A historic Mercedes-Benz, driven by some of Formula One’s greatest drivers, is set to hit the auction block, with experts predicting it will fetch over AU$85 million.
The car in question is a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner, a rare model that revolutionized Formula One racing.
If it achieves the estimated sale price, it will not only set a new benchmark for the most expensive Formula One car ever auctioned but also far exceed the current record.
That record, held by another W 196 R with a different chassis number, stands at just over AU$32 million, set in 2013.
This Streamliner, offered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, represents a significant moment in automotive and motorsport history.
It is also the first Streamliner-bodied W 196 R ever made available for private purchase, adding to its allure among collectors.
A Racing Legend with Historic Roots
The W 196 R Streamliner debuted during the 1954 French Grand Prix, making an immediate impact with its cutting-edge design and performance.
Over the course of its career, it achieved remarkable success, cementing its place in motorsport history.
Notably, the car played a pivotal role in Juan Manuel Fangio’s second World Drivers’ Championship win. Fangio, widely regarded as one of the greatest drivers in Formula One history, drove this model to multiple victories.
Additionally, the legendary Sir Stirling Moss piloted the car during the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where he recorded the fastest lap of the race.
When the car was retired in 1955, only 10 examples of the W 196 R existed, making it one of the rarest and most coveted models in the world of Formula One.
An Auction Poised to Make History
The sale of this extraordinary vehicle is being handled by RM Sotheby’s, a leading auction house known for its record-breaking sales in the collector car market.
The auction is scheduled for February 2025 in Stuttgart, the home of Mercedes-Benz.
Given its rarity, historical significance, and connection to some of Formula One’s most iconic figures, this Streamliner is expected to draw intense interest from collectors and enthusiasts alike.
With its anticipated sale price set to shatter records, the W 196 R Streamliner stands not only as a symbol of automotive excellence but also as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mercedes-Benz in the world of motorsport.