1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen
The stunning 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen is a marvel of motorsport history and a collector's dream. This iconic race car, renowned for its streamlined design and exceptional performance, was driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss during its illustrious career. Fangio piloted it to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, while Moss set the fastest lap with it at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza, showcasing its unparalleled engineering.
Originally constructed as an open-wheel racer, the W 196 R later donned its signature Streamliner body for enhanced aerodynamics. This particular example, chassis number 00009/54, is one of only four complete models with the enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen design. Its journey includes decades of meticulous preservation at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it has been cared for since Mercedes-Benz donated it in 1965.
This historic vehicle will soon hit the auction block at RM Sotheby's, with an expected value of up to $55 million. A masterpiece of engineering and a testament to racing's golden age, it stands as a symbol of automotive excellence.
