Mercedes-Benz W 196 R fetches staggering R989m at auction
Built for the 1954 and 1955 Formula One season, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R is one of only four ‘Streamliner’ versions still in existence.
A 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, driven by racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, has become the most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold, fetching a staggering R989.22m at a recent RM Sotheby’s auction.
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This particular W 196 R is one of only four ‘Streamliner’ versions still in existence, making it exceptionally rare. Its significance is amplified by its racing pedigree. Fangio drove this very car to victory in the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, a pivotal race in his championship-winning season. The car also saw action under the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, who set the fastest lap at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza in its final competitive outing.
The W 196 R’s was built for the 1954 and 1955 Formula One season. The German team decided to run two different bodies on the car, depending on the layout of the track. The cars featured a traditional open-wheel layout or tight and twisty circuits, while the ‘Stromlinienwagen’ (streamlined) bodywork was fitted for fast track where maximum aero was required. Beneath its sleek exterior lies a 2.5l eight-cylinder engine producing 216kW.
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Offered from the prestigious Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Collection, the W 196 R carried a pre-auction estimate exceeding €50 million (R967 527 000). The intense bidding that followed pushed the final price far beyond expectations, underscoring the car’s desirability among collectors.
This record-breaking sale reflects the W 196 R’s unique combination of rarity and historical significance. It’s a tangible piece of motorsport history, driven by two of the greatest drivers to ever grace the track. The auction not only highlights the enduring allure of classic racing cars but also solidifies the W 196 R’s ‘legend’ status. The final price of R989.22m serves as a powerful reminder of the golden age of motorsport.
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