MERCEDES-BENZ
not including pre-merging Daimler and Benz
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Top 10 Cars Germany II Cars 1930s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1950s Cars 1953-54 Cars 1955 Cars 1956-57 Formula One
Chronology : 20th century 1936 1950-1959 1954 1955 2002 2013
Except otherwise stated, all results include the premium.
See also : Top 10 Cars Germany II Cars 1930s Cars 1936-37 Cars 1950s Cars 1953-54 Cars 1955 Cars 1956-57 Formula One
Chronology : 20th century 1936 1950-1959 1954 1955 2002 2013
Intro
Introduction to Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz, often simply called Mercedes or Benz, is a German automotive brand renowned for its luxury vehicles, engineering excellence, and pioneering role in the history of the automobile. Founded in 1926 through the merger of two pioneering companies, it traces its origins back to the late 19th century and is widely recognized as the world's oldest car manufacturer. The brand's tagline, "The best or nothing," encapsulates its commitment to innovation, performance, and quality, influencing the automotive industry for over a century.
Early History: The Inventors and Their Breakthroughs
The story of Mercedes-Benz begins with two visionary German engineers: Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.
The Merger and Formation of Mercedes-Benz
Post-World War I economic pressures led to the historic merger on June 28, 1926, between Benz & Cie. and DMG, forming Daimler-Benz AG. The new company adopted the name Mercedes-Benz for its vehicles, combining the prestigious "Mercedes" marque with Benz's legacy. The iconic three-pointed star logo—symbolizing land, sea, and air mobility—was encircled by a laurel wreath from Benz's emblem, creating the enduring symbol we know today.
In the following decades, Mercedes-Benz expanded rapidly:
Key Milestones and Innovations
Mercedes-Benz's history is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have shaped the industry:
1886
Patent of the Motorwagen by Karl Benz
Birth of the automobile, setting the stage for personal transportation.
1901
Introduction of the Mercedes 35 hp
Established the "Mercedes" name and emphasized performance in racing.
1926
Merger forming Daimler-Benz AG
Created a unified brand focused on luxury and engineering excellence.
1950s-1960s
Development of safety features like crumple zones
Pioneered passive safety, influencing global automotive standards.
1970s-1980s
Introduction of ABS and airbags
Enhanced active safety, reducing accidents worldwide.
1990s-2000s
Revival of Maybach luxury line and entry into SUVs
Expanded into new segments, blending tradition with modern demands.
2010s-Present
Shift to electrification with EQ models and Factory 56
Leading sustainable mobility, with advanced manufacturing like the 2020-opened Factory 56 emphasizing digitalization and eco-friendliness.
The brand has also excelled in motorsports, from early Grand Prix victories to modern Formula 1 dominance, reinforcing its performance legacy.
adsitco.com
Legacy and Global ImpactToday, Mercedes-Benz, a division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG), stands as a symbol of automotive prestige, with a presence in over 100 countries. Its legacy extends beyond cars to include trucks, buses, and vans, embodying innovation in areas like autonomous driving, electric vehicles (e.g., the EQS sedan), and sustainability. The brand's influence is evident in its role as a benchmark for luxury and safety—many features we take for granted, such as seatbelts and electronic stability control, originated from Mercedes-Benz engineering.Culturally, Mercedes-Benz represents aspiration and heritage, with over 80 official brand clubs worldwide preserving its history through classics like the 300 SL or the S-Class. As of 2026, the company continues to push boundaries, investing in AI-driven mobility and carbon-neutral production, ensuring its pioneering spirit endures for future generations.
Mercedes-Benz, often simply called Mercedes or Benz, is a German automotive brand renowned for its luxury vehicles, engineering excellence, and pioneering role in the history of the automobile. Founded in 1926 through the merger of two pioneering companies, it traces its origins back to the late 19th century and is widely recognized as the world's oldest car manufacturer. The brand's tagline, "The best or nothing," encapsulates its commitment to innovation, performance, and quality, influencing the automotive industry for over a century.
Early History: The Inventors and Their Breakthroughs
The story of Mercedes-Benz begins with two visionary German engineers: Karl Benz and Gottlieb Daimler.
- Karl Benz's Contributions: In 1886, Karl Benz patented the Benz Patent-Motorwagen, a three-wheeled vehicle powered by a single-cylinder gasoline engine, which is credited as the world's first automobile. This invention revolutionized transportation, shrinking the world by enabling personal motorized travel. Benz founded Benz & Cie. in 1883, and by 1894, his company had produced the Benz Velo, one of the first series-production cars. A notable moment was in 1888 when Benz's wife, Bertha, drove the Motorwagen over 100 kilometers to demonstrate its reliability, becoming the first long-distance automobile driver and a trailblazer for women in motoring.
- Gottlieb Daimler and Wilhelm Maybach: Working independently, Daimler and his collaborator Wilhelm Maybach developed high-speed internal combustion engines. In 1890, they founded Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft (DMG). Their breakthroughs included the world's first motorized carriage in 1886 and the first truck in 1896. The name "Mercedes" originated in 1901 when Austrian businessman Emil Jellinek commissioned DMG to build a racing car named after his daughter, Mercédès. The Mercedes 35 hp became a sensation, leading DMG to adopt "Mercedes" as a trademark for its vehicles.
The Merger and Formation of Mercedes-Benz
Post-World War I economic pressures led to the historic merger on June 28, 1926, between Benz & Cie. and DMG, forming Daimler-Benz AG. The new company adopted the name Mercedes-Benz for its vehicles, combining the prestigious "Mercedes" marque with Benz's legacy. The iconic three-pointed star logo—symbolizing land, sea, and air mobility—was encircled by a laurel wreath from Benz's emblem, creating the enduring symbol we know today.
