Rare Car Archive

Makes › Mercedes-Benz Germany › 300 SL and SLR › 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé · Prototype · Factory competition · Historically significant · 1955–1956 Ultra Rare

Mercedes-Benz
300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé

A closed version of the 300 SLR sports racing car, based on the W 196 R Grand Prix car. Only two were built.

Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart (photographed 13 December 2018; chassis not stated)
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart (photographed 13 December 2018; chassis not stated)
Photo: Alexander Migl · CC BY-SA 4.0
2BuiltFactory reported
2Chassis documentedin this archive
2SurvivingConfirmed
Contents
  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Production & history
  3. 03Specifications
  4. 04Colours & options
  5. 05Individual cars
  6. 06Reference

01Overview

At a glance

Built
2 Built
Years
1955–1956
Engine
Front-mounted straight-eight · 2,982 cc / 3.0 LFactory: 2,982 cc
Power
228 kW / 310 PSFactory: 310 PS
Top speed
290 km/hFactory: 290 km/h
Body
Not yet verified
Designer
Rudolf Uhlenhaut (creator and chief engineer)
Surviving
2 (confirmed)

Sources and any conflicting figures are in the sections below.

Why it matters

In May 2022 one of the two cars was sold for €135,000,000, which RM Sotheby’s describes as the most valuable car in the world. The other remains with Mercedes-Benz.

How rare is it?

Six separate kinds of rarity – never combined into one number.

Model rarityUltra Rare 2 · Built1,2
Specification rarityNot yet assessed
Colour rarityNot yet assessed
Individual rarityNot yet assessed Assessed per chassis
Historical rarityHistorically Unique One car became the most valuable car ever sold (2022).
Survival rarityNot yet assessed 2 · Surviving3,4

Each kind of rarity is rated separately and never combined.

02Production & history

Production

Every figure says what it counts.

What is countedFigureBasisStatus
Total model productionAll 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés 21,2Strongest evidence Factory production Factory reported
Total model productionBoth of the two coupés built survive: one sold to a private collector in 2022, the other still owned by Mercedes-Benz and displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum (RM Sotheby's press release quoting Mercedes-Benz Heritage). 23,4 Surviving examples Confirmed
Total model productionultra-rare original 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés built in 1955 (prototypes), one sold in 2022 and one retained by the company 25 Factory production Factory reported

Independent counts (e.g. engine and colour) are never combined into a calculated figure. Surviving examples are never presented as original production.

History

The coupé was developed by the Mercedes-Benz racing department under Rudolf Uhlenhaut. Mercedes-Benz’s racing involvement ended after the 1955 season – RM Sotheby’s links this to the Le Mans accident of 1955, while other accounts state the withdrawal was planned before Le Mans – so the coupés never raced. Uhlenhaut used one of them as his company car.

Variants

How each version differs from the standard 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé.

No variants documented yet. Have a source? Contribute it.

03Specifications

Technical specifications

Engine

Engine familyDerived from the W 196 R Grand Prix engine, enlarged to 3.0 litres3 Independently researched
Engine codeM 196 S6,7 Independently researched
LayoutFront-mounted straight-eight1 Independently researched
Displacement 2,982 cc / 3.0 LFactory: 2,982 cc6,7 Independently researched
Bore 78 mmFactory: 78 mm7 Independently researched
Stroke 78 mmFactory: 78 mm7 Independently researched
Compression ratioNot yet verified
ValvetrainDesmodromic valve control, two overhead camshafts8,7 Independently researched
Fuel systemDirect fuel injection (Bosch eight-plunger pump)8,7 Independently researched
Power 228 kW / 310 PSFactory: 310 PS7 Independently researchedAlso reported: 231.2 kW6 DiscrepancyWikipedia also mentions a rating of 302 PS (222 kW). CMC gives 7,500 rpm.
Power at 7,400 rpm7,6 Independently researched
Torque 311 NmFactory: 311 Nm7 Independently researchedAlso reported: 317 Nm6 Discrepancy
Torque at 5,950 rpm7,6 Independently researched

Transmission & drivetrain

GearboxFive-speed manual transaxle, rear-mounted6,7 Independently researched
Gears56 Independently researched
Driven wheelsNot yet verified

Chassis, body & dimensions

ChassisTubular space frame4,9 Independently researched
Front suspensionDouble wishbones4 Independently researched
Rear suspensionSwing axle4 Independently researched
BrakesInboard drum brakes1 Independently researched
SteeringWorm-and-sector4 Independently researched
Body constructionElektron magnesium-alloy body1 Independently researched
Wheelbase 2,370 mmFactory: 2,370 mm6,8 Independently researched
Length 4,315 mmFactory: 4,315 mm8 DisputedAlso reported: 4350 mm6
Width 1,750 mmFactory: 1,750 mm6 Independently researched
Height 1,210 mmFactory: 1,210 mm6 Independently researched
Front track 1,330 mmFactory: 52.4 in · converted9 Independently researchedGiven for the 300 SLR (W 196 S) in general, not specifically the coupé.
Rear track 1,380 mmFactory: 54.4 in · converted9 Independently researchedGiven for the 300 SLR (W 196 S) in general, not specifically the coupé.
Kerb weight 998 kgFactory: 998 kg10 DisputedNeither source states whether the figure is kerb or dry weight. Sports Car Digest gives 880 kg dry for the open 300 SLR racing car.
Dry weight 998 kgFactory: 998 kg1 DisputedAlso reported: 1117 kg7,6 DiscrepancyRM Sotheby’s quotes 998 kg as the factory rating; other sources give 1,117 kg for the coupé.

