A piece of motorsport history, a streamlined 1955 Mercedes-Benz W196 R, famously driven in Mercedes Grand Prix races by legends Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, has shattered records at auction, fetching an astounding €51.15 million (£42.7m). This sale marks the highest value ever achieved for a grand prix car at auction, underscoring the enduring allure of Mercedes Grand Prix racing heritage.
The sleek, silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, an exceedingly rare model with only four complete versions in existence, was offered by RM Sotheby’s at a prestigious event held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The car was sold on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), adding another layer of provenance to its already illustrious history. Anticipation was high, with pre-auction estimates exceeding €50 million. Bidding quickly escalated, reaching €40 million in substantial €5 million increments before slowing down. The hammer finally fell at €46.5 million, with the final price reaching €51.15 million after including the buyer’s premium. The identity of the new owner remains undisclosed.
While this Mercedes Grand Prix car sale is remarkable, it remains second to the overall record for a car sold at auction. That title belongs to a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which changed hands for an unprecedented €135 million in May 2022. However, within the realm of grand prix racing vehicles, this W196 R now reigns supreme in auction value, surpassing the previous record held by another ex-Fangio Mercedes W196 from 1954, which sold for $29.6 million in 2013.
Rear view of the iconic silver Mercedes-Benz W196 R grand prix car, showcased on a red carpet at auction.
What distinguishes this particular W196 R is its unique status as the first of its kind to become available for private ownership with the streamlined body. This aerodynamic configuration is iconic in Mercedes Grand Prix history. Its racing pedigree is impeccable: it secured victory at the non-championship Buenos Aires Grand Prix in 1955 under the masterful control of five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio. Although for that race, the car was configured with a more conventional open-wheel cigar-shaped body on the same chassis. Later in the 1955 season, Fangio’s teammate, the legendary Stirling Moss, piloted this very car, now featuring its distinctive streamlined bodywork, at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Moss set the fastest lap at an average speed of 134mph before unfortunately retiring from the race.
The 1955 Italian Grand Prix marked a poignant moment, signaling the end of an era for the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows in factory-sponsored motorsport. Following the devastating Le Mans 24 Hours disaster in 1955, Mercedes withdrew from racing. However, the marque made a triumphant return to Formula One as an engine supplier in 1994 and re-established its own works team in 2010, continuing their legacy in Mercedes Grand Prix racing.
This particular car, chassis number 00009/54, was generously donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mercedes-Benz in 1965. Its auction was intended to generate funds for the museum’s restoration projects and acquisitions, with a focus on expanding its collection of US-centric automotive artifacts. Jason Vansickle, the curator at IMS, commented, “It’s a beautiful car, it’s a very historic car, it’s just a little bit outside our scope window. 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 record-breaking sale of this Mercedes Grand Prix icon ensures its legacy will continue to inspire and captivate motorsport enthusiasts worldwide.
