The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe has become the world’s most expensive car selling for an astonishing €135 million (about R250 billion), smashing the old record set by a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that is believed to have sold for $48.4 million (about R15 billion).
One of two ultra-rare original 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes from the Mercedes-Benz Classic Collection, the special model was sold by Mercedes itself in cooperation with RM Sotherby’s to an unnamed private collector who was represented by British expert Simon Kidston.
What Makes The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut Coupe’ Special
Based on the W 196 R Grand Prix car, which won several world championships at the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio, the 300 SLR was designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut and carries his name.
Power is provided by a 3.0-litre straight-eight engine producing 302 horsepower, which was good enough to rocket the machine from 0-60mph in just 6.9sec.
According to Carscoops, seven SLR examples were built but only two featured enclosed cockpits for endurance racing use, however, the car was never actually raced but was instead used for practice and as Uhlenhaut’s personal transportation to events.
The two examples were nicknamed Red and Blue for their interior color. This one is “Red”, and features just 6,045km on the odometer.
Mercedes-Benz has kept both vehicles in its collection since new, with this sale marking the first time one was available to purchase.
