Mercedes 1955 ‘Streamliner’ Set to Smash F1 Record at Auction

Mercedes 1955: Set to smash records at an auction in Stuttgart, the 1955 Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen, often known as the “Streamliner,” is a magnificent artifact of Formula 1 history. Driven by famous drivers Stirling Moss and five-time Formula One world champion Juan Manuel Fangio, this classic automobile might soon rank as the most costly Grand Prix car ever sold.

The Mercedes W196 R “Streamliner” Has Background

Among just four full copies still in existence, the Mercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen, sometimes known as “Streamline car,” is Having been run by two of the most well-known personalities in motorsport, Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, it has become a world-class racing vehicle with historical significance. Target price for the automobile is more than 50 million euros (about 92 million New Zealand dollars), and RM Sotheby’s in Stuttgart, Germany, will auction it on Saturday.

An Unprecedented Auction

Should the Mercedes W196 R “Streamliner” reach its goal price, it will rank second among all the most expensive cars sold at auction. May 2022 established the record for the most expensive automobile ever auctioned when a 1955 Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe sold for an amazing 135 million euros. Before this, another Mercedes W196 driven by Juan Manuel Fangio sold $29.6 million at the Goodwood auction in 2013.

This 1955 Mercedes is expected to create new standards in terms of value and repeat record breaking. Should the car reach its projected price, it will top the most expensive Grand Prix automobile sold at auction.

A View into the Golden Age of Formula One

Mercedes’s venerable “Silver Arrow” squad included the W196 R, which ruled Formula 1 racing in the middle of the 1950s. Having won several Grand Prix medals, the W196 was a strong rival on the racetrack. On fast courses, the car’s innovative design—which included enclosed wheels—was crucial in enabling high speeds.

Raced the vehicle in 1955 at the Buenos Aires Grand Prix, Juan Manuel Fangio, among the best Formula 1 drivers of all time, drove In motorsport history, he accomplished a major first by winning the race in the open-wheel variant of the vehicle.

Another F1 veteran, Stirling Moss, also drove the vehicle in its streamlined version at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. Moss established a record for the fastest lap at an astounding average speed of 215.7 kph even though he retired early during the race.

Mercedes’ Pullout from Legacy and Motorsport

Mercedes left factory-sponsored motorsports in 1955 after the sad Le Mans accident claimed 84 lives, even if the automobile was successful on the racetrack. The team would not return to Formula 1 as a direct rival until 1994, when it once more entered as an engine supplier.

Mercedes gifted the W196 R to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum in 1965. Since then, the automobile has been in the collection of the museum; today, it is being auctioned to help with museum repair funding. This is the first time a streamline-bodied W196 R has been sold for private ownership.

The Streamliner: A Work of Art

Mercedes-Benz Heritage Director Marcus Breitschwerdt said of the W196 R, “the most beautiful race car in the world and ever.” Its aerodynamic and stylistic design is a masterwork. For its era, the car’s peak speed surpasses 300 kph, an amazing feat.

Breitschwerdt promised to help the buyer bring the automobile back to life and expressed hope that it would not take much work to get it back into operating order.

The Auction and the W 196 R Future

Motorsport enthusiasts and collectors all around have taken an interest in the next auction at RM Sotheby’s in Stuttgart. Being the most important auction of its kind, it looks like it might revolutionize the value of vintage race cars. In order to help with repair initiatives, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway has chosen to sell 11 vehicles overall this year; the W196 R is the crown gem of the collection.

Mercedes’s Historic Vehicles and Their Significance

Mercedes’s “Silver Arrow” history includes the W196 R, which ruled Formula 1 in the years during and following World War II. While the open-wheeled variant was more suited for winding courses, the W196’s streamlined bodywork was intended especially for high-speed circuits. Mercedes’s position in racing history was confirmed with this design, which let the car rule many Grand Prix events.

Key Facts About the Mercedes 1955 ‘Streamliner’

FactDetail
Car NameMercedes W196 R Stromlinienwagen (Streamliner)
Year1955
Famous DriversStirling Moss, Juan Manuel Fangio
Target Auction Price50 million euros ($NZ92 million)
Top SpeedOver 300 kph
Unique FeaturesStreamlined body with enclosed wheels
Current OwnerIndianapolis Motor Speedway Museum
Previous Record Price$29.6 million (2013) for a 1954 W196
Purpose of SaleFundraising for museum restoration

Conclusion

The Mercedes 1955 W196 R Streamliner is more than just a race car; it’s a piece of history that has shaped the world of motorsport. As it heads to auction, this legendary car will likely set new records and become a coveted prize for collectors and fans alike. Its place in history, combined with its incredible design and racing pedigree, makes it a truly remarkable artifact of automotive excellence.

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