A 1955 Mercedes-Benz W196 R, driven by Formula One legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, has been sold at auction for a record-breaking €51.15 million (£42.7 million). This sale sets a new benchmark for the most expensive grand prix car ever auctioned.

The W196 R is one of only four complete examples in existence. Known for its streamlined design and advanced engineering, it played a crucial role in the 1955 racing season, further enhancing its historical and monetary value.

The auction took place at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, Germany, conducted by a renowned auction house. The proceeds from the sale will be used to support the restoration and acquisition efforts of a major motorsport museum, which had been the car’s custodian since 1965.

This sale surpasses the previous record held by another ex-Fangio Mercedes W196, which sold for $29.6 million in 2013. However, the most expensive car ever sold remains the 1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé, which fetched €135 million (£115 million) in 2022.

The combination of its rarity, cutting-edge design, and connection to two of Formula One’s greatest drivers makes this car highly desirable among collectors. Its sale highlights the continued appreciation of classic motorsport history and the immense value placed on such iconic vehicles.

With this record-breaking auction, the legacy of the W196 R and its legendary drivers continues to captivate the world of motorsport and automotive enthusiasts alike.