If you have tens of millions of dollars to spare, this incredibly rare 1954 Mercedes race car could be yours. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is auctioning a 1954 Mercedes W196 Streamliner through RM Sotheby’s. It’s estimated to sell between a staggering $50 million and $70 million.

1954 Mercedes W196 Streamliner. (credit: RM Sotheby’s)

The car is a time capsule of racing greatness. This sleek silver arrow was piloted by two of the most revered names in motorsport: Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss.

“Originally featuring an open-wheel body, Fangio would pilot this car in a non-points race in Buenos Aires in 1954. Later on, this chassis would receive the iconic streamlined body work and was then driven by Moss at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. At the race Moss would achieve the fastest lap earning him one point in the World Drivers’ Championship that year. Mercedes-Benz subsequently used the car as a practice and test car. This Mercedes-Benz was donated to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) in 1965 directly from the factory,” notes RM Sotheby’s.

The W196 was a technological marvel of its time, featuring innovations like fuel injection and desmodromic valves (a fancy way of controlling engine valves more precisely). It dominated the 1954 and 1955 Formula One seasons, cementing Mercedes’ reputation for engineering excellence.

This isn’t the only historic jewel that the museum is parting with. It’s offering a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM that conquered the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most challenging races in motorsport. The 250 LM is a rare bird, with only 32 ever made, making it a holy grail for Ferrari collectors.

1964 Ferrari 250 LM
1964 Ferrari 250 LM. (credit: RM Sotheby’s)

“Following Le Mans, the Ferrari would compete in the 1966 24 Hours of Daytona finishing sixth in class and ninth overall with Jochen Rindt and Bob Bondurant behind the wheel. Two months later it was displayed at the New York Auto Show. This 250 LM would go on to compete at Le Mans two more times, making it a three-time entrant in the 24-hour endurance classic, and one of just six Ferraris to compete at Le Mans three times in the Enzo era (1947 to 1988),” says RM Sotheby’s.

For those who prefer their horsepower with a side of stars and stripes, there’s the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64. It’s the first Corvette to wear the now-legendary SS badge and was just one of two built. The Corvette SS made its racing debut at Sebring 1957. The car is a glimpse into an alternate history where Chevy went all-in on racing domination.

For the true history buffs, the museum is offering a trio of cars that are more than a century old.

  • The 1907 Itala: Driven by Henri Fournier, this car is a testament to the bravery (or madness) of early racers. Imagine piloting this beast on roads that were little more than dirt tracks.
  • The 1911 Laurin & Klement Racer: This Czech-made car was ahead of its time, featuring early active aerodynamics. In layman’s terms, it could change its shape slightly to slip through the air more easily – a concept still used in today’s hypercars.
  • The 1909 Mercedes Brookland ‘Semmering Hill Climb’: With a fully documented race history, this car set records that stood for years. It’s a glimpse into an era when motorsport was still finding its feet.

“These vehicles will be some of the world’s most significant cars ever sold. From the Moss/Fangio-raced W196 to the Le Mans-winning 250 LM, and even a land-speed-record car, these aren’t just significant; they are the pinnacle of collecting. There is almost nothing to compare them to, and knowing they are being sold for such a worthy cause is a great feeling,” says Gord Duff, global head of auctions at RM Sotheby’s.

The museum is selling these incredible pieces since they’re not directly connected to the Indianapolis 500 or the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The funds raised will help create more interactive exhibits, improve the care of their Indy-specific artifacts, and ensure that future generations can enjoy and learn from this slice of American racing history.

“Our Stories Behind the Spectacle capital campaign is helping to fund the complete reimagining of the IMS Museum, from new structural and state-of-the-art technology installations to interactive exhibits and experiences,” explains Joe Hale, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. “The deaccession and sale of these artifacts are earmarked specifically to help us create a more robust endowment to be used for caring for our collection, ensuring our long-term financial viability and position as an internationally recognized cultural institution for years to come.”

The auctions are set to take place in late 2024 and throughout 2025.