Pagoda SL Group

W113 Pagoda SL Group => General Discussion => Topic started by: johnk on August 23, 2022, 03:45:29

Title: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: johnk on August 23, 2022, 03:45:29

While searching the Sotheby’s website a few days ago for Pebble Beach auction results I saw that Mercedes’ 300 SLR was sold at a private auction in May  for $135 million. It was advertised as the Worlds most valuable car.

Perhaps this has been posted before but I could not find it.

I don’t understand why they would sell such a piece of their history for a bump in their quarterly earnings.

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: Alex D on August 23, 2022, 11:54:31

I read awhile back it's one two 300SLR's MB has and it was being auction off for a scholarship charity, the second one will be in the MB museum in Germany.

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: Mike Hughes on August 23, 2022, 13:52:43

An article in the most recent issue of MBCA magazine The Star mentions that the sale had a number of strings attached, not the least of which is right of first refusal if it is offered for sale in the future.  If I read this right, Mercedes buy-back offer is primary, even if another party were to make a higher offer.  The car must be maintained exclusively by the Classic Centre on a schedule set by the Classic Center at the owner's expense, Mercedes has rights to use it for a period of days each year, etc.  Sounds to me to be a whole lot like a lump sum open-end lease agreement, with the proceeds benefiting the scholarship charity.

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: JamesL on August 23, 2022, 16:08:19

It was discussed here… https://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=34992.0
Garry bought it… ;D

And yes, MB have donated the proceeds to their own foundation/charity and has nothing to do with their quarterly earnings
https://www.mercedes-benz.com/en/sustainability/responsibility/coupe-300-slr/

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: Swissomatic on August 23, 2022, 18:40:42

Rumor is that Jim Radcliffe who owns Ineos and part of Mercedes F1 team is new owner. As indicated with strings attached. He also owns Grenadier which is new manufacturer of Land Rover Defender look alike.

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: johnk on August 23, 2022, 21:27:43

Thanks. I see why I did not get a hit when I searched on SLR.

Title: Re: Mercedes’ 300SLR Sold in May
Post by: JamesL on November 15, 2022, 17:42:48

The deal was brokered by Simon Kidston

If you’re on Instagram, it’s handover week so simonkidston posted some amazing pictures but also “one last drive” for the mechanic who has looked after it for years. Sounds absolutely epic