In the following decades, Mercedes-Benz expanded rapidly:
- 1920s-1930s: Introduced supercharged engines in 1921 and dominated motorsports, winning the first auto race in 1894 and setting speed records, like Rudolf Caracciola's 1938 feat in the W 125. The 1930s saw luxury models like the Mercedes-Benz 770, favored by dignitaries.
- Post-WWII Era (1950s): Rebounding from wartime destruction, the brand launched the iconic 300 SL "Gullwing" in 1954, known for its innovative doors and racing pedigree.
Key Milestones and Innovations
Mercedes-Benz's history is marked by a series of groundbreaking achievements that have shaped the industry:
1886
Patent of the Motorwagen by Karl Benz
Birth of the automobile, setting the stage for personal transportation.
1901
Introduction of the Mercedes 35 hp
Established the "Mercedes" name and emphasized performance in racing.
1926
Merger forming Daimler-Benz AG
Created a unified brand focused on luxury and engineering excellence.
1950s-1960s
Development of safety features like crumple zones
Pioneered passive safety, influencing global automotive standards.
1970s-1980s
Introduction of ABS and airbags
Enhanced active safety, reducing accidents worldwide.
1990s-2000s
Revival of Maybach luxury line and entry into SUVs
Expanded into new segments, blending tradition with modern demands.
2010s-Present
Shift to electrification with EQ models and Factory 56
Leading sustainable mobility, with advanced manufacturing like the 2020-opened Factory 56 emphasizing digitalization and eco-friendliness.
The brand has also excelled in motorsports, from early Grand Prix victories to modern Formula 1 dominance, reinforcing its performance legacy.
adsitco.com
Legacy and Global ImpactToday, Mercedes-Benz, a division of Mercedes-Benz Group AG (formerly Daimler AG), stands as a symbol of automotive prestige, with a presence in over 100 countries. Its legacy extends beyond cars to include trucks, buses, and vans, embodying innovation in areas like autonomous driving, electric vehicles (e.g., the EQS sedan), and sustainability. The brand's influence is evident in its role as a benchmark for luxury and safety—many features we take for granted, such as seatbelts and electronic stability control, originated from Mercedes-Benz engineering.Culturally, Mercedes-Benz represents aspiration and heritage, with over 80 official brand clubs worldwide preserving its history through classics like the 300 SL or the S-Class. As of 2026, the company continues to push boundaries, investing in AI-driven mobility and carbon-neutral production, ensuring its pioneering spirit endures for future generations.
In the history of industry, the merger in 1926 of DMG (Daimler) and Benz is an exemplary case. Their product lines took benefit from the quality of their manufacturing but the German crisis could lead both of them to bankruptcy. Their combination, including the creation of a single Mercedes-Benz brand for the group, provided the new company with the critical size needed for a restart.
The high-end was offered since 1924 by the models 24/100/140 and 15/70/100. A sports variant 24/110/160 was introduced in 1926. This denomination which may now seem odd indicates successively the fiscal power and the real power in hp without and with compression.
Pushed by the prestige of the competitions, the power is gradually increased. The new Mercedes-Benz company introduces the Typ S (Sportwagen) in 1927 as the successor to the Mercedes Model K. A specialty of Daimler had been to equip their Mercedes cars with a Roots supercharger.
For the new brand, the chief engineer Ferdinand Porsche designed in 1927 the most powerful sports car of that time, the Mercedes-Benz 680S with a huge supercharged 6.8 liter engine. The supercharger was only engaged when the pedal was depressed.
In terms of bodywork the Sindelfingen factory offers the high-end but the customer may also buy the chassis and have the body realized by a craftsman.
A 1927 680S 26/120/180 was sold for $ 5M by Gooding in August 2011, lot 119. This highly authentic Sportwagen is in matching number configuration and retains its original Sindelfingen body.
Made in 1928 and sole survivor from three built with a low windshield, a Mercedes-Benz 680S 26/120/180 hp coachworked by Saoutchik as a Torpedo roadster is a great example of the perfection and modernism that could be achieved at that time.
Its mechanics are German but the elegance is French. It is an early masterpiece by Jacques Saoutchik, a former cabinetmaker inspired by the Parisian Art Déco who knew to combine style and innovation. Made on order for an American businessman who failed to take it after a reversal of fortunes, it was exhibited at the New York Auto Salon in 1929.
After a stunning restoration, this car was awarded the highest honors : perfect with 100 points and Best of Show at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Restoration of the Year at the 2012 International Historic Motoring Awards and First in Class at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This car was sold for $ 8.3M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013, lot 216.
A 26/120/180 S from 1928 was sold for $ 5.4M by Bonhams on August 13, 2021, lot 34. The car was owned in the family of the consignor since 1964. It is believed that its body has never been changed. The records of the brand state that the chassis has been shipped to Gläser. This coachbuilder was based in Dresden.
The high-end was offered since 1924 by the models 24/100/140 and 15/70/100. A sports variant 24/110/160 was introduced in 1926. This denomination which may now seem odd indicates successively the fiscal power and the real power in hp without and with compression.
Pushed by the prestige of the competitions, the power is gradually increased. The new Mercedes-Benz company introduces the Typ S (Sportwagen) in 1927 as the successor to the Mercedes Model K. A specialty of Daimler had been to equip their Mercedes cars with a Roots supercharger.
