The automotive world was stunned when a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe fetched a staggering 135 million EUR at auction, making it the most valuable car ever sold. This icon of automotive history, one of only two prototypes ever created, is not just a vehicle; it’s a rolling piece of art and engineering. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the brilliant engineer behind its creation, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe represents the pinnacle of automotive design and performance from the mid-20th century. Automotive experts and enthusiasts globally recognize its unparalleled significance.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, highlighted the significance of this sale: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are true milestones in sports car evolution, deeply embedded in our brand’s heritage. Selling one of these exceptional vehicles was a carefully considered decision to support a truly meaningful cause. The funds generated from this auction will seed a global scholarship program, the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’. Our aim with this fund is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit, fostering the development of groundbreaking technologies, particularly those focused on decarbonization and environmental preservation. Achieving the highest price ever for a car is both extraordinary and humbling. It unequivocally confirms that a Mercedes-Benz is, indeed, the most valuable car in the world.”
Alt text: Side view of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe on display at the RM Sotheby’s auction, showcasing its sleek lines and gullwing doors.
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 leading global company and luxury brand, we acknowledge our profound responsibility to society. The proceeds from the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe auction offer a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term, flagship initiative. The ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ will be a global scholarship program, empowering young individuals in their academic pursuits and their dedication to a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that investing in education within these critical fields is essential to address the pressing challenges of our time, fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
The “Mercedes-Benz Fund”: Investing in a Sustainable Future
The record-breaking auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provided the initial capital for the ambitious “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” and Mercedes-Benz is committed to further investments in the years ahead. The fund is structured into two key sub-categories: University Scholarships, designed to connect, educate, and inspire university students to engage in environmental science research projects, and School Scholarships, focused on enabling younger pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities. Crucially, the program is designed to support individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue these vital projects and career paths.
Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer extracurricular opportunities, including mentorships with Mercedes-Benz experts, opening doors to valuable career prospects. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently being selected, to co-develop and manage the fund. Further details regarding the program’s structure, implementation plan, and partner organization will be announced later in the year.
Alt text: Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the chief engineer of Mercedes-Benz, standing next to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, highlighting his pivotal role in its design and engineering.
A Historic Auction and Enduring Legacy
The exclusive auction, conducted in collaboration with RM Sotheby’s, took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The select attendees included valued Mercedes-Benz clients and prominent international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was previously part of Mercedes-Benz Classic’s private collection, which encompasses over 1,100 vehicles tracing the automobile’s evolution since 1886.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, emphasized the significance of the initiative: “We are immensely proud to contribute to this forward-thinking initiative through our historical collection, bridging the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has graciously agreed to keep it accessible for public display on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in our company collection and will continue to be showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s mystique stems from its unique origins, distinctive design, and pioneering technology. Its design established benchmarks, solidifying its place among the most important automotive icons globally, most notably due to its signature gullwing doors. Furthermore, its exceptional performance, derived from its racing pedigree, cemented the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe’s legendary status in sports car history and its special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz enthusiasts worldwide.
Alt text: Exterior view of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, the home of Mercedes-Benz heritage and where the second 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe remains on display.
More in-depth information about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe can be found on the Mercedes-Benz web special.
