F1 Hitory Made! Mercedes W196 Becomes Most Expensive.....

F1 History Made! Mercedes W196 Becomes Most Expensive….. read more

In a historic moment for Formula 1, the Mercedes W196 has achieved the status of the most expensive Grand Prix car ever sold, fetching an astonishing £42.75 million ($54.5 million) at an auction conducted by RM Sotheby’s in Germany. This remarkable sale not only solidifies the W196’s place in automotive history but also makes it the second most expensive car ever auctioned, trailing just behind the legendary Mercedes 300SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which commanded a staggering £113 million in 2022.

The specific model that captured the record was the W196 R Stromlinienwagen, famously driven by the legendary Juan Manuel Fangio during the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix, where he clinched victory in his home race. Additionally, this car was also raced by Sir Stirling Moss at the Italian Grand Prix in the same year. Its rarity adds to its allure, as it is one of only four remaining models of this kind in existence, making it one of the most sought-after Grand Prix machines ever.

The 1955 Formula 1 season was marked by Mercedes’ dominance, with Fangio securing his third world championship title out of a total of five throughout his illustrious career. This particular season is notable not only for the team’s success but also for its tragic backdrop. The racing calendar was originally planned to include 11 races; however, the season was marred by a catastrophic incident during the Le Mans 24 Hours race, which resulted in the loss of one driver and the lives of 83 spectators. In the aftermath, several races—including the French, Swiss, German, and Spanish Grands Prix—were canceled as a mark of respect and safety concerns.

One of the enduring stories from the 1955 season