For the new brand, the chief engineer Ferdinand Porsche designed in 1927 the most powerful sports car of that time, the Mercedes-Benz 680S with a huge supercharged 6.8 liter engine. The supercharger was only engaged when the pedal was depressed.
In terms of bodywork the Sindelfingen factory offers the high-end but the customer may also buy the chassis and have the body realized by a craftsman.
A 1927 680S 26/120/180 was sold for $ 5M by Gooding in August 2011, lot 119. This highly authentic Sportwagen is in matching number configuration and retains its original Sindelfingen body.
Made in 1928 and sole survivor from three built with a low windshield, a Mercedes-Benz 680S 26/120/180 hp coachworked by Saoutchik as a Torpedo roadster is a great example of the perfection and modernism that could be achieved at that time.
Its mechanics are German but the elegance is French. It is an early masterpiece by Jacques Saoutchik, a former cabinetmaker inspired by the Parisian Art Déco who knew to combine style and innovation. Made on order for an American businessman who failed to take it after a reversal of fortunes, it was exhibited at the New York Auto Salon in 1929.
After a stunning restoration, this car was awarded the highest honors : perfect with 100 points and Best of Show at the 2012 Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance, Restoration of the Year at the 2012 International Historic Motoring Awards and First in Class at the 2013 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este. This car was sold for $ 8.3M by RM Auctions on August 17, 2013, lot 216.
A 26/120/180 S from 1928 was sold for $ 5.4M by Bonhams on August 13, 2021, lot 34. The car was owned in the family of the consignor since 1964. It is believed that its body has never been changed. The records of the brand state that the chassis has been shipped to Gläser. This coachbuilder was based in Dresden.
540K Spezial Roadster
Intro
After an early great period around 1928 with the 680 S, Mercedes-Benz is positioning more firmly in the luxury car market in 1933 with the 380 and its variant 380K where K means Kompressor. Its 3.8-liter engine is too small and its maximum speed of 145 km/h with the supercharger does not differ sufficiently from its competitors.
With a high intelligence Mercedes-Benz appreciates that the wealthiest customers shall prefer a bigger and more powerful car even if it is much more expensive. The 380 is terminated in mid-1934 to be replaced by the 5 liter 500 and its supercharged 500K which reaches 160 km/h on the road.
In an international perspective the 500s come at the right time. The Cord group fails to balance the budget of Duesenberg, Bugatti's La Royale is an almost total commercial failure and Bentley went bankrupt.
The coachwork becomes gorgeous. The high end is named Roadster, understood as a synonym for Grand Tourer. Mercedes-Benz optimize the bodies by promoting a standardization at their assembly plant in Sindelfingen, but remain responsive to the specific needs of their clients.
On September 3, 2016, Bonhams sold at lot 16 for € 5.3M a 500 K Roadster coachworked in Sindelfingen.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled in 1936 the automotive masterpiece of the 1930s, the 540K Spezial Roadster.
Aesthetically, this two-seater convertible is a wonder due to the skill of Hermann Ahrens and his team in Sindelfingen. Its tapered shape, with the door in alignment of the covers, gives an illusion of lightness that fully compensates the large dimensions of its 5.10 m chassis. It somehow anticipates by eight decades the hypercars of today with the cockpit centered on the chassis.
The weight gain of its open cabin enables a top speed at 185 km/h which is 25 km/h more than a basic 540K in a closed bodywork.
It is the most expensive : 28,000 Reichsmarks, which is 6,000 Reichsmarks more than any other model. This is an advantage because it appeals the elite as a car for prestige and parade, although nothing prevents pushing the performance of this roadster on an Autobahn.
Its engine 5.4 liter with Kompressor makes the 540K the achievement of a technical evolution that will have no successor. The project of a 580K with an increase to 5.8 liters aborted.
With a high intelligence Mercedes-Benz appreciates that the wealthiest customers shall prefer a bigger and more powerful car even if it is much more expensive. The 380 is terminated in mid-1934 to be replaced by the 5 liter 500 and its supercharged 500K which reaches 160 km/h on the road.
In an international perspective the 500s come at the right time. The Cord group fails to balance the budget of Duesenberg, Bugatti's La Royale is an almost total commercial failure and Bentley went bankrupt.
The coachwork becomes gorgeous. The high end is named Roadster, understood as a synonym for Grand Tourer. Mercedes-Benz optimize the bodies by promoting a standardization at their assembly plant in Sindelfingen, but remain responsive to the specific needs of their clients.
On September 3, 2016, Bonhams sold at lot 16 for € 5.3M a 500 K Roadster coachworked in Sindelfingen.
Mercedes-Benz unveiled in 1936 the automotive masterpiece of the 1930s, the 540K Spezial Roadster.
Aesthetically, this two-seater convertible is a wonder due to the skill of Hermann Ahrens and his team in Sindelfingen. Its tapered shape, with the door in alignment of the covers, gives an illusion of lightness that fully compensates the large dimensions of its 5.10 m chassis. It somehow anticipates by eight decades the hypercars of today with the cockpit centered on the chassis.
The weight gain of its open cabin enables a top speed at 185 km/h which is 25 km/h more than a basic 540K in a closed bodywork.
It is the most expensive : 28,000 Reichsmarks, which is 6,000 Reichsmarks more than any other model. This is an advantage because it appeals the elite as a car for prestige and parade, although nothing prevents pushing the performance of this roadster on an Autobahn.
