Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé

Rare ONES - This beautiful Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing classic car made by the German manufacturer is indeed well known for one of its unique features, namely the gull-wing-style door. So it's not surprising that after that so many cars came to apply the door model like that.

The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' sat on display at the Mercedes-Benz museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Not long after that Mercedes-Benz is launched a car looks similar to the legendary car figure. However, when compared to its sibling, the unique car which later bears the name of Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupé is made by the German car manufacturer in such a way with an aerodynamic racing car design and very exclusive only 2 units.

The road legal version of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR race car posed along with Rudolf Uhlenhaut. (Picture from: Carlassic)

Indeed this classic car is very rare and valuable, and was made specifically for racing track purposed only. Besides applying the phenomenal gullwing-styled doors, its aerodynamic design also looks extraordinary. Unfortunately, the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé with all-buttons and  its manual transmission never hit any the race tracks when it was completed to build in the 1950s.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' powered by Mercedes-Benz M 196 S 2,982 cc straight 8 naturally aspirated front mid capable of approaching 290 kph (180 mph). (Picture from: Carlassic)

And if that happens, the car is predicted to easily continue its predecessor winning streaks and become an unrivaled roadster. Because the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé never went to official races, Mercedes-Benz's motorsports chief, Rudolf Uhlenhaut keeping it as his daily personal commuter vehicle. So no wonder the car has another name of the Mercedes-Benz Uhlenhaut Coupé.

The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (W 196 S) was a 2-seat sports racer that took part in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

Well previously the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR was best known as a roadster (not a coupe model) and had dominated racing in the 1950s era. The most famous Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR won the 1955 Mille Miglia with Sir Stirling Moss behind the wheel. At the 900-mile (1,448-kilometer) racing event of the Italian Peninsula, Moss and his Mercedes 300 SLR set a new average speed record for the race, namely, averaging 97.96 mph (157.6 kph).

Unfortunately all the racing success of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR was overshadowed by the tragedy of the 24-Hours of Le Mans 1955. At that time, there's a Mercedes 300 SLR driven by a private team driver was competing for the lead. But then hit Austin-Healey in the pits straight which was slowed by a Jaguar trying to pit. Debris flew into the stands, killing 83 spectators and injuring more than 180 others.

The Gull-wing doors were a signature feature of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. (Picture from: Wikipedia)

The Mercedes 300 SLR's high magnesium content in the bodywork caused the fire to spiral out of control. This accident also prompted other members of the Mercedes 300 SLR team to withdraw from the race. The horrific incident coincided with Mercedes-Benz's decision to withdraw from motor sports arena. This means also the Mercedes 300 SLR Coupé project was dead with only two test vehicles ever built.

At that time one unit was driven daily by Rudolf Uhlenhaut as his private commuter and the others were kept. Today Mercedes-Benz keeps this incredible engine inside the museum in Stuttgart-Untertürkheim as one of their priceless car collection which some experts say has a price ranging from $100 to $300 millions. *** [EKA | FROM VARIOUS SOURCES | IDMOTOR1 | CARLASSIC ]

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