For discerning collectors and automotive enthusiasts, the opportunity to acquire a vehicle of unparalleled historical significance is rare. Prepare to witness such an occasion as the breathtaking 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, a true icon of motorsport history, heads to auction. This isn’t just any classic car auction; it’s a chance to own a Mercedes-Benz auction car with an estimated value exceeding $52 million, potentially making it the second most expensive car ever sold at auction, only surpassed by the legendary Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe.
The Unprecedented Mercedes-Benz Auction
What elevates this Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen above other prestigious vehicles entering the auction block? It is the first-ever Streamliner-bodied W 196 R to be offered into private hands. This exclusivity, combined with its illustrious racing history, solidifies its exceptional value. Driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio, who would become a five-time Driver’s Champion, this very car secured victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, etching its name into racing folklore. This significant Mercedes-Benz auction will be hosted by RM Sotheby’s in a unique, single-car sale at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, on February 1st. The seller is the esteemed Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, adding further provenance to this remarkable offering.
Front three quarter view of the silver 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen race car, poised for auction.
A Legacy of Speed: The 1955 Monza Grand Prix
Beyond its Buenos Aires triumph, this chassis, numbered 00009/54, also graced the grid of the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Driven by the celebrated British racing driver Stirling Moss, it led the race briefly, ahead of even Fangio. While mechanical issues forced an unfortunate retirement, Moss still achieved the fastest lap of the day in this Silver Arrow. This particular vehicle is one of only four W 196 R Formula 1 race cars ever fitted with the distinctive enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen body for the 1954 and 1955 Formula 1 seasons, further underscoring its rarity and desirability within the realm of Mercedes-Benz auction cars. RM Sotheby’s aptly describes it as “Absolutely astonishing in every respect, from its advanced engineering and truly singular coachwork, to its remarkable history, this is a gem without parallel.”
Detailed view inside the cockpit of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, showcasing the driver’s seat and controls used by racing legends.
From Race Track to Museum and Back to the Market
In 1955, Mercedes-Benz dominated the racing circuit with its open-wheel W 196 R, powered by a potent 2.5-liter straight-eight engine. Fangio’s Buenos Aires victory was achieved with this configuration. However, the visionary Mercedes-Benz engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut recognized the potential for even greater speed on faster tracks. He conceived the Stromlinienwagen – a closed-wheel, streamlined iteration designed to maximize top speed. After its racing career concluded at Monza, chassis No. 00009/54 was retired to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. In a surprising act of automotive philanthropy in 1965, Mercedes-Benz donated this and three other Streamliners to prestigious museums worldwide. Chassis No. 00009/54 found its home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has remained until now, making its reappearance as a highlight of Mercedes-Benz auction events. Over the years, it has occasionally emerged from its underground storage for select VIP tours and public displays at events like the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance.
Close-up of the powerful M196 straight-eight engine within the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, highlighting its mechanical sophistication.
Engineering Marvel: The W 196 R Stromlinienwagen Design
The Stromlinienwagen body was meticulously handcrafted from Elektron magnesium alloy, resulting in a remarkably light weight of just 88 pounds. Mounted onto the W 196 R’s advanced tubular spaceframe chassis, this aerodynamic form allowed the car to reach a blistering top speed of 186 mph. The Streamliner made its competitive debut at the 1954 French Grand Prix in Reims, where a trio of these vehicles were entered. The race concluded with a dominant Mercedes-Benz 1-2 finish, with Fangio and teammate Karl Kling leading the pack. The engineering prowess behind this car is a key reason why it is such a sought-after piece in any Mercedes-Benz auction.
Action shot of Stirling Moss driving the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R on the banked Monza track during the 1955 Italian Grand Prix.
A Coveted Piece of Automotive History
This 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen represents more than just a car; it’s a tangible link to a golden era of motorsport and a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s engineering excellence. Throughout its time at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the car has been meticulously maintained. It underwent two mild restorations, the first in 1980, where it was refinished in its correct DB 180 Silver Metallic paint and Monza livery, and again in 2015 by Canepa Motorsports. The museum’s decision to sell this automotive treasure, along with other non-Indy related vehicles, is to refocus its collection on Indy 500 race cars and to support ongoing museum renovations. The proceeds from this and other Mercedes-Benz auction sales are projected to be substantial, ranging from $122 million to $160 million. This auction presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire a truly exceptional piece of automotive history.
Historic image capturing the starting grid of the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, featuring Stirling Moss in the No. 16 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen alongside Juan Manuel Fangio.
In conclusion, the upcoming Mercedes-Benz auction featuring the 1954 W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is an unmissable event for serious collectors. This is a rare chance to bid on a vehicle with unparalleled racing pedigree, driven by legends, and representing a pinnacle of automotive engineering and design. Don’t miss the opportunity to potentially own the second most valuable car ever to cross the auction block and a true jewel in the crown of Mercedes-Benz history.
Side profile of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen, emphasizing its sleek, aerodynamic lines and historic racing silhouette.