Its engine 5.4 liter with Kompressor makes the 540K the achievement of a technical evolution that will have no successor. The project of a 580K with an increase to 5.8 liters aborted.
1
1936 ex von Krieger
2012 SOLD for $ 11.8M by Gooding
Known as a lover of beautiful cars, a Prussian aristocrat named von Krieger bought a 540K Spezial Roadster as early as 1936 for the use of his his two children, but it was to his daughter Gisela, 23, to monopolize it for supporting her social life.
Then came the war. Baroness Gisela hid her car and then went to a reclusive life. After her death in 1989, her wonderful car was retrieved intact, with driving maps, lipstick-stained cigarette butts and silk gloves used by its owner four decades earlier.
Retaining its original equipment, this car of the most beautiful German model of the 1930s, owned and driven by one of the most elegant young ladies of the time, was sold for $ 11.8M by Gooding on August 18-19, 2012. It is illustrated in the article shared by Sports Car Digest.
Then came the war. Baroness Gisela hid her car and then went to a reclusive life. After her death in 1989, her wonderful car was retrieved intact, with driving maps, lipstick-stained cigarette butts and silk gloves used by its owner four decades earlier.
Retaining its original equipment, this car of the most beautiful German model of the 1930s, owned and driven by one of the most elegant young ladies of the time, was sold for $ 11.8M by Gooding on August 18-19, 2012. It is illustrated in the article shared by Sports Car Digest.
2
1937
2016 SOLD for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's
A 540K Spezial Roadster was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on January 29, 2016, lot 242. A collector car from its origin, it had rarely been driven. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The political events in Germany did not prevent Mercedes-Benz to maintain an international clientele. This car had been delivered in April 1937 to an American dealer who sold it immediately to a collector, happy heir of one of the largest industrial fortunes.
The political events in Germany did not prevent Mercedes-Benz to maintain an international clientele. This car had been delivered in April 1937 to an American dealer who sold it immediately to a collector, happy heir of one of the largest industrial fortunes.
3
1937 ex Zahir Shah
2022 SOLD for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's
A Mercedes-Benz 540K Spezial Roadster was made in 1937 at Sindelfingen with the ultimate options : long tail, high door, covered rear spare. It was sold new to the young King Mohammed Zahir Shah of Afghanistan and spent the war in the embassy of that country in Paris.
It was later exhibited for three decades in a museum that managed carriage cavalcades in a model roadside circus in the touristic resort of Silver Springs, Florida.
Refinished in 1953 in two tone maroon with a new upholstery for the purpose of that museum, this mechanically unrestored parade car keeps an excellent originality throughout after a mere five owners and an estimated 20,000 km from new. It was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 108.
It was later exhibited for three decades in a museum that managed carriage cavalcades in a model roadside circus in the touristic resort of Silver Springs, Florida.
Refinished in 1953 in two tone maroon with a new upholstery for the purpose of that museum, this mechanically unrestored parade car keeps an excellent originality throughout after a mere five owners and an estimated 20,000 km from new. It was sold for $ 9.9M by RM Sotheby's on August 18, 2022, lot 108.
4
1937 ex Mann
2011 SOLD for $ 9.7M by RM Auctions
One of three surviving examples of metallic gray 540K Spezial Roadster, made in 1937 with high doors and a long tail, was sold for $ 9.7M on August 20, 2011 by RM Auctions. It is illustrated on the top of the page in the article shared by Sports Car Digest.
1954 W196
Intro
Mercedes-Benz W196 : compare chassis 6, sold by Bonhams in 2013, and chassis 9, sold by RM Sotheby's in 2025.
The Mercedes-Benz W196 was a groundbreaking Formula 1 car produced for the 1954 and 1955 seasons, featuring advanced engineering like a fuel-injected straight-eight engine, desmodromic valves, and independent suspension. It dominated the era, securing back-to-back Drivers' World Championships for Juan Manuel Fangio. Chassis 6 and chassis 9 are two notable examples from the 14 total W196 chassis built, each with distinct configurations, racing pedigrees, and auction histories. Chassis 6 is an open-wheel monoposto, while chassis 9 is a rare "Stromlinienwagen" (streamliner) variant designed for high-speed circuits like Monza.
