Home / Social media / News / The stunning 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen just sold for over nine hundred ninety million Rand.

THE STUNNING 1954 MERCEDES-BENZ W 196 R STROMLINIENWAGEN JUST SOLD FOR OVER NINE HUNDRED NINETY MILLION RAND.

Published: 2025-02-02 10:52:48 Last Updated: 2025-02-02 11:33:59

The world of classic motorsport has just witnessed a historic moment as an ultra-rare 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner sold for a staggering €51,155,000 (including premiums) at auction. This sale not only set a new benchmark for Formula One cars but also placed the vehicle among the most valuable automobiles ever to cross the auction block. This particular W 196 R, bearing chassis number 00009/54, was a key piece of racing history, having once been driven by legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. The car had been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s collection for nearly 60 years, a gift from Daimler-Benz AG in 1965. The auction, which saw intense bidding both in person and over the phone, concluded with a final hammer price that underscored the enduring value of motorsport heritage. The W 196 R was Mercedes-Benz’s weapon of choice for its return to Grand Prix racing in 1954. Following the devastating aftermath of World War II, Mercedes sought to reclaim its pre-war dominance in motorsport, and the W 196 R was designed to do just that. It introduced numerous technological innovations that were ahead of their time, including a fuel-injected, 2.5-litre straight-eight engine, desmodromic valve actuation (a system with no traditional valve springs), and a lightweight spaceframe chassis. Chassis 00009/54 was originally built as an open-wheel monoposto but later received the striking Stromlinienwagen (Streamliner) bodywork, crafted from Elektron magnesium alloy. The entire shell weighed just over 40 kg, contributing to a top speed of nearly 300 km/h - an astronomical figure for its era. The aerodynamic efficiency of the Streamliner gave Mercedes an edge on high-speed circuits like Monza, where drag reduction played a crucial role in performance This very car played a role in some of the most significant races of its time. In the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio, it secured victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, cementing Mercedes’ place at the forefront of Formula One. Later that year, Stirling Moss set the fastest lap with it at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, showcasing both the power and aerodynamic advantage of the Streamliner body. The W 196 R helped Fangio secure his second consecutive World Championship in 1955, marking the peak of Mercedes’ dominance before it withdrew from Grand Prix racing at the end of that season.

The Silver Arrows had proven their point, and their retirement left an enduring legacy that continues to captivate enthusiasts and collectors alike. After its competitive career ended, chassis 00009/54 embarked on a different journey - one of preservation and public display. In 1964, the Mercedes-Benz Club of America engaged in discussions with Daimler-Benz, leading to the car’s donation to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965. It was formally presented during the Indianapolis 500 weekend, where it was driven by racing veteran Peter DePaolo as a tribute to his uncle, Ralph DePalma, who had famously won the 1915 Indy 500. For nearly six decades, this Silver Arrow was a highlight of the museum’s collection, drawing enthusiasts from around the world. It was showcased at prestigious events such as the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance, the Petersen Automotive Museum reopening, and the Sonoma Speed Festival, ensuring its legacy remained in the public eye. With so few W 196 R models in private hands, this sale was a rare and momentous occasion. The bidding war that unfolded reflected the car’s status as one of the most important racing machines ever built. The final figure - over €51 million - places this Streamliner among the highest-valued cars in history, alongside other record-setters such as the Ferrari 250 GTO. Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, commented on the significance of the sale: “Our Silver Arrows are among the most iconic and sought-after vehicles ever built. This W 196 R is a true shining star in motorsport history, and we are proud to see its legacy continue.” While the buyer remains anonymous, there is hope that this Silver Arrow will continue to make appearances at automotive gatherings rather than disappearing into a private collection. The preservation of such vehicles is crucial to keeping motorsport history alive, allowing new generations to appreciate the engineering and achievements of an era that defined modern Formula One. As for the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the funds from the sale will go toward its ongoing renovation and expansion, ensuring that future generations of racing fans can experience the rich history of motorsport. For now, the W 196 R Streamliner remains what it has always been - a masterpiece of speed, innovation, and history. And with a price tag of over 990 million Rand from the RM Sotheby's auction, it’s safe to say that some legends truly are priceless.

Take a look at the YouTube video that shows this stunning - and ridiculously valuable - classic Mercedes-Benz Formula One car being driven by the big boss of the Mercedes-AMG F1 team, Toto Wolff. Being the boss has it's perks: Toto Drives the Legendary Mercedes W 196 | Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team

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Article Tags: News Record Auction RM Sothebys W 196 R Stromlinienwagen Mercedes-Benz