LEGENDARY RACE CARS, ONE WORTH $70M, UP FOR AUCTION

A Legendary Collection Hits the Auction Block

Car enthusiasts, get ready for one of the most anticipated automotive auctions in recent history. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is preparing to part with some of the world’s most coveted cars, and the centerpiece of this sale is a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner. This legendary machine, valued at a staggering $70 million, is set to turn heads as it joins an elite lineup of historic racing cars.

But why is this particular Mercedes so special? To understand its significance, we need to dive into the car’s rich history, the iconic races it dominated, and the legendary drivers who took the wheel.

The Crown Jewel: 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner

The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner isn’t just a car; it’s a symbol of racing excellence. Designed for the Formula One circuit, this masterpiece of engineering was piloted by two of the greatest drivers in motorsport history: Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

Fangio, a five-time Formula One World Champion, first drove the W196 in the Buenos Aires Grand Prix. He didn’t just race; he dominated, setting the stage for a car that would become synonymous with victory. The following year, the car found its way into the hands of another racing legend, Stirling Moss, who drove it to a record-setting lap at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza. These are just a few highlights of the car’s storied past.

The Auction: A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity

RM Sotheby’s, the auction house handling the sale, has described this event as an opportunity to own some of the most significant cars ever sold. The Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner is the star of the show, but it’s not alone.

Joining it on the auction block are several other legendary vehicles, each with its own unique history and value.

Ferrari 250LM: A Le Mans Legend

Another gem in this auction is the 1964 Ferrari 250LM. This car isn’t just a pretty face; it’s a proven winner. The 250LM was a dominant force in the world of endurance racing, claiming victory in the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. This Ferrari is not just a car; it’s a piece of racing history, having competed in the grueling Le Mans race three times.

1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64: A Magnesium Marvel

The 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64 is another highlight. This car is a true American icon, featuring a magnesium body that set it apart from its competitors. The Corvette SS was built with one goal in mind: to win. Although it never saw the success it deserved on the track, its design and engineering make it a coveted piece for collectors.

1966 Ford GT40 MkII: A Ford vs. Ferrari Icon

The 1966 Ford GT40 MkII is another car that needs no introduction. This car is a symbol of the fierce rivalry between Ford and Ferrari during the 1960s. The GT40 MkII played a crucial role in Ford’s historic 1-2-3 finish at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1966, a moment that forever changed the landscape of motorsport.

A Museum’s Tough Decision

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum’s decision to sell these incredible machines didn’t come lightly. The museum, known for its extensive collection of racing history, decided to part with 11 cars that aren’t directly tied to the Indianapolis 500 or the Speedway itself. The funds raised from this auction will help the museum enhance its endowment, restore and care for its remaining collection, and acquire new artifacts that tell the story of the iconic Indianapolis 500.

More than Just Cars: Other Auction Highlights

Beyond the big-ticket items, the auction features several early racing cars that played pivotal roles in automotive history. Among them is a 1907 Itala, a car that represents the dawn of motor racing. There’s also a 1911 Laurin & Klement Racer, which featured early active aerodynamics technology—a revolutionary concept at the time.

Another standout is the 1909 Mercedes Brookland “Semmering Hill Climb,” a car that marked a significant leap in automotive technology. This vehicle established Mercedes as one of the premier automakers of its era, thanks to its groundbreaking design and performance.

Sonic I: A Record-Breaking Machine

Also on the auction block is Sonic I, a car that set the land speed record five times under the command of Craig Breedlove. Sonic I wasn’t just a machine; it was a testament to human ambition and the relentless pursuit of speed. Breedlove’s wife, Lee, also set the women’s land speed record in this very car, reaching an incredible 308.65 mph.

The Rising Value of Historic Cars

In recent years, the value of historic cars has skyrocketed, with collectors willing to pay astronomical prices for a piece of automotive history. This trend was underscored in 2022 when a rare 1955 Mercedes-Benz SLR coupe was sold to a private buyer for €135 million (about $142 million at the time). This sale set a new record, making it the most expensive car ever sold.

Before this, the record was held by David MacNeil, founder and CEO of automotive floor-mat company WeatherTech, who purchased a Ferrari 250 GTO for $70 million in 2018. This particular GTO, chassis number 4153 GT, is considered one of the finest examples of the model and is often compared to the most exclusive artworks in the world.

It’s not the numbers that tell the tale, but the stories, and this one is hard to beat. In 1955, after test-driving at the Nürburgring, legendary Formula One champion Juan Manuel Fangio felt his Mercedes wasn’t dialed in correctly.
Following an indulgent lunch, Mercedes-Benz’s top engineer, Rudolf Uhlenhaut, decided to take matters into his own hands. Still dressed in his suit and tie, the Anglo-German engineer jumped into the car and took it for a spin around the notorious Green Hell.
He was three seconds faster than Fangio on the Nürburgring. Fangio, a five-time F1 world champion, was politely told by Rudy afterward that he might need more ‘practice.’

The Allure of the Ferrari 250 GTO

The Ferrari 250 GTO holds a special place in the hearts of car enthusiasts and collectors alike. Often referred to as the “holy grail” of the automotive world, the 250 GTO is a rare and exquisite machine that combines beauty, performance, and history.

When one of these cars comes up for sale, it’s akin to a Van Gogh painting hitting the auction block—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that draws the attention of the world’s wealthiest collectors.

The Future of Historic Car Auctions

As more and more collectors enter the market, the demand for historic cars continues to grow. Auctions like the one being organized by RM Sotheby’s provide a rare opportunity to own a piece of automotive history. With cars like the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner and the Ferrari 250LM on offer, it’s no wonder that these events attract global attention.

But for those who can’t afford to participate in these high-stakes auctions, there’s still plenty to enjoy. The stories behind these cars, the engineering marvels they represent, and the legendary races they competed in continue to captivate car enthusiasts around the world.

The Impact of Auctions on the Automotive World

These auctions don’t just affect the collectors who buy the cars; they also have a broader impact on the automotive world. The sale of historic cars can set new benchmarks for value, influence the design of modern vehicles, and inspire the next generation of car enthusiasts.

The funds raised from auctions like these often go towards preserving automotive history, whether by restoring classic cars, funding museums, or supporting educational programs. In this way, the sale of a single car can have a ripple effect that benefits the entire car community.

A Legacy on Wheels

As the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum prepares to part with these iconic machines, it’s clear that this auction will be one for the history books. The cars on offer aren’t just vehicles; they’re pieces of history, each with its own unique story and legacy. From the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner to the Ford GT40 MkII, these cars represent the pinnacle of automotive achievement.

For the lucky few who can afford to bid, this auction offers a rare chance to own a piece of that legacy. For the rest of us, it’s an opportunity to marvel at the incredible machines that have shaped the history of motorsport.

So, as these legendary cars go under the hammer, we can only imagine what the final bids will be. One thing’s for sure: the new owners of these cars will be taking home much more than just a vehicle. They’ll be taking home a piece of history—a legacy on wheels. Photo Credit – Sotheby’s