Performance

Maximum speed 290 km/hFactory: 290 km/h1 DisputedAlso reported: 180 mph2Also reported: 284 km/h6 DiscrepancyCMC gives approx. 300 km/h.
0–100 km/hNot yet verified
0–60 mph 6.9 s4 Independently researched1956 road test by a sister magazine of Classic & Sports Car; same test: 0-120 mph 20.3 s, maximum 176.47 mph.
Fuel tankNot yet verified

“Not yet verified” means no source has been checked for that value yet. Nothing is estimated to fill a gap.

04Colours & options

Factory colours & interiors

Original paint and trim, with the number of cars in each where a source gives it.

Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.

Factory options & codes

Codes are shown exactly as written by the manufacturer.

Not yet documented. Have a source? Contribute it.

05Individual cars

Chassis register

Every documented car, with its colours, history and where it is now. Open a row for the full record. Known chassis are not automatically authenticated originals.

ChassisBuiltOriginal colourWhere nowStatus
0007/55——Mercedes-Benz Museum, StuttgartHistorically documented

The first of the two Uhlenhaut Coupés, retained by Mercedes-Benz.

Where now
Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart
  1. 1955
    Competition Entered at Le Mans 1955 as an open car for Fangio and Moss, then the first SLR rebuilt as a coupé. Used as the T-car at the Swedish GP, the Dundrod Tourist Trophy and the Targa Florio in 1955; registered W22 6962.11
  2. Date unknown
    Ownership Used by Rudolf Uhlenhaut as his company car.11,1
  3. Date unknown
    Exhibition Remains in Mercedes-Benz ownership.2
2,11,8

The full story of 0007/55 →

196.110-00008/55——Private collectionFactory documented

The second of the two Uhlenhaut Coupés. Sold by Mercedes-Benz in 2022 for €135,000,000 – described by RM Sotheby’s as the most valuable car in the world.

Where now
Private collection
  1. 1956-06-29
    Factory Declared ready to drive.1
  2. Date unknown
    Ownership Kept by Mercedes-Benz from new and used for demonstration drives in Europe.1
  3. 1986
    Restoration Sent to restorer Tony Merrick.1
  4. 2022-05-05
    Auction Sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz at a private auction in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart, to a private collector. The proceeds founded a worldwide Mercedes-Benz Fund for educational and research scholarships in environmental science and decarbonisation. 135,000,000 EUR2,1,12
1,12

The full story of 196.110-00008/55 →

Competition history

Every race result of the individual cars, in date order. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.

DateChassisEvent
19550007/55Entered at Le Mans 1955 as an open car for Fangio and Moss, then the first SLR rebuilt as a coupé. Used as the T-car at the Swedish GP, the Dundrod Tourist Trophy and the Targa Florio in 1955; registered W22 6962.11

Auction & sale history

Documented public sales of the individual cars. Click a chassis number to open its full record in the register.

DateChassisEvent
2022-05-05196.110-00008/55Sold by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz at a private auction in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, Stuttgart, to a private collector. The proceeds founded a worldwide Mercedes-Benz Fund for educational and research scholarships in environmental science and decarbonisation. 135,000,000 EUR2,1,12

See one in person

Museums where an example of this car can be seen.

06Reference

Identification guide

How to tell an original from a replica or later conversion.

Only two cars exist, both built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department on W 196 S (300 SLR) chassis. The car sold in 2022 is chassis 196.110-00008/55, the second of the pair, with red upholstery; the other car, with blue upholstery, belongs to Mercedes-Benz and is shown at the Mercedes-Benz Museum. Classic & Sports Car states that upholstery colour is the only difference between them. Features to check: Elektron magnesium-alloy bodywork, gullwing doors, a straight-eight engine with twin exhausts leaving through side gills about halfway along the car, inboard drum brakes in the engine bay, and a large fuel tank in the boot topped by two spare wheels.

Sources

Each number links to the exact facts it supports.

