In the early years of Formula One, car manufacturers had few design restrictions before the top series’ strict regulations turned the cars into copies.
Mercedes-Benz took advantage of that opportunity in the mid-1950s to create the W196 R, a car with an aerodynamic design that they called the “Stromlinienwagen” because of its bodywork, and which debuted in the top category at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix. with Juan Manuel Fangio at the wheel.
It was not just any debut, because the Argentine pilot achieved the victoria aboard chassis No. 9. That same car is the one that seven decades later (it will be February 1, 2025) RM Sotheby’s will be auctioning for a value that could exceed 50 million dollars.
The Mercedes W196 R is a legend within Formula 1. He managed to win in nine of the 12 races that awarded points, in addition to another two without points, adding a total of 11 victories in 14 participations.
This 78 percent represents an incredible win rate by any standards. It is also important to note that the World Constructors’ Championship had not yet been created; Had it existed, Mercedes-Benz would surely have won this title as well.
After proving it could dominate on the track, Mercedes-Benz decided to bow out gracefully from the top flight over the next few decades, further ensuring that the remarkable legend of the W 196 R would never be forgotten.
The German brand preserved the 10 examples of the W 196 in the Daimler-Benz Museum. However, he donated four of the cars – including chassis No. 9 used by Fangio and Stirling Moss (he set the fastest lap at the 1955 Monza Grand Prix) – to prestigious museums around the world.
The car found a new home at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Foundation, where it has been ever since, undergoing two touch-ups over the course of its life.
According to RM Sotheby’s, this is the only Stromlinienwagen bodied car that has been offered for sale to a private client.