Chassis Number
Chassis 6 : 196 010 00006/54
Chassis 9 : 00009/54
Body Type
Chassis 6 : Open-wheel monoposto (standard single-seater with exposed wheels)
Chassis 9 : Stromlinienwagen (streamlined enclosed-fender body for aerodynamics on high-speed tracks; also raced in open-wheel configuration)
Key Drivers
Chassis 6 : Juan Manuel Fangio (primary), Karl Kling, Hans Herrmann
Chassis 9 : Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss
Major Races and Results
Chassis 6 : - 1954 French GP: Fangio pole and win - 1954 German GP: Fangio pole and win - 1954 Swiss GP: Fangio win (clinched 1954 championship) - 1954 Italian GP: Herrmann 4th - 1955 Italian GP: Kling 2nd (DNF due to propeller shaft failure)
Chassis 9 : - 1955 Buenos Aires GP (Formula Libre): Fangio win (with 3.0L engine) - 1955 Argentine GP: Fangio win - 1955 Belgian GP: 1-2 finish (Fangio/Moss) - 1955 Dutch GP: 1-2 finish - 1955 British GP: Part of 1-2-3-4 finish - 1955 Italian GP: Moss fastest lap (215.7 km/h avg.), DNF (piston failure) in streamliner body
Engine and Specs
Chassis 6 : 2.5L M196 R straight-eight (257-290 hp), fuel-injected, desmodromic valves; 2,350 mm wheelbase spaceframe chassis; inboard brakes; top speed ~170 mph
Chassis 9 : Similar 2.5L M196 (up to 290 hp), with 3.0L variant tested; 2,350 mm wheelbase (adapted for streamliner); lightweight magnesium alloy body; top speed >186 mph
Condition at Sale
Chassis 6 : Largely original "barn-find" state as last assembled in 1955; inspected and confirmed authentic by Mercedes-Benz Classic; runnable after preparation, with minor updates like hoses and paint
Chassis 9 : Museum-preserved for 59 years; refinished in original silver livery (1980 and 2015); in 1955 Monza configuration; requires recommissioning before use; never raced in vintage events
Post-Racing History
Chassis 6 : Exhibited 1965-1969 (e.g., Le Mans, Hockenheim); donated to National Motor Museum (Beaulieu) in 1973; privately owned from 1986 (including runs at Monaco Historic and Goodwood)
Chassis 9 : Donated to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965; displayed at events like Amelia Island Concours (1996, 2020), Petersen Museum (2015, 2022-2023), Pebble Beach (2024)
Sale Details
Chassis 6 : Sold by Bonhams at Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 12, 2013) for £19,601,500 (~$29.6M USD at the time); set auction record for any car
Chassis 9 : Sold by RM Sotheby's in Stuttgart (February 1, 2025) for €51,155,000 (~$53.9M USD); most valuable Grand Prix car ever sold; from IMS Museum collection
Both cars played pivotal roles in Mercedes-Benz's 1954-1955 dominance, with chassis 6 focusing on 1954 successes and chassis 9 contributing to 1955 victories. The higher 2025 sale price for chassis 9 reflects its rarity as one of only four factory streamliners, inflation, and market growth for historic racers, surpassing chassis 6's record after 12 years.
The Mercedes-Benz W196 was a groundbreaking Formula 1 car produced for the 1954 and 1955 seasons, featuring advanced engineering like a fuel-injected straight-eight engine, desmodromic valves, and independent suspension. It dominated the era, securing back-to-back Drivers' World Championships for Juan Manuel Fangio. Chassis 6 and chassis 9 are two notable examples from the 14 total W196 chassis built, each with distinct configurations, racing pedigrees, and auction histories. Chassis 6 is an open-wheel monoposto, while chassis 9 is a rare "Stromlinienwagen" (streamliner) variant designed for high-speed circuits like Monza.
Chassis Number
Chassis 6 : 196 010 00006/54
Chassis 9 : 00009/54
Body Type
Chassis 6 : Open-wheel monoposto (standard single-seater with exposed wheels)
Chassis 9 : Stromlinienwagen (streamlined enclosed-fender body for aerodynamics on high-speed tracks; also raced in open-wheel configuration)
Key Drivers
Chassis 6 : Juan Manuel Fangio (primary), Karl Kling, Hans Herrmann
Chassis 9 : Juan Manuel Fangio, Stirling Moss
Major Races and Results
Chassis 6 : - 1954 French GP: Fangio pole and win - 1954 German GP: Fangio pole and win - 1954 Swiss GP: Fangio win (clinched 1954 championship) - 1954 Italian GP: Herrmann 4th - 1955 Italian GP: Kling 2nd (DNF due to propeller shaft failure)
Chassis 9 : - 1955 Buenos Aires GP (Formula Libre): Fangio win (with 3.0L engine) - 1955 Argentine GP: Fangio win - 1955 Belgian GP: 1-2 finish (Fangio/Moss) - 1955 Dutch GP: 1-2 finish - 1955 British GP: Part of 1-2-3-4 finish - 1955 Italian GP: Moss fastest lap (215.7 km/h avg.), DNF (piston failure) in streamliner body
Engine and Specs
Chassis 6 : 2.5L M196 R straight-eight (257-290 hp), fuel-injected, desmodromic valves; 2,350 mm wheelbase spaceframe chassis; inboard brakes; top speed ~170 mph
Chassis 9 : Similar 2.5L M196 (up to 290 hp), with 3.0L variant tested; 2,350 mm wheelbase (adapted for streamliner); lightweight magnesium alloy body; top speed >186 mph
Condition at Sale
Chassis 6 : Largely original "barn-find" state as last assembled in 1955; inspected and confirmed authentic by Mercedes-Benz Classic; runnable after preparation, with minor updates like hoses and paint
Chassis 9 : Museum-preserved for 59 years; refinished in original silver livery (1980 and 2015); in 1955 Monza configuration; requires recommissioning before use; never raced in vintage events
Post-Racing History
Chassis 6 : Exhibited 1965-1969 (e.g., Le Mans, Hockenheim); donated to National Motor Museum (Beaulieu) in 1973; privately owned from 1986 (including runs at Monaco Historic and Goodwood)
Chassis 9 : Donated to Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum in 1965; displayed at events like Amelia Island Concours (1996, 2020), Petersen Museum (2015, 2022-2023), Pebble Beach (2024)
Sale Details
Chassis 6 : Sold by Bonhams at Goodwood Festival of Speed (July 12, 2013) for £19,601,500 (~$29.6M USD at the time); set auction record for any car
Chassis 9 : Sold by RM Sotheby's in Stuttgart (February 1, 2025) for €51,155,000 (~$53.9M USD); most valuable Grand Prix car ever sold; from IMS Museum collection
Both cars played pivotal roles in Mercedes-Benz's 1954-1955 dominance, with chassis 6 focusing on 1954 successes and chassis 9 contributing to 1955 victories. The higher 2025 sale price for chassis 9 reflects its rarity as one of only four factory streamliners, inflation, and market growth for historic racers, surpassing chassis 6's record after 12 years.
