Historic auction to sell iconic cars, including Le Mans-winning Ferrari and Stirling Moss’s Mercedes (RM Sotheby’s)
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will auction 11 exceptional race cars starting in February 2025, with the auctions organized by RM Sotheby’s.
The collection will focus on cars related to the Indy 500, featuring historic items such as Michael Schumacher’s Formula 1 car from his debut season and the 1965 Ferrari 250 LM, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The goal is to raise funds for museum improvements, in an iconic location known as the “Vatican of speed” in the United States.
Among the cars for sale is the Spirit of America Sonic 1, which in 1965 reached a speed record of about 966 km/h, as well as a 1930 Bugatti Type 35 and some pre-World War I Mercedes, including one with a 17.3-liter engine. The auction will also include the 1966 Ford GT40, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Cars like these represent historical milestones for both motorsports and speed exploration.
One of the most valuable cars in the collection is the 1964 Ferrari 250 LM, which won Le Mans in 1965, with a sale estimate of over $30 million. Another highlight is the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R streamliner, a legendary Silver Arrows race car, driven by pilots such as Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio. The value of the Mercedes is expected to surpass that of the Ferrari, reaching more than $60 million.
These cars are not only collector’s items but relics of a racing temple that attracts enthusiasts from all over the world. By auctioning these treasures, the museum ensures its continuity and the preservation of a legacy that represents the pinnacle of speed and automotive history.
Source: Car and Driver | Photo: RM Sotheby’s | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
See this post on Instagram
