A rare 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R “Silver Arrow” was auctioned in Stuttgart for an equivalent of $55.25 million. The legendary race car, once driven by Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, is one of the few preserved examples of its kind. The auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum set records, but the most expensive car ever sold remains another model from the German automaker.
By Joseph Gutierrez
A Legendary Racing Machine
The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R was one of the most dominant Formula 1 race cars of its era. Designed to compete under the newly established 2.5-liter Formula 1 regulations, the Silver Arrow was powered by a 2.5-liter inline-8 engine producing 290 horsepower. It featured an advanced fuel-injected system, derived from Mercedes’ aviation technology, and a lightweight spaceframe chassis, making it one of the most innovative race cars of its time.
The car’s streamlined bodywork, which helped reduce drag on high-speed circuits, played a crucial role in Mercedes’ F1 World Championship victories in 1954 and 1955. The W 196 R was the first Formula 1 car to use desmodromic valves, which eliminated the risk of valve float at high RPMs, a cutting-edge feature at the time.
Driven by Racing Legends
This particular Silver Arrow was piloted by some of the greatest drivers in motorsport history. In January 1955, Juan Manuel Fangio—widely regarded as one of the greatest Formula 1 drivers—drove the car to victory in the Argentine Grand Prix in Buenos Aires. British motorsport icon Stirling Moss set the fastest lap with the same car at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza later that year.
Fangio won his second Formula 1 World Championship in 1954 driving the W 196 R, solidifying Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the sport before the team temporarily withdrew from racing in 1955.
A Museum Piece with a Storied Past
In 1965, Mercedes-Benz donated this historic race car to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, where it remained for decades as part of the museum’s prestigious collection. Now, the funds from its record-breaking sale will support restoration projects and future exhibitions at the museum.
Despite its high price, the W 196 R is not the most expensive car ever sold. That title belongs to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched €135 million in 2022. Named after Mercedes engineer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, only two of these 1955 race-derived sports cars were ever built, making it an unparalleled collector’s item.
An Icon of Motorsport History
The sale of the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R underscores the enduring legacy of the Silver Arrows in automotive history. As one of the most significant racing cars ever built, it remains a symbol of German engineering excellence and motorsport dominance.
The auction of the Mercedes-Benz W 196 R “Silver Arrow” highlights the immense value and historical significance of classic race cars. With its groundbreaking engineering and victories by legendary drivers, this vehicle remains a milestone in motorsport history. The record-breaking price demonstrates that vintage race cars are not only cultural icons but also highly valuable investments.
Based on content from www.stern.de and own research.