F1: 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen Fetches a Record-breaking €51 Million at Auction

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen, the iconic Formula 1 car driven by Juan Manuel Fangio to victory in Argentina and by Sir Stirling Moss in Italy, has set a new record as the most expensive F1 car ever sold. This historic race car, pivotal in Fangio’s third F1 World Championship, was auctioned for a staggering €51 million (approximately Rs 458 crore) at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart on February 1, 2025.

One of only four W196 R models with the rare Streamliner bodywork, this masterpiece was the first to be made available for private ownership. Its rich motorsport heritage, extreme rarity, and timeless design contributed to the record-breaking sale. More than just a classic racing car, the Mercedes-Benz W196 R remains a symbol of 1950s Formula 1 dominance, solidifying its status as one of the most sought-after collectable F1 cars in history.

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Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH, said: 'Very few Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows are privately owned. Today the hammer fell at €51.155.000 /$53.917.370. This makes it the most valuable Grand Prix racing car in the world and close behind the all-time champion Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR ‘Uhlenhaut-Coupé’ in the overall ranking of the most valuable automobiles. Without a doubt, our Silver Arrows are up there among the most iconic and sought-after vehicles ever built. They are the true shining stars in the firmament of motorsport and automotive history.'

Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen: Details

The Mercedes-Benz W196 R, chassis 00009/54, is a significant car in Formula 1 history. Juan Manuel Fangio drove it at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, and Sir Stirling Moss later raced it at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Its connection to these champions makes it a key part of Mercedes-Benz’s racing legacy.

The W196 R is powered by a 2.5-litre straight-eight engine with direct fuel injection and desmodromic valve actuation, which replaces traditional valve springs with cams for improved efficiency. This engine produces 288bhp, delivering strong performance on the track.

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Its streamlined bodywork was designed to improve aerodynamics and maximise speed. This focus on engineering helped Mercedes-Benz dominate 1950s Formula 1 racing, making the W196 R a standout in motorsport history.