Introduction Mercedes-Benz has once again cemented its place in automotive history with the record-breaking sale of the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen. In an exclusive single-car auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, this legendary Grand Prix car fetched an astounding €51,155,000 ($53,017,370 US), making it the most valuable Grand Prix car ever sold and the second most expensive car to be auctioned publicly.
A Historic Sale at the Mercedes-Benz Museum The auction, conducted on February 1, 2025, attracted global collectors, each vying for the opportunity to own a piece of motorsport history. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which had been the custodian of this remarkable vehicle since 1965, auctioned it to support its restoration and collection efforts.
The sale places the W 196 R Stromlinienwagen second only to the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé,” which remains the most expensive car ever sold at public auction, fetching €135 million in 2022.
The Legacy of the W 196 R Stromlinienwagen The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R is a true icon of Grand Prix racing, developed to meet the new 1954 engine regulations limiting displacement to 2.5 liters. Driven by legendary racers such as Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, the W 196 R dominated the racing circuits, setting new benchmarks for speed, innovation, and performance.
Few race cars have achieved the reverence of the Silver Arrows, Mercedes-Benz’s famous racing machines from the pre- and post-war era. Their advanced aerodynamics and engineering prowess made them virtually unbeatable on the track.
A Milestone in Collector Car Auctions The auction saw intense bidding from elite collectors worldwide, with the final price reaffirming Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the collector car market. The historic sale was held in the same venue that witnessed the record-breaking sale of the 300 SLR “Uhlenhaut Coupé.”
Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, remarked:
“What a thrilling auction that was! This sleek-bodied, original W 196 R has now found a new home. Very few Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows are in private hands, and today’s sale underscores their significance. This €51,155,000 sale solidifies its place among the most iconic cars ever built.”
Gord Duff, Global Head of Auctions at RM Sotheby’s, emphasized:
“It’s hard to describe the significance of this sale. The W 196 R is simply one of the most important racing cars in history, and we are honored to have successfully auctioned it to benefit the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum.”
Impact on the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum Joe Hale, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, stated:
“The museum has been honored to care for and share the W 196 R, but today’s auction result is transformative. The proceeds will significantly contribute to our endowment, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our restoration and expansion projects.”
Conclusion With this landmark sale, Mercedes-Benz continues to hold an unrivaled position in the classic car auction world. The 1954 W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is not just a car; it is a symbol of racing excellence, innovation, and timeless engineering. As collectors and enthusiasts celebrate this historic moment, Mercedes-Benz’s legacy in motorsport and high-value classic cars remains unparalleled.
For more details on the auction and classic car sales, visit RM Sotheby’s official website.
