Record price paid for one-of-two Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut’ Coupes at RM Sotheby’s

By: Unique Cars magazine

Date: 29.06.2022

The classic auto world is in shock after Mercedes sold one of only two 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut’ Coupes to a private collector for a record AU$201,853,200 at an invited auction, conducted by RM Sotheby’s

The coupe was named after Benz chief engineer Rudy Uhlenhaut, the father of the gull-wing doored Mercedes 300 SL. And this was his company car, owned by the firm since its 1955 build.

The 300 SLR was based on the Mercedes W196 Grand Prix car that Fangio drove to two world titles. Powered by a three-litre straight-eight the SLR can top 290km/h and is one of the fastest street-legal cars built in that series.

Auction house RM Sotheby’s hosted the private sale which took place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum at Untertürkheim in downtown Stuttgart, where the 300 SLR has been on display over the decades.

Invited to participate in this exclusive event were a select group of Mercedes customers and the highest echelon of international car collectors.

Not only is the Benz the most expensive vehicle auctioned, but it ranks up there as one of the most expensive items sold under the hammer. The money from the auction will go to create a Mercedes fund for educational and research scholarships for young people in studying environmental science and decarbonisation.

"We are proud that we can contribute with our historical collection to this initiative connecting the past with the future of engineering and decarbonisation technology," said Merc’s Heritage boss Marcus Breitschwerdt.

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 honour."

Following the sale, the anonymous private buyer agreed to display the car at special events. The other Uhlenhaut remains in M-B's possession.

From Unique Cars #467, Jun/Jul 2022

Unique Cars magazine Value Guides

Sell your car for free right here