The world of motorsport witnessed history on Saturday when the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen broke records at auction, fetching €51.155 million (approximately $53.9 million) at the RM Sotheby's event held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany. This remarkable sale not only highlights the growing value of classic racing cars but also cements the W196 R's legacy within the annals of Formula 1 history.
The auction began with initial bids around €20 million and quickly escalated as interested parties vied for ownership of this iconic vehicle, which was driven by racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Eventually, the bidding culminated after several intense increments, resulting in the W196 R becoming the most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold at auction, surpassing the previous record held by another W196 model, which sold for $29.6 million back in 2013.
Chassis number 00009/54 played a pivotal role during the 1955 racing season, where Fangio clinched victory at the Buenos Aires Grand Prix, and Moss showcased its power at the Italian Grand Prix. Tragically, this year also marked the end of Mercedes' factory-supported motorsport involvement due to the catastrophic Le Mans disaster, which left 84 spectators dead. This incident deeply affected the brand's participation until their return as engine suppliers in 1994 and their re-establishment of the works team by 2010.
Speaking on the significance of the sale, Jason Vansickle, curator at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum (IMS), noted the uniqueness of this event. “It’s a beautiful car, it’s a very historic car,” he said, reflecting on its importance to the museum and its new potential future.
The W196 R, one of only four remaining examples, not only served as a mechanical masterpiece of its time but also as a symbol of Mercedes' engineering supremacy upon their return to the racing circuit post-World War II. Following its remarkable performance, the car was donated to the IMS Museo and remained there until recent events warranted its auction. The proceeds from this landmark sale will be utilized to improve and expand the museum's exhibitions.
Notably, throughout its competitive life, the W196 R secured victories in 11 of its 14 races. This includes major triumphs throughout the 1955 season, where Fangio and Moss demonstrated their dominance over rivals. The streamlined body of the W196 R was celebrated not just for speed but also for its aesthetic beauty, setting benchmarks for future racing designs.
Mercedes' decision to produce the W196 R as both streamlined and conventional models allowed for versatility across various race track configurations. The 'streamlined' body proved particularly effective on faster tracks, where aerodynamics played a key role. Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, expressed his joy over the significant auction, remarking, “What a thrilling auction it was! This original, sleek-bodied W196 R has now changed hands,” adding to the excitement about the future ownership of this incredible piece of history.
Considering the historical significance and the monumental sale price of the W196 R, this auction reflects not only its value as a collector's item but also the booming market for classic Formula 1 cars. Enthusiasts have seen similar trends with other vintage models, signaling sustained interest and appreciation for automotive history.
Overall, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen's record-breaking auction marks more than just the sale of a car; it's the culmination of decades of racing heritage and engineering excellence. With its new owner likely to cherish this rarity, the W196 R will undoubtedly continue to inspire awe and admiration for years to come.