1
00006/54
2013 SOLD for £ 19.6M by Bonhams
Everything goes very fast, in any meaning of the word, for Mercedes-Benz at the beginning of 1954. Technology is the best asset to win competitions. For coming back to racing, the German brand aligns the 300SL model for endurance and the W196 single-seater for Formula 1.
The original body of the W196 is the streamlined Stromlinienwagen in magnesium alloy, low, wide and smoothly curved with enclosed wheels. Surrounding the wheel by a piece of bodywork is a theoretical advantage because it limits the air friction. The engine is a straight eight 2.5 liters with two camshafts. The top speed in this configuration reaches 290 km/h.
They are committed to win. Mercedes manage to take the best driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, world champion in 1951 with Alfa Romeo, who had just won the first two grand prix of the season in a Maserati.
Four cars are ready for their debut race, the Grand Prix de France in Reims on July 4. With the chassis 3, Fangio starts in pole position and wins the race while a teammate finishes second.
Meanwhile an open wheeler was under design for difficult circuits such as the Nürburgring. Fangio requires it for that event happening in August. Chassis 3 is re-bodied for him as an open wheeler while two brand new cars, chassis 5 and 6, are released with the new body. Fangio once again catches the pole position and the final win.
Three weeks later Fangio wins the Swiss Grand Prix with Chassis 6 still in open wheels. Fangio terminates the season with his second Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship title.
Preserved as an open wheeler, the 6 was sold for £ 19.6M on July 12, 2013 by Bonhams, lot 320. It was at that time the only example of the model in private hands.
The original body of the W196 is the streamlined Stromlinienwagen in magnesium alloy, low, wide and smoothly curved with enclosed wheels. Surrounding the wheel by a piece of bodywork is a theoretical advantage because it limits the air friction. The engine is a straight eight 2.5 liters with two camshafts. The top speed in this configuration reaches 290 km/h.
They are committed to win. Mercedes manage to take the best driver, Juan Manuel Fangio, world champion in 1951 with Alfa Romeo, who had just won the first two grand prix of the season in a Maserati.
Four cars are ready for their debut race, the Grand Prix de France in Reims on July 4. With the chassis 3, Fangio starts in pole position and wins the race while a teammate finishes second.
Meanwhile an open wheeler was under design for difficult circuits such as the Nürburgring. Fangio requires it for that event happening in August. Chassis 3 is re-bodied for him as an open wheeler while two brand new cars, chassis 5 and 6, are released with the new body. Fangio once again catches the pole position and the final win.
Three weeks later Fangio wins the Swiss Grand Prix with Chassis 6 still in open wheels. Fangio terminates the season with his second Formula 1 Drivers' World Championship title.
Preserved as an open wheeler, the 6 was sold for £ 19.6M on July 12, 2013 by Bonhams, lot 320. It was at that time the only example of the model in private hands.
2
00009/54
2025 SOLD for € 51M by RM Sotheby's
After the chassis 6 narrated above, eight other W196 were released, numbered 7 to 10 and 12 to 15.
The 9 was first tested in December 1954. It was raced as an opened wheeler by Fangio in the Buenos Aires Grand Prix in January 1955, winning that event. It was re-bodied as a Stromlinienwagen before being driven at Monza by Stirling Moss for the 1955 Italian Grand Prix. It achieved the fastest lap in that event.
Maintained in its Monza body, it was donated in 1965 by Mercedes-Benz to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. From the collection of that museum, it was sold for € 51M in a single lot auction by RM Sotheby's on February 1, 2025. The auction is held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Its photo in the Indianapolis Museum in 2013 is shared by Wikimedia with attribution : Doug4422, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 1955 season was shortened by the cancelling of many Grand Prix after the accident at Le Mans. Mercedes-Benz then withdrew from motor sport including Formula 1, terminating the short but highly successful story of the W196.
The 9 was first tested in December 1954. It was raced as an opened wheeler by Fangio in the Buenos Aires Grand Prix in January 1955, winning that event. It was re-bodied as a Stromlinienwagen before being driven at Monza by Stirling Moss for the 1955 Italian Grand Prix. It achieved the fastest lap in that event.
Maintained in its Monza body, it was donated in 1965 by Mercedes-Benz to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. From the collection of that museum, it was sold for € 51M in a single lot auction by RM Sotheby's on February 1, 2025. The auction is held at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart.
Its photo in the Indianapolis Museum in 2013 is shared by Wikimedia with attribution : Doug4422, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
The 1955 season was shortened by the cancelling of many Grand Prix after the accident at Le Mans. Mercedes-Benz then withdrew from motor sport including Formula 1, terminating the short but highly successful story of the W196.
1955 Uhlenhaut Coupé
2022 SOLD for € 135M by RM Sotheby's
Two special adaptations of the 3 litre 300 SLR coupé were made by Mercedes-Benz in 1955. Designed by Rudolf Uhlenhaut, they are known as the Uhlenhaut coupés. Capable of reaching 290 km/h, this model was the fastest road going car of its time.
Employed by Mercedes-Benz since 1931, Uhlenhaut had been a lead designer of the Silver Arrows, of the Formula One highly successful W196 of JM Fangio fame and of the open top Rennsport 300 SLR of Stirling Moss fame. He was also behind the scene of the Le Mans winner W194 and of the road going 300 SL gullwing.
