The Mercedes W196 R is one of only four complete examples in existence, auctioned by Sotheby's on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) with an initial bid of over $52 million, and a final bid of $53.2 million.
The Mercedes W196 R is one of only four complete examples in existence.
The most expensive Grand Prix car sold at auction to date was Fangio's ex-1954 Mercedes W196, which sold for $29.6 million at Goodwood in 2013.
The first slimline W196 R sold for private ownership, driven by Fangio to victory in the 1955 Buenos Aires Formula 1 Grand Prix.
The W196 R set the fastest lap at an average speed of 215.7 km/h in Italy. However, Mercedes withdrew from motorsport in 1955 after the Le Mans 24 Hours disaster that killed 84 people. Mercedes returned to Formula 1 as an engine manufacturer in 1994.
The W196 R is displayed in grey paint with full documentation.
"Without a doubt, this is the most beautiful racing car ever made. There is no comparison. It is simply a masterpiece of style and design," Marcus Breitschwerdt, head of Mercedes-Benz heritage, told Reuters.
"It's very fast. The actual top speed is over 300 km/h. I don't think it would take much effort to restore the car to its original condition. And we would be happy to do that for anyone who buys this car," Marcus added.
Five-time Formula 1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio drives a W196 R on track in 1955
The car, chassis number 00009/54, was donated to IMS by Mercedes in 1965 and is being sold to raise funds for the Indianapolis museum’s restoration efforts. With a focus on the U.S. market, the museum will sell a total of 11 cars from its collection at three separate auctions this year.
Mercedes 'Silver Arrows' dominated the pre- and post-World War II era of Grand Prix racing with the W196 R model beating all rivals in 1954 and 1955. Only four of the 14 W196 Rs built remain, including the one up for auction.
Source: https://thanhnien.vn/chiec-mercedes-w196-r-doi-1955-pha-ky-luc-dau-gia-185250202091240759.htm
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