The world's "most valuable car" was sold by Mercedes-Benz at an auction in Germany earlier this month for $142 million.

A 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold for 135 million euros, or roughly $142 million, at an auction on May 5 at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in collaboration with the auction house RM Sotheby's, according to a press release from the automobile maker. The proceeds from the auction will go toward funding a global scholarship.

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"The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes are milestones in sports car development and key historical elements that have shaped our brand," Ola Kallenius, the CEO of the Mercedes-Benz Group, said in the statement. "The decision to sell one of these two unique sports cars was taken with very sound reasoning — to benefit a good cause."

"The proceeds from the auction will fund a global scholarship program," Kallenius added. "With the 'Mercedes-Benz Fund,' we would like to encourage a new generation to follow in Rudolf Uhlenhaut's innovative footsteps and develop amazing new technologies, particularly those that support the critical goal of decarbonization and resource preservation."

The global scholarship program will help support "young people in their studies, commitment, and actions" in order to move toward a "more sustainable future," according to the press release.

"We are convinced that access to education in these areas will be crucial in encountering the great challenges of our time and contribute to greater stability, prosperity, and social cohesion," said Renata Jungo Brungger, a member of the board of management of Mercedes-Benz Group.


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The Mercedes-Benz car that was sold is one of two "ultra-rare original" 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupes. The second 300 SLR Coupe will stay in the museum and will "continue to be displayed at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart," according to the press release.

"As a global company and as a luxury brand, we bear a great level of responsibility towards society," Brungger added. "The proceeds from the sale of the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe provide us with a unique opportunity to strengthen our commitment with a long-term flagship project."