The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen set a new record for the most expensive Grand Prix car ever auctioned. Sold for €51.155 million (approximately $53.9 million), this sale makes it the second most expensive car ever auctioned after the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for $143 million in 2022, sold at an RM Sotheby’s event held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany.
Why the W 196 R is So Valuable
The W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is an iconic Formula One race car with a rich motorsport legacy. It was one of the first race cars developed by Mercedes-Benz for its return to Formula One in 1954. The car was designed for high-speed circuits with its aerodynamic body, which significantly improved its performance.
The car is also linked to the legendary drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, which makes it a highly sought-after collector’s item in the automotive world.
Racing History and Achievements of the Car
First Victory (1954 French Grand Prix): The W 196 R made its debut at the 1954 French Grand Prix, where Juan Manuel Fangio drove it to victory, marking the beginning of Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in Formula One.
Multiple Wins and Podiums: During the 1954 and 1955 racing seasons, the W 196 R won multiple races and podiums, making it one of the most successful racing cars of all time.
Last Race: The car was last raced at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, where Sir Stirling Moss was forced to retire after 27 laps because of an engine problem with the number five cylinder.
Auction and Ownership History
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum had owned the car since 1965 when it was auctioned in 2024.
The sale proceeds will be ploughed into the restoration and acquisition projects at the museum.
This auction surpasses the record for the previous sale of any Grand Prix car, which belonged to another Mercedes W 196 R sold in 2013 for $29.6 million.
Engineering and Design Innovations
The W 196 R Stromlinienwagen had advanced aerodynamics and engineering which made it the revolutionary car at its time. Some of its features include:
Streamlined Magnesium Body: The car’s lightweight and aerodynamic body improved speed and efficiency, making it suitable for high-speed circuits.
2.5-Liter Fuel-Injected Straight-Eight Engine: This advanced engine provided superior performance, making it one of the most dominant race cars of the 1950s.
Innovative Chassis Design: The car featured a unique space-frame chassis, reducing weight while increasing durability and handling.
This sale of Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen has historical value and remarkable engineering prowess to break records of all times. The car actually featured during a peak time at which Mercedes Benz ruled Formula one races in mid 1950s. Now one of the priciest automobiles sold and history’s treasure in innovation about automotive racing mastery