A Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe from 1955 has made history by becoming the most valuable car ever sold, fetching a staggering 135 million EUR at auction. This ultra-rare vehicle, one of only two prototypes ever built, is an icon of automotive engineering and design, celebrated by experts and enthusiasts globally as a pinnacle of Mercedes Slr innovation. Named after its creator, the brilliant chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, this Mercedes SLR represents a unique chapter in automotive history.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this sale: “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 exceptional Mercedes SLR models was carefully considered and driven by a powerful purpose – to invest in the future. The auction proceeds 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, fostering innovation in vital fields like decarbonization and environmental preservation. Achieving a record price of this magnitude is both extraordinary and humbling, affirming that a Mercedes-Benz SLR 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, elaborated on the broader societal impact: “As a global leader and luxury brand, Mercedes-Benz recognizes its profound responsibility to society. The sale of this Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides us with an unparalleled opportunity to amplify our commitment through a landmark initiative – the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund.’ This global scholarship program will empower young individuals to pursue education, research, and initiatives focused on creating a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in these critical areas is essential to addressing the pressing challenges of our time, fostering stability, prosperity, and social progress.”
Seeding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund
The record-breaking auction of the Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the initial capital for the ambitious “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” with Mercedes-Benz pledging further investments in the years to come. The fund will operate through two key sub-categories: University Scholarships, designed to connect and support students in environmental science research, and School Scholarships, aimed at enabling pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities. Crucially, the program prioritizes individuals lacking the financial resources to pursue these vital paths. Beyond financial aid, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer invaluable extracurricular support, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz professionals, opening doors to new career horizons. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” Details regarding the partnership and program rollout will be announced later this year.
A Historic Auction for a Historic Mercedes SLR
The exclusive auction of the Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s. The event welcomed a select group of Mercedes-Benz’s valued customers and prominent international car and art collectors, all sharing Mercedes-Benz’s core values. This particular Mercedes SLR, sold at auction, was a prized piece from the non-public Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, a vast assembly 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 pride in this initiative: “We are immensely proud that our historical collection can contribute to an initiative that bridges the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technologies. The private collector who acquired the Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep this automotive masterpiece accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain a treasured asset of Mercedes-Benz, continuing to be showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s allure stems from its extraordinary origins, distinctive design, and groundbreaking technology, creating a mystique that endures to this day. Its design established benchmarks, securing its place among the most iconic automobiles globally, most notably with its signature gullwing doors. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from thoroughbred racing technology, cemented the Mercedes SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary status in sports car mythology and its cherished position among Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
For deeper insights into the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, explore the web special.
