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Historic Mercedes-Benz Racing Car Fetches €51.2 Million at Stuttgart Auction

Rare Mercedes-Benz Racing Car Fetches €46.5 Million at Auction

In a landmark auction held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, a rare 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R racing car, known as a silver arrow, was sold for an astonishing €46.5 million. This auction, conducted by RM Sotheby’s, attracted global bidders, with the winning bid placed over the phone during a live broadcast.

Total Purchase Cost

The final auction price does not encompass additional fees and taxes, bringing the total expenditure for the buyer to €51.155 million, according to the auction house’s regulations.

Vehicle Significance

This specific model, renowned for its aerodynamic design, is one of only four remaining examples of the W196R. The car holds significant historical value, as it was famously driven by the legendary driver Juan Manuel Fangio, who clinched victory in the 1955 Argentina Grand Prix while racing this very vehicle.

Despite an initial expectation that bidding would exceed €50 million, enthusiasm seemed to wane shortly after a swift surge to €40 million, ultimately concluding at the record-setting €46.5 million.

Historical Context and Future Endeavors

The Mercedes-Benz W196R was gifted to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1965, with the proceeds from this auction aimed at supporting the museum’s operations and restoration efforts.

While the €46.5 million sale price is noteworthy, it is important to emphasize that this vehicle does not hold the title of the most expensive car ever sold. That distinction belongs to a 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which was auctioned in 2022 for €135 million. This model, named after engineer Rudolph Uhlenhaut, remains the highest-priced car sold to date.

As the automotive auction landscape evolves, this sale underscores both the historical significance and financial potential of classic racing cars, marking a significant event in the world of luxury automobiles.

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