The motor world knows no limits. As in other sectors such as art, we see that there are some pieces whose value is practically incalculable. If in 2022 we saw an unprecedented record with the Mercedes 300 SLR UHLENHAUT Coupe reaching 135 million euros, now we see another of the brand of the star that surprises by its value. He Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen It has been auctioned recently and has become the most expensive car in history with an order figure.
They are nothing less than 51,155,000 euros Those who have reached this unique piece, a competition car dating from 1954 and was conducted by mythical pilots such as Juan Manuel Fangio or Stirling Moss. It is the first time that a W 196 R Streamliner offers in the private market and hence the great value achieved. That must be added that it is One of the four units that were completed with that body that improved its aerodynamics when covering the wheels and extending its forms.
The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen with Chassis number 00009/54 It is something unique in the motor world, which joins variables at the height of very few. In a golden age for the competition, I had the mission to restore the honor of the “silver arrows” of the brand. After the term of World War II, they went to work at Mercedes 300 SL, a car that would mark the time. With the new regulation for Formula 1, a car had to be created with Atmospheric engine that does not exceed 2.5 liters or turbocharged without spending 750 cc. Mercedes opted for the first option.
Based on the 300 SL, modifications on existing chassis were carried out, always under the supervision of Rudolf «Rudi» Uhlenhaut. Cying the regulation, they opted for an eight -cylinder inline engine and 2,494 cc, a configuration that was similar to joining two four -cylinder engines, with two camshafts for each admission and escape. Initially offered 257 hp, but it was evolving to 290 hp In the last versions. The Stromlinienwagen body was projected later due to the lax limitations they put them, it was ideal for high -speed circuits like Monza.
The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen came true in 1954, a season in which he would accompany Fangio winning the Formula 1 championship Above Ferrari, who was looking to get his third consecutive title. For the 1955 season some aspects were improved and also hired Stirling Moss, although Fangio was still unstoppable and won another championship. In that season Streamliner body was key And he settled his fame by getting the fast return of Monza in 2: 46,900 with an average speed of 215.7 km/h.
At the end of his career, this vehicle had a 78 % victories rate. Then he would withdraw from the competition and the completed units would be donated to several museums distributed throughout the world. The Mercedes-Benz W 196 R Stromlinienwagen with chassis number 00009/54 arrived at the Speedway Motor Museum Museum. There he was for almost six decades until he went auction to reach that price of 51.15 million euros.
