Intelligence Squared

The Specialist | The Most Valuable Car in the World, with Gord Duff And Marcus Breitschwerdt

October 10, 2025

Key Takeaways Copied to clipboard!

  • The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, one of only two prototypes built for endurance racing, was sold to establish a global educational fellowship program rooted in the founders' history of relying on public support. 
  • The sale of the Uhlenhaut Coupé set a new record, achieving a final price of 135 million euros, making it the most expensive automobile ever sold at auction and one of the top 10 most valuable items ever sold by Sotheby's. 
  • The auction was conducted as a highly secretive, private event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, with strict criteria for bidders who were vetted to be suitable custodians of the historic vehicle. 

Segments

Sponsor Read: Indeed Hiring
Copied to clipboard!
(00:00:00)
  • Key Takeaway: Indeed Sponsored Jobs increase application rates by 45% compared to non-sponsored posts.
  • Summary: Indeed offers Sponsored Jobs to make hiring posts stand out and reach relevant candidates faster. Sponsored jobs have been shown to generate 45% more applications than non-sponsored listings. Listeners can receive a $75 sponsored job credit by visiting the specific URL.
Sponsor Read: Skinny Pop
Copied to clipboard!
(00:01:45)
  • Key Takeaway: Skinny Pop is highlighted as a simple, three-ingredient salty snack.
  • Summary: Skinny Pop is promoted as a salty snack made with only three simple ingredients. It is described as having an irresistibly delicious taste and a large serving size. Listeners are encouraged to shop for the product now.
Introduction to The Specialist
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:09)
  • Key Takeaway: The Specialist is a new series by Intelligence Squared and Sotheby’s exploring extraordinary works through expert eyes.
  • Summary: The episode introduces The Specialist, a partnership between Intelligence Squared and Sotheby’s, focusing on the stories behind record-breaking art and objects. The series features experts who witnessed these events firsthand. Episodes are designed to be short, perfect for weekend listening.
Context of Uhlenhaut Coupé Sale
Copied to clipboard!
(00:02:51)
  • Key Takeaway: The sale of the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé was unique because it was a vehicle few believed would ever leave the museum.
  • Summary: The vehicle’s sale was unique because it occurred at the home where the car was created and had resided for 70 years. Sotheby’s acts as a temporary custodian for rare and coveted art and objects. The episode features Gord Duff and Marcus Breitschwerdt discussing this specific car.
RM Sotheby’s Background
Copied to clipboard!
(00:04:19)
  • Key Takeaway: RM Sotheby’s, formerly RM Auctions, specializes in restoring and auctioning antique, classic, and modern hypercars globally.
  • Summary: RM Sotheby’s focuses primarily on auctioning high-value vehicles across various eras. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR Uhlenhout Coupe was considered elusive as it remained with the manufacturer since new. Only two of these coupes were ever constructed.
300 SLR Coupé Engineering Details
Copied to clipboard!
(00:04:56)
  • Key Takeaway: The Uhlenhaut Coupé was a racing prototype intended for endurance events like the Carrera Pan America, featuring a racing chassis and magnesium body.
  • Summary: Rudolph Uhlenhout set aside two chassis to build safer coupe versions for long-distance racing, though they never entered production. The car shares similarities with the iconic 300 SL Gullwing but is lighter, longer, and incorporates 1950s racing technology. Its sculpted magnesium body contributed to its beauty and light weight.
Relation to 1955 Mille Miglia Roadster
Copied to clipboard!
(00:06:41)
  • Key Takeaway: The Uhlenhaut Coupé is visually recognizable due to its similarity to the Roadster version that won the 1955 Mille Miglia with Sterling Moss.
  • Summary: The Roadster version, car number 722 driven by Sterling Moss, won the 1955 Mille Miglia in a world record time. A key recognizable feature shared by the coupe is the exhaust exiting on the driver’s side, a racing characteristic not found on road cars of the time. Both existing Uhlenhaut coupes remained with Mercedes-Benz until the sale.
Purpose of the Sale
Copied to clipboard!
(00:08:14)
  • Key Takeaway: Mercedes-Benz decided to sell one icon to fund a three-year fellowship program supporting young talent development in entrepreneurship.
  • Summary: The decision stemmed from reshaping ESG activities to give back to society, honoring the founders who benefited from public educational support. The fellowship aims to support talented young people who lack opportunities to develop their skills. Selling an iconic car was deemed necessary to raise the significant funds required for this program.
