In an unprecedented event, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has been auctioned for a staggering 135 million EUR, establishing it as the most valuable car in history. This ultra-rare vehicle, one of only two original prototypes from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, was sold to a private collector, marking a monumental moment in automotive history. However, this sale is not just about breaking records; it’s about driving change. The entirety of the auction proceeds will establish the “Mercedes-Benz Fund,” a global initiative dedicated to providing educational and research scholarships in environmental science and decarbonization for young individuals worldwide.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the significance of this decision: “The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are landmarks in sports car development and fundamental elements that have shaped our brand. The choice to auction off one of these two extraordinary sports cars was carefully considered and made to support a worthy cause. The returns from this auction will finance a global scholarship program. Through the ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund,’ our aim is to inspire a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative footsteps and pioneer groundbreaking technologies, particularly those advancing the crucial goal of decarbonization and resource conservation. Simultaneously, achieving the highest price ever for a vehicle is both remarkable and humbling: A Mercedes-Benz now stands as the most valuable car globally.”
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG for Integrity and Legal Affairs, highlighted the company’s broader responsibility: “As a global corporation and a luxury brand, we acknowledge a significant responsibility to society. The funds generated from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe offer us a unique opportunity to amplify our commitment through a long-term flagship project. We are launching the global scholarship program ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ to support young people in their academic pursuits, dedication, and actions towards a more sustainable future. We firmly believe that providing access to education in these vital fields will be instrumental in addressing the pressing challenges of our time and fostering greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion.”
Seeding the Future: The Mercedes-Benz Fund Scholarship Program
The record-breaking auction of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provides the initial capital for this ambitious global initiative. Mercedes-Benz has committed to further investments in the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” in the coming years, ensuring its long-term impact. The fund will operate through two distinct sub-categories:
- University Scholarships: Designed to connect, educate, and encourage university students to engage in environmental science research projects.
- School Scholarships: Focused on empowering pupils to implement local environmental projects within their communities.
Crucially, the program will prioritize individuals who lack the financial resources to pursue their environmental ambitions and career paths. Beyond financial assistance, the “Mercedes-Benz Fund” will offer extracurricular support, including mentorships from Mercedes-Benz professionals, opening up valuable career prospects for scholarship recipients. Mercedes-Benz is collaborating with an experienced partner organization, currently under evaluation, to co-develop and manage the fund. Detailed program specifics and the partner organization will be announced later in the year.
A Legacy of Innovation: The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
The auction of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in partnership with the esteemed auction house RM Sotheby’s. The exclusive event welcomed select Mercedes-Benz clients and international car and art collectors who share the company’s core values. The auctioned 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was previously part of Mercedes-Benz Classic’s non-public collection, which encompasses over 1,100 vehicles dating back to the invention of the automobile in 1886.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, expressed pride in the initiative: “We are honored that our historical collection can contribute to this initiative, bridging the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology. The private buyer has graciously agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will remain in company ownership and will continue to be a highlight of the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is enveloped in mystique due to its unique creation, distinctive design, and groundbreaking technology. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the head of test department at Daimler-Benz, and chief engineer who was instrumental in its development, this vehicle represents the pinnacle of automotive engineering of its time. Its iconic “gullwing” doors and exceptional racing technology cemented its place as an automotive icon. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is not just a car; it’s a symbol of innovation and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s enduring legacy in the automotive world, now driving forward a new era of environmental responsibility through the Mercedes-Benz Fund.
Further details about the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe can be found on the Mercedes-Benz web special.
