A historic 1955 Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen, once raced by Formula One legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, has sold for a record €51.15 million (£42.7 million) at auction. The sale, conducted by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, marked the highest price ever paid for a grand prix car.
The streamlined silver W196 R is one of only four complete examples of the model in existence. It was the last grand prix car built by Mercedes until its return to motorsport in 2010, following the company’s withdrawal after the 1955 Le Mans 24 Hours tragedy, which saw 83 spectators killed. The car was sold on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS), which had owned it since Mercedes donated it in 1965.
The bidding began with a strong momentum, quickly reaching €40 million, but slowed before ultimately closing at €46.5 million, including buyer’s premiums. Though the price fell short of the record for the most expensive car ever sold at auction—the €135 million sale of a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé in 2022—it still shattered the previous record for a grand prix car, set by another W196 from 1954, which sold for $29.6 million in 2013.
This particular W196 R was first raced by Fangio, who drove it to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, and later by Moss, who raced it at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. The car was known for its sleek, streamlined body that extended over the wheels, enhancing its aerodynamic performance. It marked the end of an era for Mercedes’ Silver Arrows, as the manufacturer withdrew from motorsport until the 1980s.
The proceeds from the auction will support the IMS Museum’s restoration projects and acquisitions, with a particular focus on expanding its U.S.-centric collection.
Elizabeth Puckett