A rare and historic 1954 Mercedes W 196 R Formula One car, famously driven by Sir Stirling Moss and five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, is poised to shatter auction records with an estimated value of £41 million. This remarkable piece of racing history will go under the hammer at an RM Sotheby’s auction in Stuttgart, Germany, on February 1.
A Legacy of Speed and Triumph
This exceptional car, bearing chassis number nine out of 54 produced, holds a storied past. It was one of the first streamliner-bodied W 196 R models made available for private ownership and played a pivotal role in motorsport history.
- Famous Drivers: Sir Stirling Moss set the fastest lap time in this car at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, while Fangio claimed victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, propelling him to his third world championship title that season.
- Iconic Design: Presented in its Monza livery, this Mercedes was last raced at the Italian Grand Prix in 1955.
Decades in Preservation
In 1965, the Mercedes was generously donated by the manufacturer to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has been meticulously preserved for nearly six decades. Now, it emerges as one of 11 landmark vehicles from the museum heading to auction.
Star Attractions Beyond the Mercedes
The auction will also feature other historic vehicles, including:
- Ferrari 250 LM: A Le Mans-winning icon.
- 1991 Benetton B191: The Formula 1 car driven by Michael Schumacher during his first full season with Benetton Racing.
The Anticipation Builds
Collectors and motorsport enthusiasts eagerly await this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of Formula One history. With its rich legacy and unparalleled provenance, the 1954 Mercedes W 196 R Formula One car is expected to not only break records but also reaffirm its place as one of the most valuable racing cars ever sold.
Whether for its legendary drivers, historic victories, or timeless design, this Mercedes is a true masterpiece of motorsport heritage.
