Mercedes-Benz built only two prototypes of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. Both sports cars, named after their creator and chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, were previously part of the automaker's historic collection. For a good cause, Mercedes parted with one example. And it was worth it. The rarity reached the highest bid of 135 million euros at the auction. "This is the most valuable car of all time," said Daimler. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé with its characteristic gullwing doors is considered a milestone in the history of sports cars.
The auction took place on May 5, 2022 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The partner was the auction house RM Sotheby's. Among others, selected Mercedes-Benz buyers and international car and art collectors were invited. The bidding war may have been fueled by the nearly 70-year-old sports car's immaculate condition. At the auction, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was part of a private collection of Mercedes-Benz Classic vehicles. It includes more than 1,100 vehicles, from the invention of the automobile in 1886 to the present day.
The most valuable car in the world is a Mercedes-Benz. Together with @rmsothebys we sold one of our Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés for 135 million Euro for a good cause. The proceeds will be used to establish a worldwide "Mercedes-Benz Fund". ▶️ https://t.co/QPdfgCfsGO pic.twitter.com/WtYkWpTv4P
— Mercedes-Benz (@MercedesBenz) May 19, 2022
The identity of the highest bidder was kept secret. According to Mercedes-Benz, it is a private person. "The private buyer agreed to make the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé available to the public on special occasions even after the takeover. The other original 300 SLR Coupé remains in the company's possession and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart,” the auction press release stated.
Mercedes-Benz encourages young talent
The automaker wants to use the proceeds from the auction to create a climate protection fund that will fund education and research grants for young people around the world. "With the 'Mercedes-Benz Fund' we want to encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut's innovative footsteps and develop great new technologies, especially for decarbonisation and resource conservation," said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz. Group Inc. According to the information, the money from the auction should serve as initial capital, and the group will contribute additional funds in the coming years.
