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Mercedes-Benz W196 R Streamliner sells for €51.1m

In a landmark event at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, RM Sotheby’s auctioned the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen, chassis number 00009/54, for €51,155,000, making it the second most valuable car ever sold at auction. This streamlined Silver Arrow, driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, is one of only four complete examples in existence.

The W196 R debuted in 1954, marking Mercedes-Benz’s return to Grand Prix racing. Equipped with a fuel-injected 2.5-litre straight-eight engine, it secured victories at Reims, Germany, Switzerland, and Italy, propelling Fangio to his second World Championship. Chassis 00009/54 was completed in late 1954 and entered the Formula Libre Buenos Aires Grand Prix in January 1955, where Fangio claimed overall victory. Later that year, Moss drove the car at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, setting the fastest lap despite mechanical issues.

Donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965 by Daimler-Benz AG, the car has been a highlight of the museum’s collection for nearly six decades. The proceeds from this sale will support the museum’s restoration efforts and future acquisitions.

This auction took place in the same room where, in 2022, RM Sotheby’s sold the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé for €135,000,000, the highest price ever achieved at auction. The W196 R’s sale underscores the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz’s Silver Arrows among collectors. Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage, remarked: ‘Without a doubt, our Silver Arrows are up there among the most iconic and sought-after vehicles ever built. They are the true shining stars in the firmament of motorsport and automotive history.’

Gord Duff, RM Sotheby’s Global Head of Auctions continued: ‘It’s hard to describe the significance of this sale. This car is simply one of the most important racing cars in history and it’s an honour for RM Sotheby’s to sell it so successfully to benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’. Joe Hale, the museum’s president confirmed that the proceeds will ensure the institution’s long-term sustainability and fund both restoration and expansion of its collection.