A historic 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen Formula One car is headed to auction, with expectations of fetching a price in excess of $85 million AUD.
Auction Details:
- To be held on February 1, 2025
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany
- Conducted by RM Sotheby's
Vehicle Significance:
- First W 196 R Stromlinienwagen ever offered for private ownership
- One of four known W 196 Rs with streamlined bodywork from the 1955 F1 season
- Raced by legendary drivers Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss
Racing History:
- Debuted at 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, winning with Fangio
- Set fastest lap at 1955 Italian Grand Prix with Moss
Provenance:
- Part of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation collection since 1965
- Underwent two refinishes in 1980 and 2015
Expected Value:
- Estimated to sell for over €50,000,000 (approximately $85 million AUD)
- Could potentially set a new record for F1 car sales
Market Context:
- Follows the 2022 sale of a Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe for $143 million
This auction represents a rare opportunity for collectors to acquire one of the most significant Formula One cars in history, with a provenance and racing pedigree that justifies its extraordinary estimated value.
