The mystery behind who actually owns the world's most expensive car, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Published on Oct 30, 2026 at 4:04 PM (UTC-4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Oct 30, 2026 at 4:04 PM (UTC-4)
Edited by
Mason Jones
The world’s most expensive car, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, has a mystery surrounding it – who actually owns it?
Back in 2022, this car sold for a staggering amount when it went up for auction.
The incredible car has a history that can be traced back to the 1950s.
Its new owner was described as a ‘well-known figure from Britain’s automotive industry and long-standing collector’, and now several publications think they’ve figured out who this is.
What is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe?
This is a one-of-two car, based on the W 196 R Grand Prix, and was designed by Mercedes chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut.
At the time they were made, they were the among the fastest around, capable of hitting top speeds of 180mph.
The plan was for them to compete in the Carrera Panamericana race in Mexico, but the race was ultimately canceled.
For almost 70 years, these two remained stowed away in the vaults of Mercedes.
That is, until the manufacturer hosted a secret auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Just how secret was this auction? It was invite only.
It was there that one of the cars – ‘The Red Car’, named for its interior – was sold off.
How much did it sell for at auction?
To give you an idea of just how expensive this car is, the second most expensive car to ever be sold was a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 that was bought for $53,917,370 in February 2025.
That’s quite the gap, less than half of what the Uhlenhaut Coupe went for.
At the RM Sotheby’s auction, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was sold to a mystery car collector for $142.4 million.
As for the ‘Blue Car’, that’s still on display at Mercedes’ corporate museum in Bad Cannstatt.
The identity of the Red Car’s buyer was kept under wraps, but now he may have been identified.
Who could be the owner of the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe?
AutoEvolution has done some investigating into the matter and thinks it’s come to an answer – Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
The bid had been placed by Simon Kidston, a Swiss high-end car broker, who was acting on behalf of an anonymous collector.
This collector was described as a ‘well-known figure from Britain’s automotive industry and long-standing collector’.
In many people’s minds, this pointed toward a motorsport figure, like Lewis Hamilton, before he sold all of his cars that is.
But AutoEvolution believes that Sir Jim Ratcliffe, one of the richest British people alive today, is the most likely candidate.
His company INEOS owns a one-third stake in the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team.
He also fits the criteria of what Mercedes wanted in the sale – that the owner would regularly make the car available for public exhibition and special events.
And it’s not just AutoEvolution who have reported this – The Daily Express and The Mirror have also speculated that Sir Jim Ratcliffe is the car’s owner.
The fact it’s been seen driving around Monaco – Ratcliffe’s primary residence – seems to lend credence to this belief.
But until he officially comes out and confirms it, this will remain a widely circulated theory.
Ben joined Supercar Blondie in February 2025 after being published by international organizations including LADbible, The Sun, the New York Post, and the Daily Mail. He covers supercars, rare and collectible vehicles, aviation, luxury assets, and the fascinating people behind them. His reporting has explored everything from seven-figure supercars and historic Ferrari collections to unusual aircraft adventures and extraordinary automotive discoveries from around the world. Ben has also gained first-hand insight into vehicle craftsmanship and customization, including visiting specialist workshops to see bespoke vehicles up close.
