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

Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to Auction Rare Cars in $100 Million+ Fundraising Push

Carl Smith by Carl Smith
January 31, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to Auction Rare Cars in $100 Million+ Fundraising Push

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum is gearing up for a historic auction, parting ways with 11 of its most valuable cars in a move that could generate over $100 million.

Partnering with RM Sotheby’s, the museum is set to offload ultra-rare, high-value vehicles, many of which lack direct Indianapolis 500 history but represent some of the most iconic machines in motorsport. The funds raised will be used to secure the museum’s long-term viability and enhance its collection.

Why Is IMS Museum Selling Its Most Valuable Cars?

The IMS Museum, an independent entity not included in Roger Penske’s 2020 purchase of the Speedway, has been undergoing a major $89 million renovation since November 2023. To ensure its future sustainability, museum officials made the tough decision to de-access and sell select cars that do not align directly with the museum’s Indy 500-focused mission.

“The proceeds from the sale will allow us to create a robust endowment that will ensure the Museum’s long-term viability,” IMS Museum’s Kara Kovert Pray said.

The funds will not go toward the renovation but will instead be used to restore and acquire new cars, care for existing collections, and strengthen the museum’s cultural significance.

What Cars Are Being Sold?

The 11 cars heading to auction include some of the rarest and most coveted vehicles in motorsport history. While the IMS Museum has historically been home to IndyCar legends, these vehicles stem from Formula 1, endurance racing, and land-speed record history.

Among the most anticipated headline sales:

  • 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R – One of the most legendary F1 cars ever, driven by Juan Manuel Fangio. (Set for auction in Germany on Feb. 1.)
  • 1964 Ferrari 250 LM – A prized Ferrari sports racer with an expected eight-figure price tag. (To be auctioned in Paris on Feb. 4-5.)
  • Various high-value vintage race cars (To be auctioned in Miami on Feb. 27-28.)

If top-dollar estimates are met, the total could exceed $106 million, making it one of the biggest motorsport-related auctions in history.

What’s the Controversy?

While the sale aims to secure the museum’s long-term success, some motorsport fans worry about the loss of variety in the collection.

With the IMS Museum traditionally displaying Indy 500-focused vehicles, these Formula 1, land speed, and endurance racing cars brought variety and a broader motorsport appeal. Selling them may make the museum’s lineup more predictable, reducing the mix of global racing history.

However, officials remain committed to using the funds to acquire new vehicles and expand the Indy 500 legacy within the collection.

A Bold Move to Secure the Future

This nine-figure fundraising effort represents a significant shift for the IMS Museum, one that could ultimately preserve and enhance its legendary collection while ensuring it remains a cultural landmark for generations to come.

With some of the most valuable race cars in history heading to auction, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see just how high the bidding will go.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

Lewis Hamilton: The Comeback King? A Riveting Look at His 2026 F1 Future! As the dust settles on a transformative...

by Carl Harrison
February 18, 2026
Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive
Motorsports

Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

Riley Herbst Rises from the Ashes: Daytona 500 Chaos Fuels His Determination In a heart-pounding display that encapsulated the very...

by Simon Monroy
February 18, 2026
Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes
Motorsports

Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

Zane Smith's Daytona 500 Dream Derailed: A Mixed Bag of Triumph and Disappointment In a thrilling showdown at the Daytona...

by Redação
February 18, 2026
Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?
Motorsports

Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

Fernando Alonso Sounds Alarm for Aston Martin: "It Could Be Too Late!" In a stunning admission that has sent shockwaves...

by Publisher
February 18, 2026

Recent News

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

Lewis Hamilton’s epic comeback in F1 2026: will new regulations ignite his winning streak?

February 18, 2026
Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

Riley Herbst battles chaos at Daytona 500: a wild finish that defines his drive

February 18, 2026
Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

Zane Smith’s epic Daytona 500 battle: a thrilling points day ignites championship hopes

February 18, 2026
Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

Fernando Alonso ignites hope amid Aston Martin’s dire F1 2026 predictions: is it too late?

February 18, 2026

Newsletter

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

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
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.