This 1954 Mercedes-Benz Racer Could Break Auction Records
Known as the Streamliner, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen race car is revving up for auction with a jaw-dropping estimated value of over $52 million. With its cutting-edge design and legendary track record, this piece of motorsport history is poised to become one of the most valuable cars ever sold.
A Legendary Machine Up for Auction
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is an iconic race car with a winding road of history. In February, it heads to auction with an estimated value exceeding $52 million. Known as the Streamliner, this car carries a legacy of victories and innovation, driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. If it achieves its expected price, it will become the second most expensive car ever sold at auction.
The most expensive car? The 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for a hair-raising $142 million in 2022.
The Streamliner’s Racing Legacy
The Streamliner’s remarkable value is predominantly attributable to its racing pedigree. The car played a pivotal role in motorsport history, securing a win at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix with Fangio at the helm. The Streamliner also competed at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, where Stirling Moss set the fastest lap despite retiring due to mechanical issues. As one of only four Formula 1 race cars equipped with the streamlined Stromlinienwagen body, its aerodynamic design oozed Mercedes-Benz’s engineering ingenuity.
How Did the Streamliner Push Engineering Boundaries?
Under the hood of this Silver Arrow is a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine capable of reaching 186 mph, wrapped in a sleek magnesium alloy body that weighs just 88 pounds. Designed for speed and agility, this car revolutionized how Formula 1 cars were built for high-speed circuits.
Why Is the Streamliner Up for Auction?
The Streamliner has been a part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum since 1965. Now, the museum plans to focus on Indy 500 artifacts and use the auction proceeds to support its $89 million renovation. This car’s sale will help secure the museum’s future.
What’s Next for the Streamliner?
On February 1, 2025, this legendary car will go under the hammer at a special auction hosted by RM Sotheby’s in Stuttgart, Germany. There, it’s expected to smash records and join the ranks of the most expensive cars in history. The auction will be a one-car event, and proceeds will help the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum focus on Indy 500-related artifacts and fund its ongoing renovations.