On the occasion of Pebble Beach Automotive Week 2024, RM/Sotheby's together with Mercedes-Benz presented the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, which will be auctioned off at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart towards the end of the year.
This is one of eleven cars that the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is putting on the market to ensure its continued existence and prepare for a future with more of an Indianapolis focus.
In addition to the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R (chassis 9), the following cars will go under the hammer:
- Ferrari 250 LM from 1964 - winner of the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Ford GT40 Mk II from 1966 - participant in the 1966 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64 from 1957 - pole position at Sebring 1957
- Mercedes-Benz Brookland-Semmering from 1908 - built for the hill climb at Semmering
- Benetton B191 F1 from 1991 - driven by Michael Schumacher in South Africa in 1992, among others
- Itala from 1907 - probably took part in the US Grand Prix in Savannah in 1907
- Bugatti 35 B Grand Prix from 1928 - in the museum's collection since 1960
- Laurin & Klement Racer from 1911 - probably the first racing car with active aerodynamics
- The Spirit of America - record-breaking vehicle
- Mercedes 22/40 "Colonial Car" Touring from 1911 - with orignal bodywork
The Silver Arrow with chassis number 9
The most expensive of the eleven cars is probably the Silver Arrow, which was estimated at USD 50 to 70 million. Until the auction, a manufacturer's expert from Mercedes-Benz Classic will verify the originality, authenticity and unique history.
The racing car with chassis number 9 was completed after the 1954 season and was initially built as a variant with free-standing wheels. For the formula-free Buenos Aires Grand Prix on January 30, 1955, the chassis was fitted with a 3-liter engine. Juan Manuel Fangio achieved two second places in both races in front of his home crowd, which secured him overall victory. For the rest of the season, the car was fitted with a 2.5-liter engine in accordance with Formula 1 regulations. On September 11, 1955, Stirling Moss drove the car at the season-ending race in Monza, where it was fitted with streamlined bodywork for the high-speed circuit. Running in seventh position, Moss retired after 28 laps. After the end of racing activities in 1955, the vehicle was handed over to the then factory museum. In 1965, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum received this Mercedes-Benz W 196 R as a donation from the then Daimler-Benz AG.
Marcus Breitschwerdt, CEO Mercedes-Benz Heritage GmbH explains: "The Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows still shine decades after their races and successes. Mercedes-Benz Heritage is supporting the planned auction with all its product and heritage expertise: The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum will use the auction proceeds to fundamentally renew its exhibition in order to keep the fascination of motorsport alive for fans from all over the world with contemporary offerings. The auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum will be one of the most exciting moments of the year."
Rob Myers, Chairman and CEO of RM Group of Companies, added: "RM Sotheby's and Mercedes-Benz Classic have had an outstanding relationship for many years. Most notably, we have worked together to bring the 'Uhlenhaut Coupé' to the market. Now, in collaboration with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, comes something just as special: a Mercedes-Benz W 196 R driven by two of the greats - Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Proceeds from the sale will benefit a charity that will continue the legacy of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum through various projects and establish an endowment for the museum to expand and maintain its collection, ensuring the long-term viability of the organization."
The Le Mans Ferrari 250 LM
There is still no official price estimate for the Ferrari 250 LM. However, it is not inconceivable that the Ferrari will be even more expensive than the Mercedes.
In the end, Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt won the 24 Hours of Le Mans with it. The car also took part in the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1966 and even raced three times at Le Mans.
The fact that it was also shown at the New York Motor Show in 1966 is almost incidental.
The car has been in the museum's collection since 1972 and is probably one of the most important Ferraris of all time.
The eleven cars will go under the hammer at various auctions, the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R, as already mentioned, is expected to be auctioned at the Mercedes-Benz Museum.
