Mercedes W 196 R - Sold At Auction - Master Stance
Money To Burn: Mercedes W 196 R Sold For $54M At Auction
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An ultra-rare vintage Mercedes Grand Prix race car sold for $54M USD at auction last weekend. This legendary race car was driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Perhaps Mercedes should have kept the vehicle to bolster their currently declining balance sheet, especially since the company donated it to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1965 — a generous move that ultimately cost them $54M.

Mercedes W 196 R - Sold At Auction - Stanced

The W 196 R first raced in 1954. Grand Prix cars of that era had a distinctive look, with closed-wheel bodies specifically designed for high-speed circuits. By today’s standards, the W 196 R seems relatively tame. Beneath its long bonnet lies a naturally aspirated 2.5-liter straight-8 engine with a maximum power output of 290 bhp and 240 Nm of torque, capable of revving up to 9,500 rpm and achieving a top speed of 186 mph.

Mercedes W 196 R - Sold At Auction - Interior

It weighs 829 kg, 31 kg more than a current-generation Formula 1 car. But it represents far more than just engineering history — it embodies sporting heritage and the popular culture of its time. In many ways, it serves as a snapshot of a bygone era, preserved like a time capsule of a world that no longer exists.

Mercedes W 196 R - Sold At Auction - Stanced

The W 196 R won 16 races between 1954 and 1955, but its association with Fangio gives it immense value to collectors. In Formula 1, Fangio is regarded as the godfather of racing, standing a step above even legends like Ayrton Senna.

However, the final hammer price of $54M USD fell short of the world record $143M USD paid for the Mercedes 300 SLR.

Mercedes W 196 R - Sold At Auction - Master Stance
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