Iconic Mercedes Smashes F1 Auction Record with €51M Sale
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The Mercedes W196R sets a new Formula 1 auction record with a €51 million sale, making it the most expensive F1 car ever sold.
The Mercedes W196R has become the most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold at auction, achieving a record-breaking €51.155 million sale.
F1 Car Auction Record Set with Historic Sale
The legendary 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Stromlinienwagen shattered previous records, more than doubling the price of the previous most expensive F1 car. The earlier record was set in 2013 when another W196R sold for £19.6 million at the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Historic Chassis Driven by Fangio and Moss
The auctioned chassis, 00009/54, was driven by Formula 1 icons Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. The car was first used by Fangio to secure a victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix in his home country of Argentina. Later that year, Moss piloted the same chassis at Monza’s 10-kilometer banked layout, a historic circuit no longer in use.
This particular model was the first Stromlinienwagen (or ‘Streamliner’) chassis to be sold at a private auction. It had been on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1965 after being donated by Mercedes.
What Makes the Mercedes W196R So Valuable?
The W196R was designed with innovative aerodynamics, featuring a streamlined body and extended wheelbase optimized for low-downforce circuits. Its rarity, championship-winning history, and association with legendary drivers have significantly increased its value over time.
Record-Breaking Auction at Mercedes-Benz Headquarters
The auction was hosted at Mercedes-Benz headquarters in Stuttgart and conducted by RM Sotheby’s. The car initially went under the hammer at €46.5 million, but with the buyer’s premium included, the final sale price was confirmed at €51.155 million ($55.3 million).
This sale cements the W196R as the most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold at auction and the second most valuable car in history. The only car to surpass it is the 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which was sold for an astounding $142 million.
Conclusion: A New Benchmark in F1 Auctions
The record-breaking sale of the Mercedes W196R highlights the increasing value of historic Formula 1 cars among collectors. With its impeccable provenance, championship-winning history, and iconic drivers, this vehicle has set a new standard for F1 memorabilia.
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