What record did the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut break?

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The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Broke the Record for the Most Expensive Car Ever Sold

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut achieved a record-breaking sale price of €135 million (RM627 million), establishing it as the most expensive car ever sold at auction. This remarkable figure nearly triples the previous record set in 2018 by a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, which sold for over US$48 million (RM211 million). The sale places the 300 SLR among the most valuable items ever auctioned across all collecting categories.
A Unique and Coveted Automobile

This particular 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut is one of only two prototypes ever constructed by the renowned Mercedes-Benz racing department. Named after its creator and chief engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, the car is a significant piece of automotive history. Its design was derived from the successful W196 R Grand Prix race car, which secured two Formula 1 world championships in 1954 and 1955 with driver Juan Manuel Fangio.
A High-Profile Auction Event

The exclusive, invitation-only auction for the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut took place on May 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The exceptional sale price positions the vehicle within the top 10 most valuable items ever sold at auction, a list that typically includes significant artworks. For context, Leonardo da Vinci's "Salvator Mundi" holds the overall auction record at US$450.3 million, and Andy Warhol's "Shot Sage Blue Marilyn" recently sold for US$195 million.
Future Accessibility and Philanthropic Endeavors

The private collector who acquired the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut has agreed to ensure the car remains accessible for public viewing on special occasions. The second original 300 SLR Coupe will continue to be a part of the Mercedes-Benz collection, displayed at their museum in Stuttgart. Furthermore, the substantial proceeds generated from this auction will be instrumental in establishing a global Mercedes-Benz Fund, dedicated to supporting environmental science and decarbonisation research initiatives worldwide.

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What record did the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut break?

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