Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Källenius officially confirmed that the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, a pinnacle of classic Mercedes cars, was sold for a record-breaking $142 million. This sensational deal, conducted through a secret auction, far surpassed the previous record held by the 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO ($48.4 million) set in 2018 by RM Sotheby’s.
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for a record price
Image of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, an iconic classic Mercedes car, recently sold for a world record price.
Speaking in Monte Carlo on May 18th, Källenius emphasized: “We wanted to demonstrate the power of the Mercedes brand with a single action.” The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, with its distinctive silver arrow design, is one of only two such special edition vehicles ever built by Mercedes-Benz. The auction not only affirmed the historical and collectible value of the model, but also highlighted Mercedes-Benz’s unique position in the automotive world, from robust, durable trucks to luxurious sports cars.
The Legendary 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe: An Icon of Speed and Class
The closed auction took place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on May 5th, attracting over 10 renowned collectors from around the world. Before the auction, both 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes were owned by Mercedes-Benz and had never been in the hands of any private collector. This further enhanced the unique value and desirability of this legendary model for enthusiasts.
Stephen Serio, a rare car broker serving the ultra-rich, commented: “The car is absolutely worth the $142 million. In fact, some people think that price is still cheap compared to its true value. No one ever thought Mercedes-Benz would sell one of its two ‘treasures’.”
The identity of the car’s buyer remains confidential at the request of both parties. However, Källenius revealed that the car will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart alongside the other, as part of the sales agreement. The new owner will have the right to use and experience the car in special events, thereby preserving the heritage and sharing their passion with the classic car community.
A Timeless Legacy: From Race Car to Charity Fund
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was developed based on the famous SLR open-top race car, equipped with a powerful 300-horsepower 8-cylinder engine. A total of only 9 300 SLRs were produced, including two special Uhlenhaut Coupe versions, named after Mercedes-Benz’s chief of testing, Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
The entire $142 million proceeds from this record-breaking deal will be used by Mercedes-Benz to establish the Mercedes-Benz Fund. This is a non-profit organization within the group, focused on providing educational scholarships in areas related to sustainable development, engineering, mathematics, and science. This action not only demonstrates Mercedes-Benz’s social responsibility but also affirms its forward-looking vision, continuing to promote the core values that have made the brand famous, from durable trucks serving businesses to sports cars conquering speed.
Conclusion: A Historical Mark and Enduring Value
The auction of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is not just a sensational event in the world of classic car collectors, but also a powerful testament to the historical value, brand prestige, and cultural legacy that Mercedes-Benz has painstakingly built. From the robust, durable classic Mercedes trucks contributing to economic development, to the luxurious sports cars conquering the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide, Mercedes-Benz has always affirmed its leading position and continues to strive for new heights. This event once again confirms that true values and technological excellence will endure and be cherished over time.
