Fangio's Benz Fetches Record-Setting $29.6M at Auction
The Mercedes-Benz W196 Grand-Prix car that was piloted by Juan Manual Fangio to two major victories in 1954 crossed the Bonhams auction block this week, fetching an incredible $29,650,095, making it the most expensive car to ever be sold at auction.
The previous record was set by a Ferrari in 2011 at £10,086,400, though Fangio’s Mercedes beat that record by a healthy margin.
Chassis number ‘0006/54’ adorns the car, which carried Fangio to wins in the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix races. Power comes from a 2.5-liter straight-eight fuel-injected engine. Other innovative technology found on the Mercedes W196 includes all-independent suspension, ‘spaceframe’ lightweight chassis design and all -round inboard-mounted brakes.
Besides carrying Fangio to victory, the car marked a comeback for Mercedes-Benz in Grand Prix racing, after the marque had dominated the series from 1934 to 1939.
“I have handled some of the world’s most desirable and important motor cars during a motoring auction career spanning five decades, but I have reached a peak today with this legendary Grand Prix car,” said Robert Brooks, Bonham auctions chariman.
GALLERY: 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196
Stephen covers all of the day-to-day events of the industry as the News Editor at AutoGuide, along with being the AG truck expert. His truck knowledge comes from working long days on the woodlot with pickups and driving straight trucks professionally. When not at his desk, Steve can be found playing his bass or riding his snowmobile or Sea-Doo. Find Stephen on <A title="@Selmer07 on Twitter" href="http://www.twitter.com/selmer07">Twitter</A> and <A title="Stephen on Google+" href="http://plus.google.com/117833131531784822251?rel=author">Google+</A>
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