The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is set to auction off its iconic Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Silver Arrow in a highly anticipated collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Classic and RM Sotheby’s. Experts have already pegged this legendary Formula One racing car with a potential record-breaking value, making it one of the most sought-after vehicles in the world of motorsports.
The auction, slated to take place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart later this year, will mark a rare occasion where a W 196 R changes ownership. This vehicle, steeped in racing history, has been part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s collection since 1965 and will be a star attraction at the Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024 before heading to the auction block.
In preparation for the sale, Mercedes-Benz Classic will conduct a thorough expert evaluation of the car, providing a detailed report certifying its authenticity, originality, and unique historical significance. The auction promises to be a standout event of the year, especially given the vehicle’s legendary past, having been driven by racing icons Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.
READ MORE: Kia Showcases Leading Electric and Hybrid Vehicles at San Francisco’s Electrify Expo
The W 196 R with chassis number 9 was constructed after the 1954 season and initially featured free-standing wheels. It was later fitted with a 3-liter engine for the formula-free Buenos Aires Grand Prix in 1955, where Fangio secured two second-place finishes, winning the overall event. Throughout the rest of that season, the car was equipped with a 2.5-liter engine as per Formula One regulations. It was driven by Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, though he was forced to retire after 28 laps.
The significance of this car extends beyond its impressive racing pedigree. The W 196 R was a key player during Mercedes-Benz’s triumphant return to Grand Prix racing in the mid-1950s, with Fangio clinching back-to-back Formula One World Championships in 1954 and 1955. The Silver Arrow’s storied history is further underscored by Stirling Moss’s 1955 victory in the World Sports Car Championship in a 300 SLR (W 196 S), further cementing this period as one of Mercedes-Benz’s most successful eras in motorsport.
The auction of this car is not just a sale but a piece of living history changing hands. As Rob Myers, CEO of RM Sotheby’s, highlighted, the event will not only celebrate the legacy of Mercedes-Benz racing but will also support the ongoing mission of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. Proceeds from the sale will be used to fund museum renovations and establish an endowment to preserve and grow its collection, ensuring that future generations can continue to experience the thrill and heritage of motorsport.
Joe Hale, President of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, emphasized the importance of this auction for the museum’s future, noting that the funds raised will secure the collection’s longevity and allow for the acquisition of new items and necessary restorations. The meticulous certification process by Mercedes-Benz Classic will ensure that the car’s storied past is fully documented, making it an even more valuable and desirable acquisition for collectors.
This auction is expected to be one of the most exciting automotive events of the year, drawing the attention of collectors and motorsport enthusiasts from around the globe.
READ MORE: Discover the Mercedes-Maybach SL Monogram Series: The Ultimate Open-Air Luxury Experience
Subscribe today for the freshest car news delivered to your inbox
