Only two Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupés were ever completed, both in 1955, as potential GT-class or Le Mans entrants derived from the W196 S racing sports car. CMC has captured this closed-coupé bodywork — designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut himself — in die-cast metal at 1:18, reproducing the silver livery and red number roundels of the No. 15 entry at the Swedish Sports Car Grand Prix on 7 August 1955.
A 310 bhp Eight-Cylinder in a Closed Shell
The Uhlenhaut Coupé shared its drivetrain with the open 300 SLR spider: a 2,982 cc straight-eight (M196) using Mercedes-Benz's desmodromic valve actuation and producing approximately 310 bhp. The closed coupé body was evaluated at select 1955 events to assess the aerodynamic and high-speed advantages it offered over the open spider. Named after chief engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, one of the two surviving examples was sold in May 2022 for a reported €135 million — the highest price ever paid for a motor car.
Kristianstad, August 1955 — One of the Last Runs
The 1955 Swedish Sports Car Grand Prix at Kristianstad, held on 7 August, was among the final competitive outings for the 300 SLR that season. The closed-body No. 15 was entered at this event, with Mercedes-Benz running the coupé form to trial its properties in race conditions. The season carried a sombre undertone: following the Le Mans disaster of June 1955, Mercedes-Benz elected to withdraw from all motorsport at the end of that year, giving every 1955 silver livery an added weight of finality.
CMC's Die-Cast Construction at 1:18
CMC — Classic Model Cars — is a German manufacturer whose 1:18 die-cast models are recognised among collectors for incorporating hundreds of individual components per subject. The 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé No. 15 is produced to CMC's standard of die-cast metal complemented by photo-etched and machined parts, reproducing panel lines, the characteristic gullwing-adjacent roofline, and the period silver finish with accuracy that goes beyond standard diecast production.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé?
It is a closed-roof derivative of the W196 S racing sports car, built in 1955 as a potential GT-class or Le Mans entrant. Only two examples were ever completed, both that year.
Who drove No. 15 at the 1955 Swedish Sports Car Grand Prix?
The closed-body No. 15 was entered at the Kristianstad race on 7 August 1955.
Why did Mercedes-Benz stop racing after 1955?
Following the Le Mans disaster of June 1955, Mercedes-Benz voluntarily withdrew from all motorsport at the end of that season, making the Swedish GP one of their last competitive outings.
Who makes this 1:18 scale model and what is it made from?
It is made by CMC (Classic Model Cars) and constructed in die-cast metal with photo-etched and machined detail parts.
