Historic Mercedes F1 Car Raced by Fangio and Moss Sells for Record £42.75 Million
A legendary piece of Formula 1 history has shattered records, with a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen selling for an astonishing £42.75 million (€51.15 million) at auction. This iconic car, driven by racing greats Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, played a crucial role in shaping F1’s golden era and remains one of the most revered machines in motorsport history.
A Record-Breaking Sale
The auction, conducted by Sotheby’s, marked the highest price ever paid for a Grand Prix car. Initially estimated to exceed €50 million, the car’s final sale price places it as the second most valuable vehicle ever auctioned, behind the 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe. This exceptional price underlines the car’s unmatched historical significance and desirability among collectors.
Historical Importance and Racing Pedigree
The W 196 R, featuring distinctive Streamliner coachwork, is one of only four models of its kind. Fangio last drove this particular car in the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, a crucial part of his championship-winning season. It also set the stage for Stirling Moss’s fastest lap at the Italian Grand Prix, further cementing its legacy in motorsport history.
For decades, this rare machine had been meticulously preserved at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, maintaining its pristine condition since 1965. The sale has drawn attention not just from collectors but also from historians and motorsport enthusiasts who recognize its cultural and sporting importance.
Impact on the Collector Market
While this sale is a testament to the enduring appeal of classic racing cars, some critics caution that such astronomical prices could inflate the market. The high valuation of the W 196 R may set a precedent, leading to increased prices for other historic racing machines and potentially reshaping auction dynamics.
What’s Next for Classic Motorsport Collectibles?
This historic sale may fuel a surge in the value of other classic racing cars, attracting more collectors and investors to motorsport memorabilia. Given the significance of F1 history, it is likely that demand for similar vintage vehicles will continue to rise, solidifying their place as prized assets in the world of luxury auctions.
The Bottom Line
The record-breaking sale of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R not only honors the legacies of Fangio and Moss but also highlights the enduring fascination with motorsport’s greatest achievements. As collectors and historians reflect on this remarkable transaction, the cultural and historical impact of such iconic machines remains as powerful as ever.