In an unprecedented event, one of only two original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection has been sold at auction for a staggering €135 million. This sale establishes it as the most valuable car in history, surpassing all previous records and solidifying the Mercedes-benz Sl 300’s legendary status in automotive history. The groundbreaking auction not only highlights the unparalleled significance of this automotive icon but also marks the beginning of a powerful initiative for global sustainability.
This remarkable vehicle, a true icon of automotive design and engineering, is one of just two prototypes ever constructed. Named after its creator, the brilliant Mercedes-Benz chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is celebrated by experts and car enthusiasts worldwide as a pinnacle of automotive excellence. Its sale reflects its exceptional rarity, historical importance, and the enduring allure of the Mercedes-Benz brand.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the profound rationale behind this landmark decision: “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 auction off one of these truly unique vehicles was made with a very specific and meaningful purpose – to support a cause that is incredibly important to us. The proceeds from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ Inspired by Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative spirit, we aim to encourage a new generation to pioneer groundbreaking technologies, especially those aimed at achieving decarbonization and preserving our planet’s resources. Achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both extraordinary and humbling. It’s a clear 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, further elaborated on the company’s commitment to social responsibility: “As a global corporation and a leading luxury brand, we recognize our significant responsibility to society. The funds generated from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with a unique and impactful opportunity to deepen this commitment through a long-term, flagship project. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will be a global scholarship program dedicated to supporting young individuals in their academic pursuits and their active engagement in creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that providing access to education in environmental science and related fields is crucial to addressing the pressing challenges of our time, fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion worldwide.”
Seeding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund Scholarship Program
The record-breaking auction of the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the essential seed capital for the newly established global “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Mercedes-Benz is committed to further investing in this initiative in the years to come. The fund will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and inspire university students to undertake research and projects in environmental science and related disciplines, fostering innovation and discovery in critical areas.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering younger pupils to develop and implement local environmental projects within their own communities, promoting grassroots environmental action and awareness from an early age.
Crucially, the program will prioritize individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their educational and career aspirations in these vital fields. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will also offer extracurricular support, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz experts, providing valuable career guidance and industry insights to scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is currently in the process of selecting an experienced partner organization to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” with detailed program specifics and the partner announcement expected later this year.
A Historic Auction for a Historical Icon
The exclusive auction of the Mercedes-Benz SL 300 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 attended by a select group of Mercedes-Benz VIP clients and prominent international car and art collectors, individuals who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values and appreciation for automotive excellence and heritage. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was previously part of the Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which encompasses over 1,100 vehicles, tracing the history of the automobile from its invention in 1886 to the present day.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in the initiative: “We are immensely proud to contribute our historical collection to this forward-thinking initiative, bridging the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed that the vehicle will remain accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain in Mercedes-Benz ownership and will continue to be a highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s unique history, distinctive design, and pioneering technology have cultivated an enduring mystique. Its design, notably featuring the iconic “gullwing” doors, set new benchmarks and cemented its status as one of the most significant automotive icons globally. Combined with its exceptional racing-derived performance, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has secured its legendary position in sports car mythology and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
For further information about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, please visit our web special.
