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.