The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Streamliner, a rare Formula 1 race car from 1955, was auctioned for $53.9 million, becoming the second most expensive car ever sold.
Produced in only 14 units, the model has a victorious history, including winning the Buenos Aires GP with Juan Manuel Fangio and setting the fastest lap in Monza, driven by Stirling Moss. Before the auction, it was on display for 59 years at the Motor Speedway Museum in the United States.
With this sale price, the W 196 R surpassed the Ferrari 250 GTO, which had been sold for 48.27 million euros. It now ranks just behind the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLT Uhlenhaut Coupe, which was sold in 2022 for 135 million euros.
The auctioned model belongs to the “Streamliner” version, featuring an aerodynamic magnesium alloy body and covered wheels, characteristics that increased its speed on specific tracks.
Designed for the 2.5-liter engine regulations of the time, the W 196 R featured two combined four-cylinder engines, initially delivering 256 hp. With improvements, including a high-pressure direct injection system from Bosch, its power reached 290 hp, achieving speeds of up to 300 km/h. The mechanical setup was completed by a five-speed manual gearbox installed on the rear axle, ensuring high performance in competitions.
Source: Auto Esporte | Photo: Instagram @rmsothebys | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team