1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Sells for $142M
OE

1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Sells for $142M

The car, which is one of two created in 1955, has always been regarded as one of the great jewels of motoring history.

From EngineBuilder

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé from 1955 has been sold at auction for a record price of €135,000,000 ($142.5M) to a private collector. The car, which is one of two created in 1955, has always been regarded as one of the great jewels of motoring history, but few ever imagined that it would be offered for sale.

Mercedes-Benz Rennsportprototyp 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut-Coupé” (W 196 S), 1955.

One of just two prototypes built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department, the car is named after its creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and is considered to be one of the finest examples of automotive engineering and design, often cited as being ‘the most beautiful car in the world’ by automotive experts and enthusiasts worldwide.

The remarkable 300 SLR was based on the hugely successful W 196 R Grand Prix car, which won two World Championships in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio, but with its engine enlarged to 3.0L for sports car racing. The car was capable of 180 mph, making it one of the fastest road legal cars to have ever been created at the time.

The sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé took place on May 5th at an auction held at the Mercedes­-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, with RM Sotheby’s working in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz throughout the entire process to ensure the sale was concluded to the highest possible standard. Among the invitees were selected Mercedes customers and international collectors of cars and art who share the corporate values of Mercedes-Benz.

“We are proud that we can contribute with our historical collection to this initiative connecting the past with the future of engineering and decarbonization technology”, says Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage. “The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupé remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”

Speaking on behalf of RM Sotheby’s, Peter Wallman, Chairman, UK & EMEA, said, “Words can’t really do justice to the importance and significance of this sale. It’s reasonable to say that nobody ever imagined that this car would ever be offered for sale, so for Mercedes-Benz to ask RM Sotheby’s to conduct the auction was an absolute honor.”

Mercedes-Benz Rennsportprototyp 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut-Coupé” (W 196 S), 1955.

Oliver Barker, Chairman of Sotheby’s Europe, said, “What an absolute thrill to bring the hammer down on this masterpiece of design and engineering, which now stands shoulder to shoulder with the greatest works of art ever sold. Few ever dreamt that this great jewel of motoring history would ever come for sale, and how fitting that it should happen now, just as we embark on a new and exciting chapter with our partners at RM Sotheby’s.

To see a film of the live auction room, please click HERE

You May Also Like

Vehicle Quality Trending in the Wrong Direction: JD Power

From cupholders and door handles to ADAS features, reported problems are rising at record levels.

The proliferation of technology in today’s vehicles might be coming at a cost.

According to J.D. Power’s 2023 U.S. Initial Quality Study, the number of problems per 100 vehicles (PP100) has gone up by a record 30 PP100 over the past two years – suggesting that quality is taking a backseat to innovation in the auto industry.

Japanese-Brand Automakers in US: $60.4B in Plants, 2.29M Jobs

New data highlights Japanese-brand automakers’ contributions to the U.S. economy and workforce.

Toyota Transforms Alabama Engine Plant with Clean Energy

Toyota, Toyota Tsusho America and Huntsville Utilities announce 168-acre solar project.

IIHS Strengthens Requirements for TOP SAFETY PICK Awards

Only 48 models qualify for 2023 awards thanks to stiffer requirements for headlights and side crash protection.

Magna Wins GM Battery Enclosures Business 

Magna will supply battery enclosures for the all-new 2024 Chevrolet Silverado EV.

Other Posts

ChatGPT: Coming to a Mercedes Near You

The automaker is adding ChatGPT to the “Hey Mercedes” MBUX voice assistant.

Mercedes-Benz Financial Arm Launches In-Car Payment Feature

The feature allows drivers to identify off-street parking and reserve a parking space via the infotainment system.

Mercedes-Benz Mobility AG Makes Two Executive Appointments

Andrew Cornelia (at left) is president and chief executive officer, and Christopher Trainor is chief financial officer.

S&P Global Mobility Reveals Automotive Loyalty Award Winners

Tesla captures multiple awards; Mercedes-Benz and Subaru win awards for first time in several years.

The Pronto Network Congratulates 2023 ASE Master Techs