Legendary Mercedes-Benz W196 Set to Break Records at Auction

This extraordinary event, organized by RM Sotheby’s, is expected to see the car fetch over €50 million (approximately $51.5 million), solidifying its place as one of the most valuable Formula 1 cars ever sold.

A Race Car with Iconic Pedigree

The W196 is no ordinary car. It holds a significant place in motorsport history, having carried the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio to numerous victories during his illustrious career. Fangio, a pioneer of Formula 1, clinched five world championships, a record that remained unbroken for 46 years until Michael Schumacher surpassed it. Even today, only Schumacher and Lewis Hamilton, each with seven titles, have achieved more championships.

The W196 up for auction, bearing chassis number 00009/54, originally debuted in open-wheel configuration at a non-championship race in Buenos Aires in 1954. Later, it was converted to its current “streamliner” body for the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Stirling Moss took the wheel. This sleek body design was engineered to maximise aerodynamics, a cutting-edge innovation at the time.

Under the bonnet lies a sophisticated 2.5-litre inline-8 engine, mounted on its side to reduce the car’s frontal area. Boasting desmodromic valves and mechanical direct fuel injection, the engine produces an impressive 257 horsepower. These advanced features helped Fangio dominate the 1954 season, securing the championship and cementing the W196’s place in racing lore.

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s Decision to Sell

This particular W196 has been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s collection since 1965, when Mercedes donated it after retiring from top-level motorsport. However, the car lacks a direct connection to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which focuses on American racing history. To better align with its mission and fund its ongoing preservation efforts, the museum has decided to part with the W196 and several other prized vehicles.

Among the cars joining the W196 at auction are a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II, a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64, a 1928 Bugatti Type 35B, a 1991 Benetton B191 Formula 1 car driven by Michael Schumacher, and a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that claimed overall victory at Le Mans. These incredible machines are sure to attract attention from collectors worldwide.

Could This Be the Next Record-Breaker?

Although the W196 is expected to sell for more than €50 million, it’s unlikely to break the all-time auction record. That title belongs to another Mercedes-Benz the ultra-rare 1955 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé which sold for a staggering $143 million in 2022. Nevertheless, the W196’s historical significance and connection to motorsport legends make it one of the most sought-after cars to ever appear at auction.

A Car That Defined an Era

The W196’s legacy extends beyond its on-track achievements. After dominating the 1954 and 1955 racing seasons, Mercedes withdrew from motorsport following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster. This marked the end of an era for the brand, which would not return to Formula 1 as a factory team until 2010. The W196 represents not just the pinnacle of engineering for its time but also a turning point in the history of Mercedes-Benz racing.

With its unparalleled heritage and groundbreaking design, the W196 is more than just a car it’s a symbol of innovation and excellence. For collectors with deep pockets and a passion for automotive history, this is an opportunity that may never come again.