Image via Mercedes-Benz
It’s not often an auction house will run a standalone event for one car, but the 1954 Mercedes Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen or Silver Arrow is far from just any ride. The classic Formula One racecar is historically super important, so it seems fitting RM Sotheby’s held the auction at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart with the final bid coming to a miraculous €51,155,000 or $53,917,370 to make it the most valuable Grand Prix car in the world.
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Chassis number 00009/54 garnered unprecedented attention when it and only it crossed the auction block at the special event on the morning of February 1. Collectors from around the world attended the event, while others phoned in bids, eager to have a shot at the rare ride.
Just like other Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows, this car is instantly recognizable. Back before and after WWII, the Silver Arrows were a force to be reckoned with on the track. The advanced aerodynamic designs and other cutting-edge technology helped cement Mercedes as a racing powerhouse, pushing the level of Grand Prix competition to new heights.
Not many Silver Arrows are in the hands of private collectors, so when the chance to buy one at auction came, many collectors who had been waiting their whole life for the opportunity showed up.
What’s even more amazing is such an historically significant racecar was simply donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum back in 1965 by Daimler-Benz AG. So in a way, having it come to the Mercedes-Benz Museum was a bit of a homecoming before the vehicle goes to its new home.
Joe Hale, President, The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, commented on how the sale will benefit his organization: “The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has been honored to care for and share the W 196 R within our museum, but the sum it has achieved today is a transformative contribution to increase our endowment and long-term sustainability as well as the restoration and expansion of our collection.”
Images via Mercedes-Benz
