P1racenews AI automatic summary:
An iconic Mercedes F1 car is set to go under the hammer, and could smash the record for a car auction.
A 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 streamliner, driven by legendary racing champions Juan Manuel Fangio and Sir Stirling Moss, is set to break the world record for the sale of an F1 car at an upcoming auction by RM Sothebys. This iconic vehicle, chassis 00009/54, which was used by Fangio to win the 1955 Argentine Grand Prix, is only the second of its kind to be offered for private ownership out of the 14 machines built by Mercedes. Bidding will start at an impressive GBP 41.5 million, potentially doubling the current record set back in 2013 by another W196 streamliner sold for GBP 19.6 million. After years on display at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum, the new owner will have the task of carefully restoring the car before experiencing its historic racing legacy. Mercedes historically used the W196 streamliners in the 1954-1955 seasons, dominating the sport before withdrawing in the aftermath of the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, later returning as a successful team in the 1990s.
