Mercedes-Benz W196R Smashes F1 Auction Record with €51 Million Sale
The world of classic car auctions witnessed history as the Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner fetched a staggering €51,155,000 at auction, setting a new benchmark for the most valuable Formula 1 car ever sold. This iconic 1954 model, driven by legends Juan manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, more than doubled the previous record for an F1 car, cementing its place in automotive history.
The auction, held at the Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart, saw the chassis “00009/54″ go under the hammer. This particular Streamliner chassis, donated by Mercedes-Benz and exhibited at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1965, was sold to a private individual for the frist time. The sale was brokered by RM Sotheby’s, wich announced the final price of €51,155,000 after including the buyer’s premium.
This sale not only makes the W196R Streamliner the most valuable F1 car in history but also the second most valuable car ever sold at auction, trailing only the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched $142 million in 2022 [1].
A Legacy of Speed and Innovation
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The W196R Streamliner is a marvel of engineering, featuring a long-wheelbase chassis with bodywork designed to cover the open wheels, enhancing performance on low-downforce circuits. Its rarity and past significance where further amplified by its association with Fangio, who drove this chassis to victory at the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix, and Moss, who piloted it at Monza that same year.
RM Sotheby’s described the chassis as “straightforward and untouched,” a testament to its pristine condition and historical authenticity. The car’s value was further bolstered by its donation to the IMS Museum, where it remained a centerpiece for decades.
Breaking Records
This auction marks the second time a Mercedes-Benz W196R has been sold, but the first in its Streamliner specification. The previous sale of a W196R at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed fetched £19.6 million, a figure dwarfed by this latest achievement.
Key Highlights of the Auction
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| model | 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner |
| Chassis | “00009/54” |
| Drivers | Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss |
| Auction House | RM Sotheby’s |
| Final Price | €51,155,000 (including buyer’s premium) |
| Previous Record | £19.6 million (2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed) |
| Historical Significance | Second most valuable car ever sold, after the Mercedes 300 SLR uhlenhaut Coupé [2] |
A new Benchmark
The sale of the W196R Streamliner not only highlights the enduring allure of Mercedes-benz’s racing heritage but also underscores the growing market for historically meaningful F1 cars. As collectors and enthusiasts continue to seek out these rare pieces of automotive history, the W196R stands as a testament to the golden age of motorsport.
For more insights into the world of Formula 1 and Mercedes-Benz’s racing legacy, explore our dedicated sections on F1 and Mercedes F1.
This landmark auction is a reminder of the timeless appeal of classic racing cars and their ability to captivate the imagination of collectors worldwide.
Q&A: The Historic Auction of the Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner
Editor: The Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner recently made headlines after its record-breaking auction. Can you provide some context about this iconic car and its significance in the world of motorsport?
Guest: Absolutely! The Mercedes-benz W196R Streamliner is a legendary Formula 1 car from the 1954 season. It’s renowned for its innovative design, featuring a long-wheelbase chassis and streamlined bodywork that covered the open wheels. This design was notably effective on low-downforce circuits, enhancing aerodynamics and speed. the car is also famous for being driven by motorsport legends Juan Manuel Fangio, who won the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix wiht it, and Stirling Moss, who raced it at Monza in the same year. Its blend of engineering brilliance and past significance makes it a cornerstone of motorsport history.
Editor: The chassis “00009/54” sold for an astonishing €51,155,000, making it the most valuable F1 car ever auctioned. What makes this particular chassis so special?
Guest: This chassis is unique for several reasons. First, it’s one of only a handful of W196R Streamliners ever produced, making it exceptionally rare.Second, it has an impeccable provenance, having been donated by Mercedes-Benz to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965, where it was a centerpiece for over five decades. Its “untouched and straightforward” condition, as described by RM Sotheby’s, adds to its allure. its association with iconic drivers like Fangio and Moss and its role in historic victories further elevate its status. All these factors combined to make it a highly sought-after piece of automotive history.
Editor: How does this sale compare to previous auctions of the W196R or other historically important cars?
Guest: This sale is groundbreaking. Prior to this, a W196R was sold at the 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed for £19.6 million, which was a record at the time. Though,this latest auction more than doubled that figure,solidifying the W196R Streamliner as the most valuable F1 car in history. It also ranks as the second most valuable car ever sold at auction, trailing only the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched $142 million in 2022. This demonstrates the growing market for historically significant racing cars and the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s racing heritage.
Editor: What does this auction mean for the future of classic F1 car collecting?
Guest: This sale sets a new benchmark in the world of classic car collecting. It underscores the increasing appetite among collectors for rare, historically significant vehicles, particularly those with ties to motorsport’s golden age. As these cars become scarcer and their stories more cherished, their value is highly likely to continue rising. The W196R Streamliner is a prime example of how provenance, rarity, and historical significance can drive demand. I believe this auction will inspire enthusiasts and investors alike to seek out and preserve other iconic pieces of racing history.
Editor: Where can enthusiasts learn more about Mercedes-Benz’s racing legacy and Formula 1 history?
Guest: For those interested in diving deeper into this captivating world, I recommend exploring dedicated sections on F1 and Mercedes F1. These resources offer a wealth of information about the evolution of formula 1 and Mercedes-Benz’s pivotal role in shaping its history.Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a casual fan, there’s always more to discover about these unbelievable machines and the legends who drove them.
Conclusion
The sale of the Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner chassis “00009/54” marks a historic moment in the world of motorsport and classic car collecting. Its record-breaking auction price highlights the enduring appeal of Formula 1’s golden age and Mercedes-Benz’s unparalleled racing legacy. As the most valuable F1 car ever sold, it serves as a testament to the innovation, skill, and passion that defined an era of racing. This landmark event cements the W196R Streamliner as a timeless icon, captivating collectors and enthusiasts around the globe.
