In a landmark RM SOTHEBY’S auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen set a new record, selling for EUR 51,155,000 (US $53,017,370), making it the most valuable Grand Prix car ever sold. The iconic car, chassis number 00009/54, was sold by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which was gifted the vehicle in 1965 by Daimler-Benz AG.

The W 196 R, a key figure in racing history, was originally designed to comply with new 1954 engine regulations and quickly became dominant on the track, driven by legends like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

This sale makes the W 196 R the second most valuable car ever sold at auction, behind only the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which RM Sotheby’s sold for EUR 135 million ($145.5 million) in 2022.

Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, described the sale as a significant milestone for the Silver Arrows. Gord Duff, RM Sotheby’s Global Head of Auctions, called it one of the most important racing cars in history. The proceeds will support the ongoing expansion and restoration efforts at Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which is closed for a major overhaul until April.

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