A private collector purchased a rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz for $142 million, making it the most expensive car ever sold at auction
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, now in private hands, is one of two prototypes named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the car’s chief engineer and creator who was the head of passenger car development. The company touted the car’s engineering, speed and design, with features including gull-wing doors.
“I don’t think anyone ever did really expect that Mercedes would sell one of these,” said Peter Haynes, marketing and communications director for RM Sotheby’s EMEA, in an interview. “This is the kind of Mona Lisa of the car world,” Mr. Haynes said. “It’s very hard for anyone to imagine any other car that would have a value that would exceed this, just like it’s hard to think of a painting that would be more valuable than the Mona Lisa.
A private collector, whose identity wasn’t disclosed by RM Sotheby’s, came out on top at the May 5 auction.