Indy Museum seek €50-million for Mercedes W196R raced by Moss

Saturday, 18 January 2025 at 07:40

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum is set to auction an iconic piece of motorsport history - the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen. The car, which will be presented at Sotheby’s, has a starting bid of €50 million ($51 million), reflecting its rarity and storied past.

This is the first time a Streamliner-bodied Mercedes W 196 R has ever been offered for private ownership. The vehicle is one of only four complete examples of the factory-built enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen design, created at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula 1 season.

The car boasts an illustrious history, having been driven to victory by Juan Manuel Fangio, who would later become a five-time Formula One World Champion. Fangio piloted the W 196 R to triumph at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.

It was later raced by Sir Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, where Moss achieved the fastest lap, showcasing the car’s exceptional capabilities.

The Mercedes is being auctioned in the same streamlined bodywork it wore during Moss’s performance at Monza. Its aerodynamic design and historical significance make it a standout among collectors and motorsport enthusiasts alike.

A Museum Treasure

Indy Museum want €50-million for Moss raced Mercedes W196R

The W 196 R was donated to the IMS Museum by Mercedes-Benz in 1965, where it has remained under the museum's care for nearly six decades. The museum’s stewardship has preserved the car’s original state, allowing it to maintain its exceptional condition and provenance.

For collectors, this auction represents a rare opportunity to own one of the most historically significant Formula One cars. Its connection to motorsport legends like Fangio and Moss, combined with its limited production and pristine preservation, solidifies its status as a coveted piece of racing history.

Bidding begins at €50 million, making this one of the most valuable automotive auctions in history.

The Mercedes W 196 R, a cornerstone of the manufacturer’s dominant 1955 Formula One season, exemplified engineering brilliance and racing innovation. Chassis 00009/54, in particular, holds a unique place in motorsport history, having played a pivotal role in several landmark races.

For the 1955 season, Mercedes refined the W 196 R with a lighter frame and improved engine performance, including a redesigned intake manifold. Paired with upgraded Continental tyres, these enhancements made the car even more competitive. The team also opted for open-wheel configurations for most races, favouring agility over aerodynamics.

23-year-old Stirling Moss joins Mercedes

One key addition to Mercedes’ driver lineup was 25-year-old Stirling Moss, a rising British star. Moss had already demonstrated his potential with the Maserati 250F in 1954, earning the attention of Mercedes team principal Alfred Neubauer. Hired later that year, Moss joined forces with reigning champion Juan Manuel Fangio.

The W 196 R’s competitive debut in 1955 came at the Formula Libre Buenos Aires Grand Prix. Fangio, piloting chassis 00009/54, claimed victory in the event’s unique two-heat format. Despite Moss winning the second heat, Fangio’s combined time secured the win, solidifying Mercedes’ dominance.

The Mercedes W 196 R continued its success with Fangio and Moss claiming 1-2 finishes at the Belgian and Dutch Grands Prix. However, the season faced disruption following the tragic accident at Le Mans.

When racing resumed at the British Grand Prix, Moss delivered a historic win at Aintree, leading Mercedes to a remarkable 1-2-3-4 finish—the only such result in the team’s history.

Monza: Streamliners and Challenges

The 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza marked a shift as Mercedes adapted the W 196 R to the high-speed circuit by deploying streamlined bodywork. Chassis 00009/54, originally an open-wheel model, was fitted with the Streamliner design and assigned to Moss.

In qualifying, Fangio secured pole position, with Moss in second. The race itself showcased the Streamliner’s strengths, with Fangio and Moss maintaining their lead early on. Moss briefly overtook Fangio but later faced setbacks, including a pit stop to replace a damaged windscreen and eventual retirement due to engine failure after 27 laps.

Despite this, Moss set the fastest lap of the race, earning a point in the Drivers’ Championship. Fangio claimed victory, with teammate Piero Taruffi finishing second.

The Monza performance was a fitting finale for the W 196 R Streamliners, echoing their debut success at the 1954 French Grand Prix. Mercedes would not achieve another 1-2 finish in Formula One for 58 years, until Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg accomplished the feat at the 2014 Malaysian Grand Prix.

At the end of the 1955 season, Fangio secured his third World Drivers’ Championship, cementing both his and the W 196 R’s place in racing history. Chassis 00009/54, with its storied career and technical innovations, remains a testament to Mercedes-Benz’s relentless pursuit of excellence in motorsport.