Legendary Mercedes W196 R Sets Record at Auction: £42.75 Million

The world of motorsport witnessed a remarkable event as a legendary Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen, once driven by racing icons Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, fetched a groundbreaking £42.75 million (€51.155 million) at auction. This extraordinary sale took place at the Mercedes museum in Stuttgart, Germany, hosted by RM Sotheby's on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS).

The Car's Rich Heritage

The silver W196 R is not merely a car; it is a piece of Formula 1 history. Juan Manuel Fangio, a five-time Formula 1 champion from Argentina, drove this magnificent machine to victory during the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix. Later that same year, Britain's own Stirling Moss took the wheel at the prestigious Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where he set the fastest lap at an astounding average speed of 134mph before unfortunately retiring from the race.

Record-Breaking Auction

This remarkable car has now earned the title of the most expensive grand prix vehicle ever sold, eclipsing the previous record held by another Fangio-driven Mercedes W196 which was auctioned for £19.6 million at Goodwood in 2013. With only four of these iconic cars in existence, the W196 R had a staggering estimated price of over €50 million, eventually concluding the bidding at €46.5 million, which included the buyer's premium.

Historic Significance

It's important to understand the broader significance of such sales. Jason Vansickle, the curator at IMS, remarked, "It's a beautiful car, it's a very historic car, it's just a little bit outside our scope window." This auction not only highlights the immense value assigned to rare racing cars but also their emotional and historical significance within the sport.

Conclusion

The W196 R continues to symbolize the golden age of Formula 1 racing, combining unmatched performance with an illustrious legacy that resonates with fans and collectors alike. As the second most valuable car ever sold at auction—behind the 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which went for €135 million (£113 million) in May 2022—its sale serves as a reminder of the sport's rich history and the enduring allure of its legendary vehicles.