In an unprecedented event that has reverberated throughout the automotive world, a 1955 Mercedes-benz 300 Slr Uhlenhaut Coupé has been auctioned for a staggering 135 million EUR. This monumental sale to a private collector establishes this automotive icon as the most valuable car ever sold, surpassing all previous records and solidifying its legendary status. One of only two original prototypes ever crafted, this ultra-rare vehicle from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection is not merely a car; it is a piece of automotive history, a testament to engineering brilliance, and a symbol of timeless design. Named in honor of its creator, the ingenious chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is revered by car aficionados and experts globally as a pinnacle of automotive achievement.
This landmark auction was driven by a profound purpose that extends far beyond the realm of classic cars. Mercedes-Benz made the strategic decision to leverage the exceptional value of this vehicle to initiate meaningful global change. The entire proceeds from the auction will be channeled into establishing the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” a worldwide initiative dedicated to providing educational and research scholarships for young individuals passionate about environmental science and decarbonization.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, articulated the significance of this decision, stating, “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are not only milestones in sports car evolution but also pivotal historical artifacts that have profoundly shaped our brand. The choice to part with one of these two extraordinary sports cars was carefully considered and rooted in a desire to contribute to a noble cause. The funds generated from this auction will empower a global scholarship program. Through the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund,’ our aspiration is to inspire a new generation to emulate Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s pioneering spirit and develop groundbreaking technologies, particularly those that champion the crucial objectives of decarbonization and resource conservation. Furthermore, achieving the highest vehicle price ever recorded is both extraordinary and humbling, affirming that a Mercedes-Benz stands 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 emphasized the company’s commitment to societal responsibility. “As a global corporation and a luxury brand, we recognize our significant responsibility to society,” she stated. “The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe present us with a unique opportunity to reinforce this commitment through a long-term, flagship project. The global scholarship program, ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund,’ will support young individuals in their academic pursuits, dedication, and actions towards a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that facilitating access to education in these critical areas will be instrumental in addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
Seeding a Global Scholarship Program for Future Generations
The substantial sum generated from the auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé serves as the foundational capital for this ambitious global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has pledged to augment this initial investment with further resources in the years to come, ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of the “Mercedes-Benz Fund.” The fund will operate through two distinct yet interconnected sub-categories: University Scholarships and School Scholarships. University Scholarships will focus on fostering a network of talented students, providing them with the resources and encouragement to pursue cutting-edge research in environmental science projects. Conversely, School Scholarships will be directed towards empowering younger pupils to conceptualize and implement local environmental projects within their own communities, fostering grassroots environmental action.
Crucially, the program’s financial support will be specifically targeted towards individuals who lack the necessary financial means to pursue their environmental aspirations and educational paths. Beyond monetary assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will incorporate valuable extracurricular components, including mentorship opportunities with Mercedes-Benz professionals, thereby opening doors to new career prospects and providing invaluable real-world guidance. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently undergoing evaluation, to co-develop and manage the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” ensuring its effective and impactful implementation. Detailed plans regarding the program’s structure, rollout strategy, and the chosen partner organization are anticipated to be announced later this year, marking the next phase in this groundbreaking initiative.
A Historic Auction for an Automotive Legend
The momentous auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, a fitting venue steeped in automotive history. The event was conducted in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s, renowned for handling sales of the world’s most prestigious vehicles. The exclusive guest list comprised select Mercedes-Benz clientele and prominent international car and art collectors who share Mercedes-Benz’s core values of excellence, innovation, and social responsibility. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé offered at auction was a prized possession from the non-public Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicle collection, a treasure trove encompassing over 1,100 automobiles 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-thinking initiative, bridging the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private buyer has graciously agreed to ensure that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe remains accessible for public viewing on special occasions. Furthermore, the second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain an integral part of company ownership and will continue to be showcased at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, allowing enthusiasts to appreciate its beauty and historical significance.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé’s enduring mystique stems from a confluence of factors: its exceptional origins, its groundbreaking design, and its pioneering technology. Its very creation under special circumstances adds to its allure, making it more than just a machine, but a legend. The design of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé established benchmarks that cemented its place among the most iconic automobiles globally, most notably due to its signature “gullwing” doors, a design innovation that continues to captivate. Coupled with its unparalleled performance, derived from its thoroughbred racing technology, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has rightfully earned its revered position in sports car mythology and a special place in the hearts of Mercedes-Benz devotees worldwide.
For those eager to delve deeper into the fascinating world of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, further information is readily available in a dedicated web special.
