Man spots one of the most expensive and legendary cars in automotive history hiding quietly at the end of a Mercedes tour

Published on Oct 23, 2026 at 6:49 AM (UTC-4)
by Daisy Edwards

Last updated on Oct 23, 2026 at 6:49 AM (UTC-4)
Edited by Mason Jones

Man spots one of the most expensive and legendary cars in automotive history hiding quietly at the end of a Mercedes tour
Google
See us first in Google Get our stories before anyone else Add Supercar Blondie in one tap and get our stories before anyone else

Mercedes fans are in for a treat as a video offers a glimpse inside one of Germany’s most impressive classic car facilities, revealing a piece of automotive history that has achieved legendary status.

The newly reopened Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is packed with rare machines, priceless prototypes, and some of the brand’s most famous racing cars.

But one particular vehicle is so extraordinary that it sold for a staggering $143 million.

And the best part was that it was quietly hidden at the end of the tour, not even mentioned.

Mercedes’ newly reopened Classic Center is a car lover’s dream

The Mercedes-Benz Classic Center is where some of the automaker’s most important vehicles receive the royal treatment, with specialists working on everything from old-school classics to modern performance cars.

Related

Mercedes-Benz CEO personally delivers brand new G-Wagen to man who just bought his sixth one

Mercedes-Benz CEO personally delivers brand new G-Wagen to man who just bought his sixth one

In a video tour, Horsepower Hunters showed off a collection that included the legendary CLK GTR and a C36 AMG DTM race car, which would make any automotive fan jealous.

The facility also handles specialist servicing for some seriously exclusive models, including the Maybach Zeppelin and the Mercedes-Benz SLR.

These aren’t cars that can simply be dropped off at any ordinary service center.

With its own leather workshop, paint shop, and engine department, the Classic Center can take on jobs that would be difficult or even impossible elsewhere.

It also has access to more than 200,000 classic parts, helping its technicians bring rare Mercedes models back to their former glory.

The legendary racecar that sold for $53.9 million

Among the extraordinary vehicles featured in the video was the Mercmasedes-Benz W196 Streamliner, a historic racing car that reportedly sold for $53.9 million in 2025.

The streamlined machine is one of the most significant cars in Mercedes-Benz motorsport history, making its appearance at the Classic Center particularly special.

Rather than sitting forgotten in a dusty storage room, the car was shown at the facility as part of its specialist restoration work.

Another standout was the C111, an experimental Mercedes prototype powered by a Wankel rotary engine. According to the presenter, it is the only working example of its kind in the world.

The center’s work goes far beyond polishing paintwork, too, because technicians use specialist equipment to rebuild engines, recreate missing body panels, and restore interiors using traditional craftsmanship.

One technique involves an English wheel, which helps metalworkers shape replacement panels for cars such as the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SL.

But even with all these automotive treasures on display, there was an even bigger surprise waiting near the end of the video.

The Mercedes that sold for $143 million

As one comment by the YouTuber pointed out, the tour didn’t even get the chance to cover everything, with a particularly special car hiding at the end of the footage.

That car was the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, one of the most valuable automobiles ever sold.

In 2022, one of just two examples was sold at a private auction for 135 million euros, equivalent to around $143 million at the time.

The sale made it the most expensive car ever sold at auction, setting a record that underlined just how extraordinary Mercedes-Benz’s racing heritage is.

Based on the legendary 300 SLR racing car, the Uhlenhaut Coupé was a road-going experimental machine named after Mercedes-Benz engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut.

Its combination of racing technology, rarity, and historical importance makes it one of the most coveted cars in automotive history.

The Classic Center’s collection is impressive enough without it, but knowing a car with that kind of price tag was tucked away at the end of the tour makes the whole experience even more remarkable.

Daisy is a technology and automotive journalist covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, emerging technologies, and transportation innovation. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral car stories and the latest developments shaping transportation and the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex topics into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work spans cutting-edge technology, innovative vehicles, and the people driving change across both industries. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.