Goodwood Festival of Speed is one of the signature events that enthusiasts look out for – chief amongst which are car auctions. Over the weekend, Mercedes-Benz has now moved up the ranks and taken the crown as the ‘Most Expensive Car In The World’ with the historic F1 racer driven by Juan Manuel Fangio – the single-seater W196. Sold £19.6m, this F1 winning racer from the 1950s took over the crown from Ferrari’s 250GTO that was sold in 2011 for just over £10m.
Robert Brooks, Bonhams Goodwood FOS Chairman, said: “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. It was a personal privilege to preside over the sale of this vehicle, which is not only one of the most significant motor cars of the 20th century, but also the most important historic Grand Prix racing car ever offered for sale.”
The W196 chassis number 00006/54 was driven by Fangio in the early 50s, and it took home two significant wins – the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix. These achievements were as a result of the company’s post-war frontier innovative technology which lead to introduction of Formula 1 technology which followed shortly after.
The W196 featured a fuel-injected 2.5-litre straight-8 engine, mated to the car’s signature multi-tubular ‘spaceframe’ chassis which was light, giving it the winning edge that it deserved. At the same time, it was the first car to feature Mercedes-Benz all-round independent suspension and in-board mounted brakes which helped it’s handling characteristics.
As one of the most important cars ever built, it has more than enough history and trophies to match its exuberant price tag. But nevertheless, the anonymous owner who purchased the W196 over the phone has made a worthy investment – and we can expect the price of this car to hike in the next couple of years if it ever goes back up for auction. But for now, the new owner is in possession of the ‘Most Expensive Car in The World’. Congratulations!
