A rare and historic Mercedes-Benz racing car, the W196 R Stromlinienwagen, has been sold at auction for a record-breaking €51.15 million (£42.7 million). The sleek, silver car was one of only four complete examples in existence and had been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway’s (IMS) collection for nearly 60 years. The sale was conducted by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
The W196 R is a grand prix car that was driven by two of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, in 1955. The car had a price estimate of over €50 million and the bidding rapidly reached €40 million in €5 million increments before easing off to a final hammer figure of €46.5 million. The sale includes the buyer’s premium.
The car’s history is closely tied to the Mercedes-Benz team’s dominance in the 1950s. It was driven to victory by Fangio at the non-championship Buenos Aires Grand Prix in 1955 with a more conventional body shape, and then by Moss at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza with a streamlined body that extended over the wheels. Moss set the fastest lap at an average speed of 134mph, but was forced to retire.
The W196 R is considered one of the most iconic racing cars of all time, and its streamlined body shape is a testament to the innovative design and engineering of the Mercedes-Benz team during this period. The car’s sale marks the end of an era for the IMS, which has been stewards of the vehicle for nearly 60 years.
The IMS has donated many of its historic cars to the Mercedes-Benz Museum over the years, but this sale marks a significant departure from that tradition. The proceeds from the sale will be used to raise funds for the museum’s restoration efforts and acquisitions with a greater focus on US-based exhibits.
Jason Vansickle, the curator of the IMS, expressed his sadness at the sale of the W196 R, but also acknowledged that it was a necessary decision for the museum’s future. “It’s a beautiful car, it’s a very historic car, it’s just a little bit outside our scope window,” he said. “We’ve been fortunate to be stewards of this vehicle for nearly 60 years and it has been a great piece in the museum, but with this auction and the proceeds raised, it really will allow us… to be better in the future.”
The sale of the W196 R is a significant event in the world of classic car auctions, and it marks a new milestone in the history of the Mercedes-Benz brand. The car’s price is not only a record-breaking sum, but it also reflects the enduring appeal and value of historic racing cars.
The W196 R is not only an iconic racing car, but it also has a significant place in motorsport history. It was driven by two of the greatest drivers of all time, and it played a key role in the Mercedes-Benz team’s dominance in the 1950s. Its streamlined body shape is a testament to the innovative design and engineering of the Mercedes-Benz team during this period.
The sale of the W196 R also highlights the importance of historic racing cars as cultural and historical artifacts. These cars are not just objects of beauty and engineering excellence, but they also provide a unique insight into the history of motorsport and the people who made it great.
