Priceless 1954 Mercedes-Benz F1 Car Could Fetch Over $75M at Auction
RM Sotheby’s will auction quite a piece of collection on February 1, 2025, namely the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen (chassis number 00009/54) that helped the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio win the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix and was also piloted by other celebrated drivers including Stirling Moss.
Over the past 59 years, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum took fastidious care of the car before recently shipping it back to Germany where it will be offered for private ownership—a first for a Streamliner-bodied W 196 R.
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It also happens to be one of four known complete examples—out of a total of just 14—that were mounted with the exquisite factory-built enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 F1 season. The livery, complete with race #16 in white roundels, matches the one from the Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
During its six decades on North American soil, the W 196 R was occasionally invited to attend important exhibitions, such as the 1996 Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance and even the 2003 Canadian International AutoShow in Toronto. Most recently, it was part of the Mercedes-Benz display at the 2024 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance. In the interest of a true educational mission, however, the car has never been submitted for judging at concours events.
Oh, and check out the purpose-developed M196 engine: a straight-eight configuration displacing 2,494 cc that was essentially two four-cylinder motors in unison. Initially rated at 257 horsepower, it was gradually improved over two seasons to 290 horsepower. The rear-mounted five-speed gearbox is actuated by a single-disc dry clutch.
RM Sotheby’s makes it clear: this 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is a bona fide competition legend, a diamond of extraordinary cut. It’s estimated to be worth over 50 million euros, or $74 million CAD. We’ll see the result on February 1.
Remember, two years ago, a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut (chassis number 0008/55) was sold for a record-breaking 135 million euros at a private sale. It was one of only two units ever made and named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, head of the test department at Mercedes-Benz back in the day.
