Over $50 million for this car, yet it’s only the third most expensive ever sold

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It’s a number that makes you dream: 51 million euros. That’s the amount reached by the legendary Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 W 196 R Stromlinienwagen at an auction.

Of course, this was an event that kept motorsport fans on the edge of their seats. But what does this car really represent for Formula 1 enthusiasts and car history buffs? Let’s look back at an auction that shook the world of racing.

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An extraordinary auction

The sale of this Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen took place at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart, in an almost private setting organized by RM Sotheby’s. It was an opportunity for bidders to engage in a true battle to acquire one of the greatest treasures in F1 history. This car has an impressive record: driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, it won legendary races in the 1950s. The final price, €51.155 million ($53.917 million), makes it the third most expensive race car ever sold at auction, just behind the Ferrari 250 GTO and the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which holds the record at 135 million euros (about 140 million dollars). A colossal sum that reflects the exceptional interest in these mechanical treasures.

The sale of this Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen took place at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart.
The sale of this Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen took place at the Mercedes Museum in Stuttgart.

Mercedes W 196 R: a unique F1 model

This model is a true symbol of F1 history, a racing machine that left its mark. The W 196 R Stromlinienwagen was no ordinary race car. Behind its sleek, aerodynamic design was cutting-edge technology for its time. Powered by a 2.5-liter V8 engine, this 1954-1955 car developed 295 horsepower and was equipped with drum brakes, a rarity today. But what makes this car unique is its closed-body design, specifically created for high-speed circuits, like Monza or Buenos Aires, where Fangio and Moss made their mark.

Powered by a 2.5-liter V8 engine, this 1954-1955 car developed 295 horsepower.
Powered by a 2.5-liter V8 engine, this 1954-1955 car developed 295 horsepower.

A well-preserved history

After dominating the tracks, the Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen was retired. Following a significant crash at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car was withdrawn from competition and displayed at the Stuttgart museum. In 1965, it was gifted to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it remained for over 50 years, which explains its impeccable condition. Although rarely exhibited, it made a few prestigious appearances at events like the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance in 1996 and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance in 2024. Today, it enters a new phase of its life: it’s heading to a private collection, and no one knows what the future holds for this masterpiece.

Following a significant crash at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car was withdrawn from competition and displayed at the Stuttgart museum.
Following a significant crash at the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans, the car was withdrawn from competition and displayed at the Stuttgart museum.

The record price: a symbol of the car’s historical value

The $53,917,370 price tag reached at the sale of this Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen not only shows the enthusiasm of collectors for historic vehicles but also highlights the central place this car holds in F1 history. It’s an investment, but also a way to own a piece of history, an iconic model that has seen legends like Fangio, the five-time world champion, and Stirling Moss, one of the greatest drivers ever.

It’s an iconic model that has seen legends like Fangio, the five-time world champion, and Stirling Moss.
It’s an iconic model that has seen legends like Fangio, the five-time world champion, and Stirling Moss.

This article explores the record sale of the Mercedes W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, a historic F1 model that made its mark on its era, selling for over 51 million dollars. We look back at the history of this car, its performance on the track, and its significance in the world of motorsport. Finally, we highlight the exceptional price reached at the auction, reflecting the historical importance of this mechanical jewel.

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Images: © Mercedes Benz

Adrien Conges
Adrien Conges
I grew up near Magny-Cours, an old Formula 1 circuit in France so I've been passionate about motorsport and automobiles since childhood. I currently live in Bordeaux, France and I'm still waiting for Ferrari to win a 17th F1 constructors' title.

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