A legendary Mercedes-Benz Formula One car, famously driven by racing icons Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in 1955, has shattered auction records, fetching a staggering €51.15 million (£42.7 million). This sale marks a new pinnacle for grand prix cars sold at auction, highlighting the enduring allure of motorsport history and the Mercedes-Benz legacy, especially its association with drivers like Stirling Moss.
The sleek, silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, a rare gem with only four complete models in existence, was the star lot at RM Sotheby’s auction hosted at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. The auction, held on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), drew intense interest from collectors worldwide eager to own a piece of racing history intrinsically linked to names like Stirling Moss and Fangio.
Pre-auction estimates placed the car’s value at over €50 million, and bidding swiftly escalated to €40 million in impressive €5 million jumps. Although the pace moderated slightly before the hammer fell, the final bid reached an impressive €46.5 million. With buyer’s premium included, the ultimate price soared to €51.15 million. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed, adding an air of mystery to this landmark sale. This price firmly positions the W196 R amongst the most valuable cars ever sold at auction, though still below the record-holding €135 million 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé sold in May 2022.
This particular W196 R chassis, numbered 00009/54, holds a unique place in motorsport history. While another ex-Fangio Mercedes W196 previously held the record for grand prix cars at auction, selling for $29.6 million in 2013, this Stromlinienwagen is even more significant. It was the first W196 R with the streamlined body to become available for private ownership.
The car’s racing pedigree is impeccable. It was driven to victory by the legendary five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, although in that race it sported a more conventional open-wheel body. Later in the 1955 season, the car was entrusted to the equally celebrated Stirling Moss for the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. In this race, featuring the distinctive streamlined bodywork that extends over the wheels, Stirling Moss showcased his exceptional talent, setting the fastest lap at an average speed of 134mph before unfortunately retiring.
The 1955 Italian Grand Prix marked a poignant moment as it was the last race for the Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows factory team for several decades. Following the tragic Le Mans 24 Hours disaster in 1955, Mercedes withdrew from factory-sponsored motorsport. The Silver Arrows, and drivers like Stirling Moss, became symbols of a bygone era of racing dominance. Mercedes eventually returned to Formula One as an engine supplier in 1994 and with its own team in 2010, but the cars of the 1950s, especially those associated with Stirling Moss, remain icons.
This historic W196 R was generously donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by Mercedes-Benz in 1965. For almost 60 years, it has been a prized exhibit at the IMS Museum. The auction was conducted to raise funds to support the museum’s ongoing restoration projects and to enhance its collection with a greater focus on American motorsport history. According to curator Jason Vansickle, the sale of this “beautiful” and “historic car” will enable the IMS Museum to better serve its mission in the future. For enthusiasts of Mercedes, Stirling Moss, and motorsport history, this auction represents not just a sale, but the passing of a torch for a truly remarkable piece of automotive heritage.
