A streamlined Mercedes-Benz W196 R, famously driven by Formula One icons Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio in the 1950s, has shattered records at auction, fetching an astonishing €51.15 million (£42.7 million). This sale marks a new high for grand prix cars sold at auction and underscores the enduring legacy of Stirling Moss and the Silver Arrows era of Mercedes racing.
The sleek, silver W196 R Stromlinienwagen, of which only four complete models remain globally, was the star lot at a recent RM Sotheby’s auction held at the prestigious Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. Sold on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), the vehicle attracted intense bidding, quickly surpassing the €40 million mark before settling at a final hammer price of €46.5 million, which rose to €51.15 million with buyer’s premium included. The identity of the buyer remains undisclosed.
This record sale, however, does not eclipse the overall most expensive car ever auctioned, which remains a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé that sold for a staggering €135 million in May 2022. Nevertheless, this particular W196 R surpasses the previous record for a grand prix car, which was also held by a Fangio-driven Mercedes W196 from 1954, sold for $29.6 million at Goodwood in 2013.
What makes this “Stirling Moss Mercedes” so special? This specific chassis, number 00009/54, holds a unique place in motorsport history. While driven to victory by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix (albeit with a conventional open-wheel body), it was later piloted by Stirling Moss at the season-ending Italian Grand Prix at Monza. It was at Monza that Moss showcased the streamlined body, designed to minimize drag on the high-speed circuit. Despite setting the fastest lap at an average speed of 134mph, Moss was unfortunately forced to retire from the race.
The 1955 Italian Grand Prix proved to be a turning point for the Mercedes-Benz factory team. Following the tragic Le Mans disaster earlier that year, Mercedes withdrew from factory-sponsored motorsport, marking the end of the first “Silver Arrows” era. The auctioned car represents not just a pinnacle of automotive engineering and racing pedigree, but also the poignant conclusion of a significant chapter in motorsport history, intrinsically linked to the names of Stirling Moss and Mercedes-Benz.
Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1965, this “stirling moss mercedes” has been a prized exhibit for decades. The proceeds from this landmark auction will now support the IMS Museum’s restoration projects and future acquisitions, particularly those with a strong American focus. As curator Jason Vansickle noted, while a magnificent and historically important vehicle, its sale allows the museum to better serve its core mission going forward. This auction ensures the legend of Stirling Moss and his Mercedes will continue to resonate within the annals of motorsport history, while contributing to the preservation of American racing heritage.