The Uhlenhaut coupés were assembled as two seaters with gullwing doors on two W196 chassis left unused after the 1955 Le Mans crash and the subsequent withdrawal of the brand from motor sport.
Both prototypes were retained by Mercedes-Benz from new. Uhlenhaut had one as a company car. He once drove the 230 km on the autobahn between Stuttgart and Munich in less than an hour.
The first one is on display in the museum of the brand. The second car was used as a demonstration car and was restored in 1986. It was sold for € 135M on May 5, 2022 by RM Sotheby's in a private auction, lot 1. The proceeds help to create a Mercedes-Benz fund for young researchers in environmental science and carbon dioxide reduction.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house, featuring with the hammer Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby's Europe.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is a legendary two-seater sports car from 1955, often hailed as one of the greatest automotive achievements of the 20th century. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Mercedes-Benz's chief engineer and head of the test department, it was essentially a road-legal adaptation of the dominant 300 SLR race car, which had powered the company to victory in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. Only two examples were ever built, using surplus parts from the racing program after Mercedes abruptly withdrew from motorsport following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster that killed over 80 spectators. Uhlenhaut himself used one as a company car, famously driving it at high speeds on public roads, including a reported top speed exceeding 180 mph (290 km/h).
Its engineering was groundbreaking, drawing directly from the W 196 R Formula One car that won championships in 1954 and 1955. Powered by a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine producing around 310 horsepower, it featured advanced elements like a tubular spaceframe chassis, desmodromic valves, direct fuel injection, and a sleek, gullwing-door body designed for both aerodynamics and practicality. This made it not just a test vehicle but a symbol of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess during the post-war era, bridging the gap between racing dominance and road-car innovation. The 300 SLR series, including the open-top racers, secured iconic wins like Stirling Moss's record-setting victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia, cementing Mercedes' reputation for speed, reliability, and technological superiority. The Uhlenhaut Coupé, in particular, represents the "what if" of Mercedes continuing in endurance racing, as it was tested extensively but never competed.
In Mercedes-Benz history, the Uhlenhaut Coupé holds immense significance as a milestone in sports car development and a key artifact of the brand's racing heritage. It embodies the Silver Arrow era's spirit of innovation, where lessons from the track influenced future production models like the 300 SL Gullwing. For decades, both coupés were preserved in the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection, underscoring their role as "holy grails" of automotive history. The car's rarity—being one of just two prototypes—and its direct ties to Uhlenhaut's genius have elevated it to mythic status among collectors and enthusiasts.
In May 2022, one of the two Uhlenhaut Coupés (chassis number 00008/55) was sold at a private auction hosted by RM Sotheby's at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, fetching a record €135 million (approximately $142 million USD) from a private collector. This shattered previous auction records, making it the most expensive car ever sold and highlighting its unparalleled historical value. The proceeds funded the establishment of the Mercedes-Benz Fund, aimed at supporting research in decarbonization and resource conservation. The remaining example stays in Mercedes' collection, ensuring its legacy endures.
Employed by Mercedes-Benz since 1931, Uhlenhaut had been a lead designer of the Silver Arrows, of the Formula One highly successful W196 of JM Fangio fame and of the open top Rennsport 300 SLR of Stirling Moss fame. He was also behind the scene of the Le Mans winner W194 and of the road going 300 SL gullwing.
The Uhlenhaut coupés were assembled as two seaters with gullwing doors on two W196 chassis left unused after the 1955 Le Mans crash and the subsequent withdrawal of the brand from motor sport.
Both prototypes were retained by Mercedes-Benz from new. Uhlenhaut had one as a company car. He once drove the 230 km on the autobahn between Stuttgart and Munich in less than an hour.
The first one is on display in the museum of the brand. The second car was used as a demonstration car and was restored in 1986. It was sold for € 135M on May 5, 2022 by RM Sotheby's in a private auction, lot 1. The proceeds help to create a Mercedes-Benz fund for young researchers in environmental science and carbon dioxide reduction.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house, featuring with the hammer Oliver Barker, chairman of Sotheby's Europe.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupé is a legendary two-seater sports car from 1955, often hailed as one of the greatest automotive achievements of the 20th century. Named after Rudolf Uhlenhaut, Mercedes-Benz's chief engineer and head of the test department, it was essentially a road-legal adaptation of the dominant 300 SLR race car, which had powered the company to victory in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship. Only two examples were ever built, using surplus parts from the racing program after Mercedes abruptly withdrew from motorsport following the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster that killed over 80 spectators. Uhlenhaut himself used one as a company car, famously driving it at high speeds on public roads, including a reported top speed exceeding 180 mph (290 km/h).
Its engineering was groundbreaking, drawing directly from the W 196 R Formula One car that won championships in 1954 and 1955. Powered by a 3.0-liter straight-eight engine producing around 310 horsepower, it featured advanced elements like a tubular spaceframe chassis, desmodromic valves, direct fuel injection, and a sleek, gullwing-door body designed for both aerodynamics and practicality. This made it not just a test vehicle but a symbol of Mercedes-Benz's engineering prowess during the post-war era, bridging the gap between racing dominance and road-car innovation. The 300 SLR series, including the open-top racers, secured iconic wins like Stirling Moss's record-setting victory at the 1955 Mille Miglia, cementing Mercedes' reputation for speed, reliability, and technological superiority. The Uhlenhaut Coupé, in particular, represents the "what if" of Mercedes continuing in endurance racing, as it was tested extensively but never competed.
