The Fangio / Moss 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen is arguably one of the most valuable racing cars in history, and on 1 February 2025 it is going under the hammer. We take a look at the lot list of RM Sotheby’s upcoming Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum auction.
Words: Wilhelm Lutjeharms
Images: Supplied
If you have an interest in the world of high-end auctions, what it takes to secure these cars and everything else around it, I’ll suggest listening to the hour-and-half podcast Chris Harris did with Simon Kidston at the start of last year. (Spotify link here).
Simon Kidston is one of the world's most renowned (and connected) classic car specialists. Besides being the go-to-guy for wealthy collectors looking for something super-rare, he also famously managed to convince Mercedes-Benz to sell one off one of its most valuable cars that was in their own collection, the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé. It sold for $142 million at a private event in Stuttgart. It is fascinating to listen to the full story and the details of the months leading up to this auction.
Understandably, it will be difficult to replicate this story. But the cars heading to RM Sotheby's auction early next year will unquestionably shoot the lights out. They will be auctioned separately, at different locations and dates during the month of February.
The background of the auction
RM Sotheby’s has provided some background on the cars that will be heading to the auction block.
“Since its inauguration in 1956, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has served as a mecca for racing enthusiasts the world over. What began as just 12 cars has since blossomed into one of the most impressive collections of speed machines ever assembled, counting among its number some of the most sought-after collector cars on the planet. Now, as the Museum aims to refocus on only those cars with a special link to The Brickyard and the Indianapolis 500, a spectacular selection of 11 landmark automobiles will be offered at auction in partnership with RM Sotheby’s.
Marked by their exceptional provenance and quality, many of these cars have resided in the Museum’s care for decades, having been carefully preserved for future generations. Among them are some of the most significant competition cars to ever turn a wheel in anger, including Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss’ 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen and Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt’s 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans-winning Ferrari 250 LM. With everything from the pioneering 1908 Mercedes 17.3-Litre 150 HP ‘Brookland’ Semmering Rennwagen to Craig Breedlove’s 600 mph+ 1965 Spirit of America Sonic I, the sale of these special treasures from arguably America’s greatest temple of speed marks an unrepeatable moment in history.”
The Mercedes-Benz
This is among the most spectacular and desirable competition cars the world has ever seen. This breathtaking Silver Arrow was raced by two of the great icons of motorsport, Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, and represents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to acquire one of the rarest and most special Mercedes-Benz racers to ever come to market. With the other model having broken through the $140 million mark, RM Sotheby’s has put a conservative estimate of “in excess of €50,000,000”!
It is one of only four known complete examples, fitted with the exquisite factory-built enclosed-fender Stromlinienwagen coachwork at the conclusion of the 1955 Formula One season. It was driven by future five-time drivers’ champion Juan Manuel Fangio to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix and piloted by Sir Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, achieving fastest lap.
Interestingly, this car was donated in 1965 by Mercedes-Benz to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum, and is offered after 59 years of fastidious care by the IMS Museum. This will be the first Streamliner-bodied W196 R ever offered for private ownership.
The Ferrari
As is the case with a number of iconic manufacturers, the 60s was a golden era in terms of performance and design at Ferrari. This 1964 Ferrari 250 LM by Scaglietti was the overall winner of the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, piloted by noted racing drivers Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt on behalf of the North American Racing Team (NART). This lead to the major milestone of six consecutive Ferrari victories at Le Mans.
Other highlights of this car include the fact that it is the only privateer-entered Ferrari to ever win the 24 Hours of Le Mans overall. It was also displayed by Luigi Chinetti Motors/NART at the 1967 New York Automobile Show and it also features its matching numbers engine and gearbox, quite rare when it comes to race cars.
It is now offered from 54 years of careful conservancy by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum following its purchase from Chinetti Motors a few months after completing the 24 Hours of Daytona in February 1970. This Ferrari’s estimate is in excess of €25,000,000.
The Benetton
Here is a car that has a strong link to South Africa. This 1991 Benetton B191 Formula 1 car was driven by none other than seven-time Formula One World Drivers' Champion Michael Schumacher to a fourth place finish at the 1992 South African Grand Prix at Kyalami. It was his first race of his first full year in Formula 1. It was subsequently driven by British Formula 1 driver and current F1 commentator Martin Brundle at the 1992 Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix. The cars were powered by a 447 kW, naturally-aspirated, 3.5-litre Ford HBA5 V8 engine.
This car has formed part of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum collection since June 2005. It's estimate is a much more affordable (cough-cough) $600 000 to $800 000.