Mercedes F1 car set to fetch mega...

Mercedes F1 car set to fetch mega…read more

A historic piece of Formula 1 history is about to go under the hammer for a record-breaking price, with the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 set to fetch an eye-watering sum when it is auctioned next month. This stunning car is not only a symbol of Mercedes’ long and illustrious F1 legacy but also a pivotal piece in the history of motorsport itself.

The 1954 W196 is one of the most iconic cars in Formula 1, representing Mercedes’ dominance in the sport during the mid-20th century. This particular model is part of a select group of cars that have become incredibly sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts. The W196 was designed during a golden era for Mercedes-Benz and marked a pivotal moment in the company’s involvement in Formula 1. This was the same car that helped propel Mercedes to victory in the early stages of the sport’s history, where it played a major role in shaping the future of F1 racing.

The sale of the W196 is especially noteworthy because it represents an opportunity to acquire a piece of F1 history that blends both legendary engineering and iconic drivers. Mercedes has long been associated with some of the sport’s greatest talents, such as Juan Manuel Fangio, who drove the W196 to victory in 1955. In fact, this particular car is believed to have been driven by Fangio to win the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, further cementing its place in the annals of motorsport history. Fangio, a five-time World Champion, is regarded as one of the greatest drivers to ever compete in Formula 1.

But Fangio wasn’t the only legendary driver associated with this car. The 1954 W196 was also driven by Stirling Moss, a British racing icon who many fans consider to be the greatest driver to never win a Formula 1 World Championship. Moss took this same car to victory at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, one of the most revered and challenging tracks in the sport. The dual victories by Fangio and Moss make this particular W196 even more valuable, as it holds the achievements of two of F1’s most admired drivers.

The car set to be auctioned is one of only four known complete examples of the W196 fitted with the special Stromlinienwagen coachwork, which was developed for the 1955 season. This specific coachwork was designed with an enclosed fender configuration that gave the car a sleek, aerodynamic appearance, enhancing both its speed and performance. After Mercedes-Benz’s racing team withdrew from Formula 1 following the 1955 season, the W196 was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965, where it has been on display ever since. This provenance adds another layer of prestige to the vehicle, making it all the more desirable for collectors.

The auction will take place on February 1, 2025, in Stuttgart, Germany, with the world-renowned auction house Sotheby’s overseeing the sale. The W196 is expected to fetch an incredible sum, with estimates currently indicating that it could sell for more than £41,500,000. This staggering amount underscores the immense value of the car, not just as a piece of racing history, but also as an artifact of engineering and design excellence. The combination of its racing pedigree, rare coachwork, and historical significance makes it one of the most sought-after cars in the world.

Mercedes has long been one of the most successful teams in Formula 1, winning eight Constructors’ Championships, largely thanks to the exceptional driving talent of Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who has now left the team to join Ferrari in 2025, has been part of a dominant era for Mercedes, with his on-track successes forming the backbone of the team’s modern legacy. The W196, however, takes us back to a time before Hamilton’s era, to the roots of the Mercedes-Benz racing team, and serves as a reminder of the legendary figures who helped build its legacy.

The upcoming auction is not just a sale of a car; it’s a chance to own a tangible link to the past, a rare opportunity to acquire a piece of motorsport history that has transcended the years. The Mercedes W196 stands as a symbol of innovation, achievement, and the enduring spirit of competition in Formula 1. For collectors and racing fans alike, this auction presents an unmissable opportunity to acquire one of the most significant cars in the history of the sport.