Unbelievable! This 1954 Mercedes-Benz just sold for ₹456 crore
What's the story
A 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R Stromlinienwagen has set a new record as the world's most expensive Formula 1 car ever auctioned.
The vehicle was sold for a staggering €51 million (approximately ₹456 crore) at an auction held by RM Sotheby at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany on February 1, 2025.
This iconic car is one of only four known complete models fitted with factory-built streamlined bodywork.
Historic significance
W196 R: A symbol of Mercedes-Benz's triumphant return
The W196 R, with chassis number '00009/54,' has an incredible racing pedigree.
Five-time Formula 1 World Champion Juan Manuel Fangio drove it to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix.
The same car was also driven by Sir Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza, Italy, where it recorded the fastest lap of the race.
Legacy
W196 R's post-competition journey and technical prowess
After its racing career, the W196 R was gifted to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965 by Mercedes.
For nearly six decades, the car was maintained by the museum and occasionally displayed at automotive events.
The car was instrumental in Mercedes-Benz's dominant return to Formula 1 in the 1950s.
It had a 2.5-liter straight-eight engine producing 290hp, making it one of the most advanced F1 cars of its time.
The buyer's name remains a mystery as of now.