In a remarkable event in the world of motorsport collectibles, the 1954 Mercedes W196 Streamliner, famously driven by legendary racers Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, has been sold for a record-breaking $53 million (approximately 51.155 million euros) at an auction in Stuttgart, Germany. This sale not only marks a significant milestone in the automotive auction world but also doubles the previous record for a Formula One car, which was held by the Mercedes W196R that sold for 23.35 million euros in 2013 [54d7b38a].
The auction, conducted by Sotheby's, featured a reserve price of 20 million euros and a target price of 50 million euros. The identity of the buyer remains anonymous, but the sale of the W196 is particularly noteworthy as it is one of only four known complete examples of this model and the first to be sold to a private buyer [54d7b38a].
This specific car holds historical significance as Fangio won the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix with it, while Moss achieved the fastest lap at the Italian Grand Prix during the same season. The Mercedes-Benz company originally donated the car to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965, further adding to its storied legacy [54d7b38a].
In related news, O.J. Simpson's white Bronco truck, which was involved in his infamous police pursuit in 1994, is also set to be sold for £1.2 million. The car, an exact replica of Simpson's former teammate Al Cowlings' vehicle, has been on loan to the Alcatraz East Crime Museum since 2016. The owners plan to sell it on the 30th anniversary of the police chase, highlighting the historical significance of the vehicle in American pop culture [545c517c].
Simpson's life has been marked by various significant events, including his trial for the murder of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ron Goldman. The white Bronco truck became an iconic symbol of the case during the police chase, holding a unique place in American history [9014d54e].
As the automotive world continues to witness record sales and significant events, the intersection of sports history and collectible automobiles remains a captivating topic for enthusiasts and collectors alike.