One of four examples ever produced, Mercedes-Benz threw just about every inch of their knowledge and ambition into their newly launched W 196 R Stromlinienwagen in 1954. The result was not just a fiercely competitive, biblically fast and yet immensely agile machine, but a sleek silver-shaded beacon that showed its rivals that race cars can be as beautiful as they are fast. Never before had such a machine been available to purchase at auction, and thanks to RM Sotheby’s, this incredible piece of automotive history fetched a staggering €51,155,000 Million as the hammer fell in Stuttgart this Saturday evening.

Driven by Juan Manuel Fangio to victory at the 1955 Buenos Aires Grand Prix, as well as setting a fastest lap with Stirling Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix around the formidable banks of Monza, the Stromlinienwagen was a tricky beast to handle, but in the right hands, it was simply unstoppable. Its bodywork, low and wide, featured minimal frills, being distinguished by a wide open-mouth grille and cooling inlets on the rear shoulder haunches, closely resembling Merc’s equally-impressive sibling, the 300 SL model line. From a consumer point of view, the ability to watch the W 196 R dominate the toughest races, while being able to purchase a car from the same bloodline in the form of the 300 SL Gullwing was exactly what made the latter so appealing. 

After 59 years of fastidious care by the IMS Museum, it was time for this W 196 R to make history as it headed to Stuttgart ready for the bidding to begin. Initially with an estimate of 50,000,000 Euros, this truly was a once-in-a-lifetime moment for the motoring world, let alone those brave enough to raise a hand to bid. After some back and forth, the hammer eventually fell for €51,155,000 Million, and this wonderful machine will now enjoy its next chapter in life with its lucky new owner!