It is a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen.
Since 1965 it has been exhibited at Indianapolis Motor Speed Ways in the US and Has now been sold to a private person for the first time.
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Doesn’t work
The car has not been in use for several years and thus does not work. That being said, Mercedes-Benz Classic has a huge interest when it comes to ensuring its historical heritage.
Mercedes Manager of their classic cars Marcus Breitschwerdt says:
– The winner will be part of Mercedes inner circle and I look forward to being involved when the car is first started.
W 196 R is the designation for this historic racing car. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG) 1 of 4 in the world
The car in question has been competed by icons such as Sir Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio.
The body sitting on the car, called Stromlinienwagen, is made of magnesium and won at the 1955 Grand Prix in Buenos Aires.
There are only four cars in total, all of which except this are owned by Mercedes-Benz.
“I was shocked by how easy it was to drive,” said Toto Wolff, head of Mercedes F1 stall, when he was given the opportunity to steer a W 196 R.
The car is said to be surprisingly easy to drive. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG)
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Bidding began at EUR 20 million, equivalent to SEK 230 million.
The final price? EUR 51,155 million, corresponding to SEK 588,374,579, making it the third most expensive car ever that went under the club at auction.
The estimated price was over EUR 50 million, equivalent to SEK 575 million.
The money goes directly to Indianapolis Motor Speedway to use the money to expand its collection.
The market for racing cars worth several hundred million SEK is definitely narrow.
The body is decidedly streamlined. (Photo: Mercedes-Benz AG)