Mason Bloom
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that a one-of-two 300SLR Ulenhaut Coupe has indeed sold for a record $142M after ample speculation. The one-of-two racing prototype was sold to a private collector on May 5 during an auction ran by RM Sotheby’s at Mercedes-Benz’s Stuttgart museum when it was closed earlier this month. The sale makes the Ulenhard Coupe the most expensive car ever to be sold.
A very select few group of individuals were invited to the auction for the legendary 300SLR Ulenhaut Coupe. While we don’t know who of the few placed the winning bid, a Hagerty report suggests that it may be a “well-known figure from Britain’s automotive industry and a long-standing collector of specialist cars.” The anonymous buyer did agree to show the prototype racer at special events.
“The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés are milestones in sports car development and key historical elements that have shaped our brand. The decision to sell one of these two unique sports cars was taken with very sound reasoning – to benefit a good cause,” said Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group.
The 300SLR Ulenhaut Coupe’s proceedings will be used to establish the Mercedes-Benz Fund — an organization that will “encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative footsteps and develop amazing new technologies” surrounding reducing carbon emissions in our environment. The Mercedes-Benz Fund will achieve their mission statement by financially supporting environmental projects ran by college students and those doing environmental work in their community.
Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of the Mercedes-Benz Group, Integrity and Legal Affairs added that Mercedes-Benz “bear[s] a great level of responsibility towards society…we will establish the global scholarship programme ‘Mercedes-Benz Fund’ supporting young people in their studies, commitment and actions towards a more sustainable future. We are convinced that access to education in these areas will be crucial in encountering the great challenges of our time and contribute to greater stability, prosperity and social cohesion.”
As for the other 300SLR Ulenhaut Coupe built, it will remain in Mercedes-Benz’s ownership at their Stuttgart Museum.
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