Its estimated worth exceeds $55 million
In the early days of Formula One, automakers faced minimal design restrictions, long before strict regulations made cars resemble near-identical copies. Seizing this creative freedom, Mercedes-Benz introduced the W 196 R in the mid-1950s—an open-seat race car capable of sporting streamlined bodywork, dubbed the Stromlinienwagen. Now, RM Sotheby’s is offering a remarkable example with an impressive history.
This car debuted at the Buenos Aires Grand Prix in January 1955, where Juan Manuel Fangio drove the No. 9 chassis to a commanding 1-2 victory. Its racing career concluded on a high note with Sir Stirling Moss at the wheel, securing another 1-2 finish and the fastest lap at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix.
Mercedes originally kept all 10 surviving W 196 models after their racing campaigns, maintaining them in running condition. Over time, however, the automaker donated four of them, including chassis No. 9. This particular car was given to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, where it has remained, undergoing two refinishes during its lifetime.
According to RM Sotheby’s, this is the only Stromlinienwagen ever made available for private sale, and one of just four W 196 Rs to feature streamlined bodywork at the close of the 1955 F1 season. RM estimates its value at “in excess of $55,000,000.”
This auction follows the record-breaking sale of a Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe just two years ago. One of only two ever built, it sold for an astonishing $143 million, becoming the world’s most expensive car. While the W 196 may not be as rare, its unparalleled racing pedigree makes RM’s valuation entirely believable.
