The Most Expensive Car in the World: Not Ferrari or Lamborghini, But the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé
Record-Breaking Sale
In May 2022, a new record was set for the most expensive car ever sold. Luxury car maker Mercedes-Benz sold its original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, known as the "Mona Lisa of automobiles" for its rarity and historical significance, for $142 million (over 3,600 billion VND).
This is the highest price ever paid at auction for a car, nearly triple the previous record-holder, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO that sold for $48.4 million (about 1,232 billion VND) in 2018.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé: "Mona Lisa of Automobiles"
The car was sold to a private collector in a secretive auction organized by auction house RM Sotheby's and Mercedes-Benz in Stuttgart, Germany.
Besides its unparalleled beauty and power, the car's rarity adds to its value. One of only two remaining in existence, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the German engineer who developed the prototype in 1955. It has long been considered "the most beautiful car in the world."
Mercedes-Benz had been the sole previous owner, keeping it in one of its vaults, while the other was used as Uhlenhaut's personal car.
Funding for Environmental Research
Following the auction, Mercedes-Benz announced that the proceeds will be used to establish a scholarship fund for young people pursuing studies in environmental science and decarbonization. RM Sotheby's added that the buyer has agreed to allow the car to be displayed publicly on special occasions.
The only other surviving original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is on display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Every detail of the car is perfect and preserved in mint condition.
The Mysterious Buyer
The news of the auction surprised many car collectors, as Mercedes-Benz had previously declined numerous offers to sell the legendary car. Uhlenhaut had two of these cars converted from Formula One racers to road-legal coupes to compete in the Carrera Panamericana open-road race in Mexico.
However, the automaker shut down its racing division later that year after the 1955 Le Mans disaster in which Mercedes-Benz driver Pierre Levegh and 83 spectators were killed. It remains the deadliest accident in motor sports history, and Mercedes-Benz would not return to racing until 1988.
The identity of the buyer has been kept strictly confidential.
Speculation on the Buyer's Identity
When the most expensive car in the world was sold, many were curious about the wealthy individual willing to spend over 3,600 billion VND for a car. However, the buyer's identity remains a closely guarded secret.
One speculation is that the car's owner is Hans Kleissl, a noted collector of Mercedes-Benz cars and an expert on the 300SL. He is the owner of HK Engineering, a company that specializes in restoring iconic classic cars. Kleissl has posted several images of the luxurious 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé on his social media pages. However, some speculate that Kleissl may not be the actual owner and instead purchased the car on behalf of a client.
Summary
On May 2022, Mercedes-Benz sold its original 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé for a record-breaking $142 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold. The car, known for its rarity, beauty, and historical significance, was purchased by a private collector in a secret auction. Mercedes-Benz will use the proceeds to establish a scholarship fund for environmental research, while the buyer has agreed to display the car publicly on special occasions. The buyer's identity remains a mystery, with speculation pointing to Hans Kleissl, a collector of Mercedes-Benz cars and expert on the 300SL.