Selecting RM Sotheby’s
Copied to clipboard!
(00:09:58)
  • Key Takeaway: Mercedes-Benz chose RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s after a serious selection process to conduct the auction for the car.
  • Summary: Mercedes-Benz initiated talks with well-known auction houses, ultimately selecting RM Sotheby’s and Sotheby’s after a substantial review process. RM Sotheby’s had an established relationship with Mercedes-Benz, leading to the initial confidential meeting in Stuttgart. The company felt honored to be chosen by the world’s oldest car manufacturer to represent them.
Auction Timeline and Secrecy
Copied to clipboard!
(00:11:40)
  • Key Takeaway: The auction took place on May 5, 2022, following only a short timeline of discussions starting in February of that year.
  • Summary: The entire process, from initial discussion to sale, was conducted in top secret, with only five people within Mercedes-Benz knowing the details. The auction required potential bidders to meet specific criteria set by Mercedes-Benz to ensure the buyer was a trustworthy custodian. This secrecy made interested parties want the car even more.
Record-Breaking Price Realization
Copied to clipboard!
(00:12:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The target price exceeded 100 million euros, significantly surpassing the previous record of around 50 million euros.
  • Summary: The initial expectation of a price exceeding 100 million euros was difficult to comprehend, given the prior record was about 50 million euros in 2018. Oliver Barker served as the auctioneer during the intense bidding fight, which lasted longer than expected. The final selling price of 135 million euros was described as unbelievable.
Significance of the Sale Result
Copied to clipboard!
(00:14:33)
  • Key Takeaway: The sale price established the car as the most expensive vehicle ever sold at auction and the third most valuable item ever sold by Sotheby’s.
  • Summary: The 135 million euro sale price made it the most expensive vehicle sold at auction globally. It ranked as the third most valuable item ever sold by Sotheby’s overall. The achievement was considered an incredible moment that might never be repeated.
Art vs. Car Collecting
Copied to clipboard!
(00:15:04)
  • Key Takeaway: Car collecting intersects with art collecting because both are driven by initial attraction to beauty, but cars offer tactile, auditory, and functional engagement.
  • Summary: Collectors are drawn to items for their beauty, though engineering and other aspects also play a role. Unlike paintings or sculptures, cars can be touched, smelled, heard, and driven. Trust, discretion, and advising clients correctly are paramount for specialists in this long-term business.
Fulfillment of the Purpose
Copied to clipboard!
(00:17:03)
  • Key Takeaway: Mercedes-Benz confirmed the effort was worthwhile because the funds supported the fellowship program, bringing enthusiastic and spirited young people to tears of joy.
  • Summary: The company stressed they would never sell such an asset merely for industrial activity, emphasizing the good purpose behind the sale. Seeing the enthusiastic and spirited young people benefiting from the program was deeply moving for the staff. The effort was deemed worth it to honor the founders’ reliance on public support.
Sponsor Read: Sotheby’s Financial Services
Copied to clipboard!
(00:18:15)
  • Key Takeaway: Sotheby’s Financial Services (SFS) provides asset-based loans using fine arts, automobiles, and other luxury collectibles as collateral.
  • Summary: SFS offers financing options to unlock the value held within luxury assets. Listeners can learn more by visiting Sotheby’s website or any of their public galleries. This segment concludes the main content of the episode.
Sponsor Read: MVP Healthcare
Copied to clipboard!
(00:18:58)
  • Key Takeaway: MVP Healthcare offers comprehensive benefits and expert support for small group health plans at competitive premiums.
  • Summary: MVP Healthcare encourages small businesses to choose comprehensive plans that reflect their size and ambition. They provide expert support alongside competitive pricing for their health coverage. Contact information and a specific URL are provided for small group plan inquiries.
Sponsor Read: Granger Industrial Supply
Copied to clipboard!
(00:19:27)
  • Key Takeaway: Granger facilitates easy sourcing and next-day delivery of specific replacement parts, like drive belts, for maintenance supervisors.
  • Summary: Granger helps maintenance supervisors quickly find exact specifications for replacement products needed to keep production lines running. Next-day delivery ensures necessary components are available promptly. Customers can contact Granger via phone, website, or in person.