A true icon of motorsport history is set to change hands for the first time, as the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen enters the market. Estimated at over €50 million, this legendary car, offered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, represents a rare chance to own one of the most celebrated racing machines ever created.
Chassis number 00009/54, known for its Streamliner bodywork, is one of only four such examples built. This specific car boasts an illustrious history, having been driven by two of the greatest drivers of all time. Juan Manuel Fangio piloted it to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, while Stirling Moss set the fastest lap with it at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
The W 196 R stands as a pinnacle of racing innovation, featuring cutting-edge engineering from Mercedes-Benz. It was powered by a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine, equipped with desmodromic valves and direct fuel injection—technologies far ahead of their time. The car’s sleek aerodynamic design, crafted from lightweight Elektron magnesium alloy, allowed it to achieve speeds exceeding 186 mph, making it one of the fastest Formula One cars of its era.
Following its competition years, the car was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965, where it has remained a treasured exhibit for nearly six decades. Preserved in its iconic Monza livery, the car has been displayed at prestigious events like Pebble Beach and Amelia Island, though it has never been judged or raced in vintage events.
This sale marks only the second time a W 196 R has been offered for private ownership, making it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors. As one of Formula One’s most successful models, driven by legends, and preserved in remarkable condition, the W 196 R is poised to redefine the value of historic racing cars.
Shawn Henry