A legendary piece of Formula One history is set to make waves in the automotive world as a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner heads to auction in February 2025. The car, expected to fetch more than AU$85 million, is poised to become the most expensive Formula One car ever sold at auction. The event, managed by RM Sotheby’s, will take place in Stuttgart, Germany, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and motorsport enthusiasts.
A Rare Automotive Gem
This Streamliner-bodied W 196 R is no ordinary racing machine. It represents the zenith of engineering prowess during the golden era of Formula One and stands as a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s domination of motorsport in the 1950s. Only 10 models of the W 196 R were ever produced, making each surviving example a rare treasure. The upcoming sale marks a historic moment as this is the first Streamliner-bodied W 196 R ever made available for private ownership.
The car currently resides in the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has been preserved as part of its prestigious collection. Its auction estimate of AU$85 million would not only eclipse the existing record for the most expensive Formula One car sold at auction but would also set a new standard for motorsport collectibles. The current record, held by another W 196 R with a different chassis number, stands at just over AU$32 million—a price achieved in 2013.
A Legacy of Racing Excellence
The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner debuted at the 1954 French Grand Prix, immediately establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with. Its innovative streamlined design, paired with advanced engineering, made it a dominant competitor on the racetrack.
Legendary driver Juan Manuel Fangio, widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula One drivers of all time, piloted this car to clinch his second World Drivers’ Championship in 1954. The car also featured prominently in the hands of Sir Stirling Moss, who drove it at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, setting the fastest lap of the race. These milestones cemented the W 196 R’s status as one of the most iconic racing cars in history.
Mercedes-Benz retired the W 196 R from competition in 1955, closing an extraordinary chapter in Formula One history. Since then, the remaining examples have become prized collector’s items, with few ever leaving institutional collections or factory ownership.
The Streamliner’s Auction Journey
The upcoming auction, scheduled for February 2025, offers an unparalleled chance to own a piece of motorsport history. RM Sotheby’s, renowned for handling high-profile automotive sales, is managing the event. The location in Stuttgart, the home of Mercedes-Benz, adds an extra layer of significance to the sale.
As anticipation builds, collectors and fans alike are eager to see if the car’s final sale price will surpass its AU$85 million estimate. If it does, the W 196 R Streamliner will secure its place not only in Formula One lore but also in the annals of auction history as the most expensive Formula One car ever sold.
A Momentous Opportunity for Collectors
This auction represents more than just the sale of a car—it is the transfer of a symbol of innovation, speed, and sporting excellence. For collectors with a passion for motorsport history, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of the racing world’s most celebrated heritage.
With its unmatched racing pedigree and storied past, this automotive masterpiece is set to command global attention as it speeds toward the auction block. Whether it sets a new world record or simply dazzles the automotive community, the W 196 R Streamliner will undoubtedly remain an enduring icon of Formula One history.
