Mercedes W196R Shatters F1 Auction Record at €51.15 Million

A 1955 Mercedes W196R, known for its streamlined design, has set a record as the most expensive Formula 1 car ever sold, fetching €51.155 million at auction in Stuttgart, Germany. The auction, conducted by RM Sotheby's on behalf of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, surpassed the previous record of £19.6 million set in 2013. This particular car was driven by racing legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, achieving notable victories during its racing career. Although the final auction price was €46.5 million, additional fees brought the total to over €51 million. The W196R is now the second-most valuable car sold at auction, following a 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe, which sold for $142 million in 2022. The sale reflects a booming market for classic F1 cars, with other notable auctions anticipated in the near future.