Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé Sells for a Record £115 Million
It’s official. The rare Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé has become the most expensive car ever sold at auction, changing hands for an astonishing £115 million.
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed the record-breaking sale and announced that the proceeds will help establish the Mercedes-Benz Fund, which will support education and research into environmental science and decarbonisation for young people.
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A New World Record
The sale comfortably surpassed the previous auction record, which had been held by a Ferrari 250 GTO.
The Uhlenhaut Coupé more than doubled that previous benchmark, cementing its place as one of the most significant collector cars ever sold.
The vehicle itself is based on the legendary W196 R Grand Prix racing car, which achieved remarkable success during the 1950s.
The auction was held as a private invitation-only event attended by a select group of international collectors.
The successful bidder has chosen to remain anonymous but has agreed to make the vehicle available for public display on special occasions, ensuring enthusiasts will still have opportunities to admire this remarkable piece of automotive history.
One of Only Two Ever Built
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is one of just two prototypes ever produced.
It was named after its chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, whose engineering expertise helped create one of the most iconic performance cars of its era.
The second prototype remains in Mercedes-Benz ownership and continues to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius described the sale as both extraordinary and humbling, explaining that the proceeds would help inspire future generations of engineers working on sustainable technologies and decarbonisation.
A True Piece of Motoring History
Mercedes-Benz Heritage also praised the sale, highlighting how it connects the company’s historic engineering achievements with its future ambitions for innovation and sustainability.
The buyer’s commitment to allowing the car to appear at selected public events means enthusiasts will still be able to experience one of the world’s rarest and most valuable automobiles.
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An Extraordinary Sale
The sale of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is likely to remain one of the defining moments in automotive auction history.
With only two examples ever built, outstanding racing heritage and exceptional engineering significance, it’s easy to understand why collectors regard it as one of the most desirable cars ever created.
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