A piece of motorsport history achieved an astonishing sum at a recent Mercedes Auction. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen, a legendary Grand Prix car, was sold for a staggering $53.9 million at a Sotheby’s event. This sale not only marks it as the most expensive Formula 1 car ever auctioned but also the second most valuable car ever sold, surpassed only by another Mercedes-Benz, the 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched an incredible $143 million in 2022.
Forbes report on the Mercedes auction
A Glimpse into Formula 1’s Golden Era at Mercedes Auction
The Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen is more than just a classic car; it’s a symbol of Mercedes’ dominance in the mid-1950s Formula 1 scene. During a brief but impactful period, Mercedes secured two world championships with this remarkable machine. What made the W196 R truly unique was its dual personality, offering both a traditional open-wheel configuration and a distinctive streamlined, closed-wheel variant. Unrestricted by regulations of the time regarding wheel covers, Mercedes innovatively opted for enhanced aerodynamics, believing it would outweigh the slight increase in weight. This strategic decision paid off handsomely on the track and now in the Mercedes auction world.
Crafted from Elektron magnesium alloy, the streamlined body was remarkably lightweight at just 88 pounds. RM Sotheby’s, the auction house that orchestrated this landmark Mercedes auction, lauded the design as “one of the most elegant in racing history,” a sentiment echoed by automotive enthusiasts worldwide.
Engineering Excellence Under the Hood: A Highlight at Mercedes Auction
Powering this racing marvel is a 2.5-liter inline-eight engine producing 257 horsepower, enabling the W196 R to reach speeds up to 186 MPH. The car made its debut at the 1954 French Grand Prix, instantly making a statement. The chassis that headlined the recent Mercedes auction, numbered 00009/54, secured its most significant victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, driven by the legendary five-time F1 champion Juan Manuel Fangio.
Later in the 1955 season, the streamlined bodywork was fitted to chassis 00009/54. This adaptation came after Fangio and his teammate Stirling Moss experienced instability with their shorter-wheelbase cars on the steeply banked Monza circuit. Moss piloted this very car in the Italian Grand Prix, achieving the fastest lap before unfortunately retiring due to engine issues. This history adds to the allure and value showcased at the Mercedes auction.
From Racetrack to Auction Block: A Storied Journey
The narrative of the Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen extends beyond its racing achievements. Mercedes withdrew from motorsport at the end of the 1955 season, a decision precipitated by the catastrophic Le Mans crash involving a 300 SLR. The magnesium construction of the car contributed to a devastating fire, leading to the death of 83 spectators. This tragedy prompted Mercedes to step back from factory-level Formula 1 participation until 2010, marking a significant period of absence.
In a gesture of goodwill in 1965, Mercedes donated chassis 00009/54 to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it remained a prized exhibit for decades. Although Mercedes never officially entered a factory team in the Indy 500, their historical wins at the event were achieved through private endeavors, both before and after the 1955 season. This museum provenance further enhanced the car’s desirability and collector value, culminating in its impressive performance at the Mercedes auction.
1955: A Defining Year for Mercedes Racing Heritage
The year 1955 stands as a pivotal point in Mercedes’ racing legacy. The German marque, a dominant force in pre-war grand prix racing, solidified its global supremacy with both the W196S sports car (SLR) and the W196R Formula 1 car. The open-wheel versions of the W196R achieved victory in nine out of twelve starts over two seasons, securing championship titles in both years. While the sports car variants also demonstrated dominance, the SLR became infamously linked to the Le Mans disaster of 1955. The W196R, particularly the example sold at this landmark Mercedes auction, can be considered not only a survivor and a stunning piece of engineering but also a tangible artifact of motorsport history.
For a deeper dive into the history of this exceptional vehicle and the drivers who raced it, Sotheby’s provides an extensive and captivating account. Explore the full Sotheby’s lot details here.
Drive safely and appreciate automotive history! JM
