Mercedes-Benz's 1955 World Sportscar Championship car — 2.98-litre desmodromic straight-eight, ten built including the two Uhlenhaut Coupés.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W196 S) was the open and closed sports-racing car based on the 1954 W196 Formula 1 powertrain. Ten chassis were built in 1955: eight open roadsters that contested the World Sportscar Championship (including Stirling Moss's Mille Miglia-winning car) and two closed Uhlenhaut Coupés built for endurance racing but unused after the Le Mans disaster of June 1955 led Mercedes-Benz to withdraw from motorsport.
The engine was a 2.98-litre desmodromic-valve straight-eight (technically a doubled-up version of the 1.5-litre F1 unit) producing approximately 310 bhp. The Mille Miglia-winning car driven by Moss / Jenkinson covered the 1,000-mile course at an average of 99 mph — a record that still stands.
One of the most significant sports-racing cars in history; the Uhlenhaut Coupé sold at private auction in 2022 for €135 million — a world record.
| Variant | Years | Production | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 300 SLR Roadster | 1955 | 8 | Period racing roadsters. |
| 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé | 1955 | 2 | Closed coupé; ex-factory only. |
Start with identity, paperwork and originality. For the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, the strongest cars have continuous ownership history, matching numbers where applicable, original books and tools, factory build documentation and evidence of work by manufacturer-approved specialists. Documented period racing history; original chassis and engine; Mercedes-Benz Classic documentation.
Desmodromic straight-eight service requires Mercedes-Benz Classic. A proper pre-purchase inspection includes cold-start behaviour, ECU diagnostics and fault-code history (where applicable), leak-down or compression testing, underbody photography, suspension and chassis inspection, brake condition and a long enough road test to expose heat-related faults. Deferred maintenance on a car of this class is almost always more expensive than buying a better-sorted example.
Use a paint-depth gauge, lift access and a specialist familiar with the model's factory panel gaps and finish standards. Collector value is dramatically affected by structural repairs, refinished panels, poor paintwork and missing factory trim or option content. Documented cosmetic refresh is acceptable; concealed accident or fire damage must be priced severely.
Cars in this category trade exclusively through private treaty. Specification, colour, options and limited-build variants move values significantly. Buy the best-documented example in the most desirable specification you can justify, rather than a tired example of a rarer derivative that will need years of corrective work.
Regional ranges authored independently — each reflects its local market, not an FX conversion
Budget annually even if the car is used sparingly. Fluids age, tyres and date-coded rubber components must be replaced regardless of mileage, and stored cars need exercise. A documented maintenance rhythm protects both reliability and resale value.
Service through Mercedes-Benz Classic only. Before purchase, confirm parts availability for model-specific bodywork, electronics, gearbox and engine components. A discounted car waiting on unobtainable parts or a factory service slot is rarely a saving in collector ownership.
Each region quoted in its local currency — independent market readings, not FX conversions
Effectively non-tradable; most cars in Mercedes-Benz Classic collection.
| Date | Auction | Car | Mileage | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-05-05 | RM Sotheby's Private | 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé | — | €135,000,000 Sold |
Among the most significant sports-racing cars in history; effectively non-tradable.
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