  1. 1
    1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé”, lot 1 Level C RM Sotheby’s
    • “the second of only two examples of the ‘Uhlenhaut Coupé’ ever made”
    • “The 3.0-litre, front-mounted, straight-eight engine”
    • “Inboard drum brakes are accommodated in the engine bay”
    • “ultra-lightweight ‘Elektron’ magnesium material for the bodywork”
    • “rated at just 998 kg from the factory”
    • “capable of reaching speeds of up to 290 km/h”
    • Uhlenhaut used one of the coupés as his company car
    • “on 29 June 1956, the car was deemed ready to drive”
    • Kept by Mercedes-Benz; demonstration drives
    • “the car was sent to Tony Merrick”
    • €135,000,000 EUR – Sold
    • “Chassis No. 196.110-00008/55”
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  2. 2
    RM Sotheby’s announces the sale of the most valuable car in the world: the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is sold for €135,000,000 Level B RM Sotheby’s (press release) · 2022-05-19
    • “One of just two prototypes built by the Mercedes-Benz racing department”
    • 180 mph
    • “the second original 300 SLR Coupé remains in company ownership”
    • Second original coupé remains in company ownership
    • “a record price of €135,000,000”; sale on May 5th at the Mercedes-Benz Museum; scholarships
    Limitations: Sale conducted on behalf of Mercedes-Benz. Accessed 2026-11-11
  3. 3
    RM Sotheby's announces the sale of the most valuable car in the world – 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé sold for €135,000,000 Level B RM Sotheby's · 2022-05-19
    • second original 300 SLR Coupé remains in company ownership
    • based on the … W 196 R … engine enlarged to 3.0 litres
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  4. 4
    €135m Mercedes is world's most expensive car Level C Classic & Sports Car
    • There are just two 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300SLR Coupés
    • Its tubular spaceframe construction helped keep it light
    • double-wishbone front and swing-axle rear suspension
    • worm-and-sector steering
    • 1956 road test … recorded 0-60mph in 6.9 sec
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  5. 5
    MB press release on the sale, one of two built Level A Mercedes-Benz Media
    • one of just two prototypes built at the time
    Accessed 2026-11-12
  6. 6
    1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé Level C supercars.net
    • “Type M 196 S, Twin Spark Inline-8”
    • “2982 cc / 182.0 in³”
    • “231.2 kW / 310.0 bhp @ 7400 rpm”
    • @ 7400 rpm
    • “317 Nm / 233.8 ft lbs @ 5950 rpm”
    • @ 5950 rpm
    • “Rear Mounted 5-Speed Manual”
    • 5-Speed Manual
    • “2370 mm / 93.3 in”
    • 4350 mm
    • Width 1750 mm
    • Height 1210 mm
    • 1117 kg
    • Approx. 284 km/h, manufacturer figure
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  7. 7
    Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR "Uhlenhaut-Coupé", 1955 – Technical Data Level A Mercedes-Benz Classic · Mercedes-Benz Classic (Mercedes-Benz public archive) · 2026-11-11
    • Engine type: M 196 S (Technical Data – Engine)
    • Total displacement: 2982 cc (Technical Data – Engine)
    • Bore x Stroke: 78 x 78 mm (Technical Data – Engine)
    • Desmodromic valve gear; 2 overhead camshafts per cylinder block, gear drive (Technical Data – Engine)
    • Direct injection, Bosch 8-plunger injection pump PES 8 KL 70/320/3 LV (Technical Data – Engine)
    • 310 hp at 7400 rpm; 276 hp at 7000 rpm (Technical Data – Engine)
    • 310 hp at 7400 rpm (Technical Data – Engine)
    • Rated torque: 31.7 mkg at 5950 rpm (Technical Data – Engine)
    • 31.7 mkg at 5950 rpm (Technical Data – Engine)
    • 5-speed manual in unit with differential, mounted behind rear axle (Technical Data – Transmission)
    • Vehicle weight: 1117 kg, ready-for-operation status (Technical Data – Dimensions and Weights)
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  8. 8
    Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupé, 1955 – scale model description Level D CMC model cars
    • “Desmodromic valve control”
    • “Direct injection”
    • Wheelbase 2,370 mm
    • “Total length: 4,315 mm”
    • Model of chassis 00007/55
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  9. 9
    Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Level C Dennis David · Sports Car Digest · 2010-10-26
    • space frame chassis using 25 mm diameter tubes of 1 mm thickness
    • front and rear track measurements of 52.4 and 54.4
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  10. 10
    1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé', lot 1 (chassis 196.110-00008/55) Level C RM Sotheby's · 2022-05-05
    • weight … was rated at just 998 kg from the factory
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  11. 11
    Mercedes-Benz W196S 300 SLR chassis 0007/55 Level D Supercar Nostalgia
    • Le Mans entry, rebuilt as coupé, T-car 1955
    • 0007/55 became Uhlenhaut’s company car
    • Chassis 0007/55
    Accessed 2026-11-11
  12. 12
    Official: Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut coupé” sold for a record £115 million Level C Hagerty UK · 2022-05-11
    • Conducted by RM Sotheby’s on behalf of Mercedes-Benz
    • Chassis number 0008/55
    Accessed 2026-11-11

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