Mercedes W196 R became the most expensive racing car in the world: the price surprised

The day before, at the auction, RM Sotheby’s replaced the owner of a historical car that won the formula-1 Grand Prix. We are talking about Mercedes-Benz W196 R in the Strominienwagen version with closed wheels. For almost 60 years, the car has been stored in the collection of the Museum of Avtodrome in Indianapolis, but they decided to part with the relic to focus on an American racing heritage.

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The car with the serial number 00009/54 is an interesting fate. Initially, it was built in 1954 in an option with open wheels. On this chassis, Juan-Manuel Fanchio won the Argentina Grand Prix Formula 1 in the 1955 season. However, later Mercedes-Benz added a streamlined body with closed wheels, and in this form the car took part in the 1955 Italian Grand Prix: piloted W196 r the famous Moss washing.

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In 1965, Mercedes-Benz presented a streamliner 00009/54 to the Museum of Avtodrome in Indianapolis. For almost 60 years, the car was in the exposition behind the ocean, but for trading RM Sotheby’s, the car was brought to Stuttgart, to the Mercedes-Benz Museum. The curator of the American Museum explained that it was decided to part with the relic to help out funds for the restoration and restoration of other exhibits.

Coloring from memory

Auctioners suggested that Mercedes-Benz W196R Streamliner will be able to help out $ 55 million and were practically not mistaken. The final result, taking into account the commission – 51,155,000 euros (53.9 million dollars or 5.23 billion rubles). Thus, Streamliner has become the most expensive racing car in the world.

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