AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

F1 History on Auction: Iconic 1955 Mercedes W 196 R Could Fetch Over $55 Million

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
November 25, 2024
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
F1 History on Auction: Iconic 1955 Mercedes W 196 R Could Fetch Over $55 Million

 One of the most legendary cars in Formula One history is about to make waves in the auction world. The 1955 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, a racing masterpiece with a storied past, is being offered by RM Sotheby’s in what promises to be a record-setting sale. Dubbed the Stromlinienwagen for its aerodynamic, streamlined bodywork, this rare gem represents an era when automakers were unshackled by modern regulations, free to innovate and create iconic designs.


Racing Pedigree Like No Other

The W 196 R was no ordinary race car—it was a machine crafted for domination. Making its debut at the Buenos Aires Grand Prix in January 1955, this particular car, chassis No. 9, was driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, securing a 1-2 victory for Mercedes-Benz. Later that year, it marked its final competitive outing at the Italian Grand Prix, where Sir Stirling Moss claimed another 1-2 finish and the fastest lap of the race.

These triumphs cement the W 196 R’s legacy as one of the most successful and innovative Formula One cars of its time, dominating the grid during the mid-1950s and exemplifying engineering excellence.


A Rare Opportunity for Collectors

Unlike its peers, which remained under Mercedes’ ownership, this W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is one of only four streamlined examples known to exist from the 1955 Formula One season. This car was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, where it has been meticulously preserved for decades. Having undergone two refinishes during its life, it now stands as a pristine relic of F1’s golden age.

RM Sotheby’s describes this car as the only Stromlinienwagen ever offered for private sale, making it a truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors. The auction house has placed its value “in excess of $55 million”, reflecting its unparalleled history and significance in motorsport.


Echoes of the Uhlenhaut Coupé

The staggering value is not without precedent. In 2022, Mercedes shattered records when it sold the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé—another historic race car—for an eye-watering $143 million, becoming the most expensive car ever sold. While the W 196 R might not command that astronomical sum, its role in Formula One lore and its connection to legendary drivers like Fangio and Moss ensure it remains a coveted treasure.


Innovation on Four Wheels

The W 196 R represented the cutting edge of mid-century automotive engineering. It introduced features that were revolutionary for the time, including streamlined aerodynamics, a tubular space frame chassis, and advanced fuel injection technology. These innovations not only set the standard for Mercedes but also redefined what was possible in Formula One racing.


An Icon of Motorsport History

The Stromlinienwagen stands as a testament to an era of unbridled creativity and domination in motorsport. Its streamlined design, historic victories, and connection to racing legends have immortalized it in the annals of Formula One history. Now, as it goes under the hammer, the car is poised to set a new benchmark for collectible race cars.

For motorsport enthusiasts and collectors alike, this auction isn’t just about owning a car—it’s about owning a piece of racing immortality.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Oliver Rowland’s Triumph: Unprecedented Formula E Victory Defying All Odds
Formula E

Oliver Rowland’s Triumph: Unprecedented Formula E Victory Defying All Odds

Oliver Rowland's Triumph: Unveiling the Winning Mindset Behind Nissan's Formula E Victory In the fast-paced realm of Formula E, Oliver...

by Harry Bright
July 17, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Explosive Defense of Josh Berry Sparks NASCAR Code Controversy
Motorsports

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Explosive Defense of Josh Berry Sparks NASCAR Code Controversy

Brian Fluharty

by Virgilio Machado
July 17, 2025
IndyCar Community Unites in Heroic Effort to Save JHR after Devastating Transporter Fire
IndyCar

IndyCar Community Unites in Heroic Effort to Save JHR after Devastating Transporter Fire

IndyCar Racing Teams Unite in a Show of Solidarity for JHR Following Devastating Transporter Fire In a heartwarming display of...

by Miguel Cunha
July 17, 2025
Ralf Schumacher Unleashes Explosive Prediction: Red Bull’s Shocking Game-Changer Revealed!
Motorsports

Ralf Schumacher Unleashes Explosive Prediction: Red Bull’s Shocking Game-Changer Revealed!

Wolfgang Wilhelm

by James Taylor
July 17, 2025

Recent News

Oliver Rowland’s Triumph: Unprecedented Formula E Victory Defying All Odds

Oliver Rowland’s Triumph: Unprecedented Formula E Victory Defying All Odds

July 17, 2025
Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Explosive Defense of Josh Berry Sparks NASCAR Code Controversy

Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s Explosive Defense of Josh Berry Sparks NASCAR Code Controversy

July 17, 2025
IndyCar Community Unites in Heroic Effort to Save JHR after Devastating Transporter Fire

IndyCar Community Unites in Heroic Effort to Save JHR after Devastating Transporter Fire

July 17, 2025
Ralf Schumacher Unleashes Explosive Prediction: Red Bull’s Shocking Game-Changer Revealed!

Ralf Schumacher Unleashes Explosive Prediction: Red Bull’s Shocking Game-Changer Revealed!

July 17, 2025

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

Enable Notifications OK No thanks