A remarkable vintage Mercedes, once driven by racing legends Sir Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio, is set to go up for sale.
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner ‘Monza’ is anticipated to fetch an astounding £53.9 million.
Originally, the W196, equipped with an open-wheel design, was driven by Fangio in a non-championship race in Buenos Aires.
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The following year, the car received its now-famous streamlined bodywork.
Sir Stirling Moss then took the wheel of this iconic vehicle at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix in Monza.
He clocked the fastest lap in this car, earning him a point in the World Drivers’ Championship.
After showcasing its impressive racing abilities, Mercedes-Benz repurposed the car as a practice and test vehicle.
A decade after its performance at the Italian Grand Prix, the car was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway by the factory.
Currently, the IMS museum, in collaboration with auctioneers RM Sotheby’s, is preparing to sell this historic vehicle, as reported by Luxury Auto News.
Joe Hale, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, commented: “Our Stories Behind the Spectacle capital campaign is funding the complete transformation of the IMS Museum, including new structural upgrades, cutting-edge technology, and interactive exhibits.
“The sale of these artifacts is specifically intended to help us build a stronger endowment, which will ensure the care of our collection and our long-term financial stability, solidifying our status as an internationally recognized cultural institution for years to come.”
Gord Duff, global head of auctions for RM Sotheby’s, expressed: “We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum to support its mission of preserving the legacy of the Indianapolis 500 and the Speedway for future generations.
“These vehicles are among the most significant ever to be sold.
“From the Moss/Fangio-raced W196 to the Le Mans-winning 250 LM, and even a land speed record car, these are not just important; they represent the pinnacle of automotive collecting.
“There is hardly anything comparable, and knowing that the proceeds will support such a meaningful cause is incredibly rewarding.”
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