A Mercedes-Benz ‘Gullwing’ coupe has set a world record after it sold at auction for 135 million Euros, more than $200 million in Aussie dollars.
The 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe is an absolute rarity, one of just two prototypes built.
Named after creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, it is considered to be one of the finest examples of design and automotive engineering by experts and enthusiasts worldwide.
Proceeds from the sale will serve as seed capital for the company’s global initiative, the Mercedes-Benz Fund.
The Fund will provide both school and university scholarships to fund environmental science projects and environmental projects in local communities.
It’s the highest figure ever paid for a car.
Benz described the figure as extraordinary and humbling.
The sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe took place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum, in cooperation with auctioneer RM Sotheby’s.
The invitees were among selected Mercedes-Benz customers and international collectors of cars and art, who share the corporate values of Mercedes-Benz.
The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold at auction was part of the non-public vehicle collection belonging to Mercedes- Benz Classic, comprising more than 1100 automobiles from the invention of the automobile in 1886 until the present day.
“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,” Head of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, Marcus Breitschwerdt, said.
“The private buyer has agreed that the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe will remain accessible for public display on special occasions, while the second original 300 SLR Coupe remains in company ownership and will continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.”
The special circumstances behind its creation, its unique design and its innovative technology have endowed the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe with a remarkable level of mystique that endures to this day.
The design of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe set benchmarks that put it among the world’s most significant automotive icons – not least on account of its distinctive “gullwing” doors.
Added to this is the outstanding performance delivered by its thoroughbred racing technology.
Together, both have secured the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe its acclaimed position in sports car mythology and a very special place in the hearts of Mercedes fans around the world.
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