A 1955 Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen, one of the most iconic and rare Formula 1 cars in history, is poised to smash the record for the most expensive grand prix car ever sold at auction. The sleek silver “Streamliner”, driven to victory by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, will cross the block at RM Sotheby’s in Stuttgart on Saturday with a target price exceeding $52 million.
This particular W196 R, chassis number 00009/54, is one of only four complete streamline-bodied examples in existence. It was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum by Mercedes in 1965 and is now being offered for sale to raise funds for the museum’s restoration efforts. The IMS is hoping to refocus its collection on American racing history.
Driven by Legends
The illustrious racing pedigree of this Mercedes masterpiece is undeniable. Five-time Formula 1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio drove it to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix in its open-wheel configuration. Later that season, the great Stirling Moss piloted the streamlined version at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, setting the fastest lap with an astonishing average speed of 215.7 kph before ultimately retiring.
“Without any doubt, it’s the most beautiful race car in the world and ever. Nothing can compare. It’s simply a masterpiece of style and design.”
– Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz heritage
A Timeless Masterpiece
The W196 R represents the pinnacle of the “Silver Arrows” era, when Mercedes dominated grand prix racing in the years surrounding World War II. Its elegant streamlined shape, fully enclosed wheels, and advanced engineering made it a world-beater in 1954 and 1955.
Breitschwerdt believes returning this automotive icon to operating condition would not pose a major challenge:
“I wouldn’t expect that it’s too much of an effort to get it back to driving condition. And we gladly will offer whoever buys the car to do it for them.”
Most Expensive F1 Car?
If the W196 R reaches its lofty $52+ million estimate, it will easily surpass the current record holder for most valuable grand prix car sold at auction, another ex-Fangio Mercedes W196 that fetched $29 million in 2013.
While likely falling short of the overall automotive auction benchmark set by a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe that sold for an eye-watering $143 million last year, the W196 R Streamliner is still expected to make history as the first eight-figure Formula 1 car.
Stuttgart Showdown
All eyes will be on RM Sotheby’s Stuttgart auction on Saturday as this “Holy Grail” of motorsport crosses the block. With its impeccable provenance, stunning beauty, and historical significance, the 1955 Mercedes W196 R Streamliner is undoubtedly one of the crown jewels of Formula 1 history. A record-shattering sale seems all but assured for this silver dream machine once driven by the sport’s greatest heroes.
