Mercedes confirms record 135million Uhlenaut Coupe sale

The Uhlenhaut Coupe, of which only two were built in 1955, was a road legal hybrid of the 300 SLR racecar and the 300 SL, and at the time was considered the fastest road car in the world. It was named after its designer, long-time Mercedes engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, and was initially intended to be used in racing before Mercedes withdrew from competitive motorsport that same year.

Until now, both cars had been kept in the custody of Mercedes, one being displayed in the company museum in Stuttgart, the other maintained in storage. They were considered to be priceless, but now we know just how much they’re worth.

The proceeds of the sale will go towards establishing the Mercedes-Benz fund, a global scholarship programme that Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, says will: “Encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut’s innovative footsteps and develop amazing new technologies, particularly those that support the critical goal of decarbonisation and resource preservation.”

Renata Jungo Brüngger, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Integrity and Legal Affairs, said: “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.”