles was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose: to support a truly good cause. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program – the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Our aim is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and innovate in crucial areas, particularly decarbonization and environmental preservation. Achieving the highest price ever 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, responsible for the governance of the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” added, “As a global company and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our profound responsibility to society. The proceeds from selling the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with an unparalleled opportunity to deepen our commitment through a landmark, long-term initiative. The global ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will empower young people to pursue education, research, and practical projects aimed at a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that fostering access to education in environmental science and related fields is essential to tackling the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater global stability, prosperity, and social harmony.”
Record-Breaking Auction Fuels Scholarship Program
The unprecedented €135 million raised from the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé auction serves as the initial capital for the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” a global initiative designed to support environmental education and research. Mercedes-Benz has pledged further investments in the coming years to expand the fund’s reach and impact. The fund will operate through two key sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Connecting, educating, and encouraging university students to engage in cutting-edge environmental science research projects.
- School Scholarships: Empowering pupils to develop and implement local environmental projects within their communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
Crucially, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” is dedicated to supporting individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental ambitions and educational paths. Beyond financial assistance, the program will offer invaluable extracurricular components, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, opening doors to exciting career prospects in the green technology sector. Mercedes-Benz is currently in the process of selecting an experienced partner organization to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” with detailed plans and the partner announcement expected later this year.
History and Heritage: The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé
The historic auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, in collaboration with renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed a curated audience of Mercedes-Benz’s valued clients and prominent international car and art collectors, all sharing the brand’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was a prized piece from Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, a treasure trove of over 1,100 vehicles spanning from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed his pride in this initiative, stating, “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to this forward-looking initiative, bridging the legacy of automotive engineering with the future of decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has graciously agreed to keep the vehicle accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupé remains a cherished asset of Mercedes-Benz and will continue to be exhibited at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, allowing enthusiasts to admire this automotive masterpiece.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé’s mystique is deeply rooted in its exceptional creation, groundbreaking design, and pioneering technology. Its design philosophy established benchmarks, firmly placing it among the world’s most iconic automobiles, instantly recognizable by its signature “gullwing” doors. Coupled with its exceptional performance derived from purebred racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has solidified its legendary status in sports car mythology and secured a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz devotees worldwide.
Further details about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé can be explored in the web special.
