An iconic Mercedes Formula 1 vehicle, previously piloted by both Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, is set to go to auction, with an estimated value of €50 million. RM Sotheby’s, on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, will auction the first W 196 R available for private ownership. This historic event is expected to set a new record for the most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold, though it may not surpass the $143 million record held by the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe.
“It should now be very evident that chassis number 00009/54 is a diamond of extraordinary cut, emitting a brilliance that is almost impossible to fathom. “ RM Sotheby’s explained, “The car is one of just 14 chassis built, and it is believed to be one of just 10 known complete examples surviving at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season. Of those, this example was one of only four mounted with the magnificent Streamliner coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season. Further driven to victory by Fangio at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, and to the fastest lap by Stirling Moss at the 1955 Formula One Italian Grand Prix at Monza, this W 196 R had been piloted by two of history’s most famous and accomplished racing drivers.”
Upon its 1955 retirement, ten W 196 Rs existed, all retained by the Daimler-Benz Museum. Four were donated to global museums, including chassis 00009/54, which has resided at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1965. Refurbished in 2015 by Canepa Motorsports, it still bears its 1955 Italian Grand Prix livery.
Equipped with a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine, the Mercedes W196 R produced 290 brake horsepower and attained a top speed surpassing 186 mph, establishing it as one of the fastest Grand Prix cars of its era.
The single seater is anticipated to fetch over €50 million (approx. $52.5 million) at the February 1, 2025 auction in Stuttgart. For more details and to view the listing, click here.
Got $52.5 million lying around?
