The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is the most expensive car ever sold. In a private auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in May 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold one of two surviving examples for €135 million ($142 million) — more than double the previous world record for any automobile.

Why the Uhlenhaut Coupé matters

Only two 300 SLR Coupés were ever built, in 1955, both used as personal cars by Daimler-Benz’s chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut. They were closed-cockpit versions of the W196 S Formula One car that won the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. Mercedes withdrew from motorsport at the end of 1955 after the Le Mans disaster and never raced the Coupé. Both cars remained company property for nearly 70 years; the 2022 sale was the first time one had ever been offered for sale, with proceeds funding the Mercedes-Benz Fund for STEM education and environmental research.

How to identify and authenticate

The Uhlenhaut Coupés use a 3.0-litre straight-eight engine derived from the W196 F1 car, mounted at a tilted angle to allow a low bonnet line. Both cars share the same gullwing door geometry as the production 300 SL but with a wider, lower body and a distinctive air-extractor on each rear wheel arch. Chassis numbers are 196.110-00007/55 (sold) and 196.110-00008/55 (retained by Mercedes). All authentication runs through the Mercedes-Benz Classic department in Stuttgart, which holds the original build records and continues to service both cars.

Condition and value

Both Uhlenhaut Coupés are in show condition, having been preserved by the Mercedes-Benz Classic Center for their entire lives. The 2022 sale at €135 million reflects a unique combination: only two exist, fewer than 12 people have ever driven one, the engineering pedigree is extraordinary, and the buyer (a private European collector) gained an icon that no other private individual could match. Mercedes retains chassis 0008/55, which is on permanent display at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.

Where to see one

The Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart has chassis 196.110-00008/55 on permanent public display alongside the original W196 F1 cars. Admission is around €10 and the museum is open daily. The Goodwood Festival of Speed and Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance occasionally feature the cars by special arrangement.

For families and beginners

The 300 SL “Gullwing” production sports car (1954–1957, roughly 1,400 built) shares its mechanical DNA with the Uhlenhaut Coupé and is far more attainable at $1.5–$2.5 million. The 1990s-era SL55 AMG and modern Mercedes-AMG GT continue the lineage at far lower prices. For a family museum visit, the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart and the Daimler factory tour in Sindelfingen are world-class. Free factory tours of the AMG facility in Affalterbach are also available with advance booking.

Care and storage

Cars of this calibre are maintained exclusively by manufacturer specialists. Mercedes-Benz Classic Center (Irvine, California, and Fellbach, Germany) services both Uhlenhaut Coupés. Climate-controlled storage at constant 18–22°C with low humidity, regular fluid circulation, and full annual mechanical inspection are standard practice. Modern carbon-fibre car covers and humidity-controlled garage storage extend body life indefinitely.

Read next

Continue with other ultimate-grade racing cars: the Ferrari 250 GTO, Porsche 917K, Aston Martin DBR1 and McLaren F1 — the only cars that share the Uhlenhaut’s place in motoring history.

About This collectible

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is a notable entry in the collectible category. Whether you are a seasoned collector or evaluating your first piece, understanding provenance, condition, and market context is essential for confident decisions. This guide summarizes what makes this item collectible and how to evaluate examples in the market.

Identification & Authentication

Authenticating a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé requires attention to period-correct materials, manufacturing marks, signatures, and chain of custody documentation. Where third-party authentication exists (PSA, JSA, Beckett, SGC, PCGS, NGC, or category-specific authenticators), graded examples carry significant premium over raw pieces. Consult a recognized authenticator before high-value purchases.

Valuation & Market Pricing

Values for the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé vary by condition, provenance, completeness, and demand. Track recent sold prices on major venues including Heritage Auctions, Goldin, Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and eBay completed listings to benchmark fair market value. Realized sales reflect true value; asking prices do not.

Condition & Grading

Condition is the largest variable affecting value. Use the grading scale appropriate to the category and document defects honestly. For graded items, verify certification numbers on the grader’s website. For raw items, photograph all surfaces under neutral lighting and disclose any restoration or imperfections.

Where to Buy & Sell

Reputable venues include major auction houses, established dealer networks, specialty shows, and vetted online marketplaces. Avoid private cash transactions with unknown parties for high-value pieces. Use buyer protection or escrow when transacting at scale.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is authentic?

Authenticity is best confirmed by a recognized third-party authenticator. Visual inspection alone is rarely sufficient for high-value pieces.

What is a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé worth?

Value depends on condition, provenance, and completeness. Check recent sold prices on major auction venues for comparable examples.

Where should I sell my 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé?

For high-value pieces, established auction houses with category expertise typically deliver the best results. For mid-market items, vetted online marketplaces or dealer networks balance reach and fees.

Does grading add value?

For most categories, third-party grading adds meaningful value to top-condition examples. For lower-grade pieces, the grading fee can exceed the value uplift.