In Mercedes-Benz history, the Uhlenhaut Coupé holds immense significance as a milestone in sports car development and a key artifact of the brand's racing heritage. It embodies the Silver Arrow era's spirit of innovation, where lessons from the track influenced future production models like the 300 SL Gullwing. For decades, both coupés were preserved in the Mercedes-Benz Museum collection, underscoring their role as "holy grails" of automotive history. The car's rarity—being one of just two prototypes—and its direct ties to Uhlenhaut's genius have elevated it to mythic status among collectors and enthusiasts.
In May 2022, one of the two Uhlenhaut Coupés (chassis number 00008/55) was sold at a private auction hosted by RM Sotheby's at the Mercedes-Benz Museum in Stuttgart, fetching a record €135 million (approximately $142 million USD) from a private collector. This shattered previous auction records, making it the most expensive car ever sold and highlighting its unparalleled historical value. The proceeds funded the establishment of the Mercedes-Benz Fund, aimed at supporting research in decarbonization and resource conservation. The remaining example stays in Mercedes' collection, ensuring its legacy endures.
1956 300 SL Alloy Gullwing
2024 SOLD for $ 9.4M by RM Sotheby's
In 1954 Mercedes-Benz releases the 300 SL coupe. 300 refers to a 3-liter engine and SL (Sport Leicht) is a skilled summary of the targeted market. Its unprecedented gullwing doors have their hinge in the axis of the roof. Access to the seat is not really easy and rainwater pours on the passenger's head when he gets out of the car. From 1954 to 1957, 1,400 cars were produced before a come back to a more classical design.
The Alloy version also identified as Leichtmetall was released in 1955 for road going competition. The weight reduction is 80 kg from the basic steel model. 24 cars were produced in 1955 and 5 in 1956.
The 13th Alloy Gullwing had been delivered to the Mercedes-Benz agent in Casablanca. It was not used in competition in period and escaped the usual wear of its thin aluminum based body.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, it was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Another 1955 300 SL Alloy Gullwing that also retains its matching number engine was sold for $ 4.6M by Gooding on January 20, 2012, lot 27.
The 26th, completed in January 1956, had been delivered new to Chinetti who kept it for two decades. After five decades in the confidential Rudi Klein collection, that barn find car keeps its original interior, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and front spindles. It was sold for $ 9.4M from a lower estimate of $ 4.5M by RM Sotheby's on October 26, 2024, lot 290.
The Alloy version also identified as Leichtmetall was released in 1955 for road going competition. The weight reduction is 80 kg from the basic steel model. 24 cars were produced in 1955 and 5 in 1956.
The 13th Alloy Gullwing had been delivered to the Mercedes-Benz agent in Casablanca. It was not used in competition in period and escaped the usual wear of its thin aluminum based body.
In a stunning condition with its matching number engine and original body, it was sold for $ 6.8M by RM Sotheby's on January 27, 2022, lot 159. Please watch the video shared by the auction house.
Another 1955 300 SL Alloy Gullwing that also retains its matching number engine was sold for $ 4.6M by Gooding on January 20, 2012, lot 27.
The 26th, completed in January 1956, had been delivered new to Chinetti who kept it for two decades. After five decades in the confidential Rudi Klein collection, that barn find car keeps its original interior, body, engine, gearbox, rear axle, steering box and front spindles. It was sold for $ 9.4M from a lower estimate of $ 4.5M by RM Sotheby's on October 26, 2024, lot 290.
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing (W198, produced 1954–1957) is one of the most iconic sports cars ever made, with a total production of about 1,400 units. The vast majority featured a primarily steel body (with some aluminum panels like the hood, doors, and trunk lid for weight savings), while a very rare variant used an all-aluminum (alloy) body — officially called the Leichtmetallausführung or "Light Metal Version."
Key Comparisons: Alloy Version vs. Standard (Steel-Bodied) Version
Significance in Mercedes-Benz History
The 300 SL Gullwing is a landmark for the brand, symbolizing post-World War II resurgence. Derived from the dominant 1952 W194 racing cars (which won events like the Carrera Panamericana and Le Mans), it was the first production Mercedes sports car after the war and helped reestablish the company's engineering prowess.Key historical points:
Key Comparisons: Alloy Version vs. Standard (Steel-Bodied) Version
- Body Construction:
- Standard: Mainly steel body shell, with aluminum used for select panels (hood, doors, trunk lid, rocker panels, etc.) to reduce weight.
- Alloy: Fully aluminum body panels and shell (hand-built in the motorsport department), plus Plexiglas side and rear windows (windshield remained glass).
- Weight Savings:
- Standard: Around 1,225–1,500 kg (depending on sources and specs).
- Alloy: Approximately 85–95 kg (187–209 lbs) lighter overall, thanks to the aluminum body and Plexiglas windows. This improved acceleration, handling, balance, and agility.
- Performance and Features:
- Both shared the innovative 3.0-liter inline-6 with direct fuel injection (first in a production car), delivering around 215–240 hp and top speeds up to ~260 km/h (162 mph).
- Alloy: Often included additional competition-oriented upgrades like the "NSL" sports engine (revised camshaft, higher compression, etc., for slightly more power), sports suspension, lower axle ratio, vented front drum brakes, and Rudge knock-off wheels. These made it faster and more track-capable.
- Production and Rarity:
- Standard: ~1,371 units.
- Alloy: Only 29 units built (mostly in 1955–1956), as a special-order option aimed at privateer racers to compete against cars like Ferrari 750 Monza or Aston Martin DB3S.
- Practicality and Durability:
- