The Record-Breaking Sale
In 2022, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold at a private auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The auction was conducted by the renowned auction house RM Sotheby’s and attracted the attention of collectors, automotive enthusiasts and the media worldwide. The final bid of €135 million exceeded all expectations and broke the previous record for the most expensive car ever sold.
The Making of a Masterpiece
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is a testament to automotive engineering and design excellence. It was created in 1955 by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, a British-German engineer known for his contributions to the development of the 300 SL and the W 196 R “Silver Arrows.”
Uhlenhaut and his team were tasked with building a car that could dominate the race track. Inspired by the successful W196R Grand Prix racer, they set out to create a car that would push the boundaries of what was technologically possible at the time. The result was the 300 SLR Coupe, a car that combined exceptional performance with unparalleled elegance.
At the heart of the 300 SLR Coupe’s remarkable performance is its engine, a 3.0-litre straight-six powerhouse that delivers immense power and torque. Constructed from lightweight materials and with chrome-plated barrels, this engine represents the pinnacle of engineering excellence. Inspired by Formula 1 technology, it propels the Coupe to unprecedented speeds and ensures its dominance on the track.
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The Design: Elegance Meets Performance
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is a testament to the art of automotive design. Its lightweight aluminum body has been meticulously crafted to minimize drag and maximize aerodynamic efficiency. Every curve and contour of the Coupe’s exterior serves a purpose, allowing it to slice through the air with minimal drag and achieve remarkable speeds.
One of the most distinctive features of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is its iconic gullwing doors. Inspired by the 300 SL sports car, these upward-opening doors not only add a touch of elegance, but also serve a practical purpose. They provide easy access to the cockpit while maintaining structural rigidity, contributing to the car’s exceptional handling and stability.
The 300 SLR Coupe strikes the perfect balance between performance and handling. Its advanced suspension system, meticulously tuned by Uhlenhaut and his team, ensures precise and responsive handling. Whether on the racetrack or the open road, the Coupe delivers a dynamic driving experience unparalleled in its class.
Rarity and Exclusivity: The Limited Production of the Coupe
One of the factors contributing to the astronomical value of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is its extreme rarity. Only two examples of the coupe were ever produced, making it an incredibly sought-after collector’s item. These two vehicles, known as the Uhlenhaut Coupes, have been carefully preserved in the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection for more than half a century.
The decision to sell one of the Uhlenhaut Coupés was not taken lightly by Mercedes-Benz. However, the sale was driven by a noble cause. Proceeds from the auction will be used to establish the Mercedes-Benz Fund, a program that will provide educational and research scholarships in the fields of environmental science and decarbonization. This philanthropic initiative reflects Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to supporting the next generation of innovators.
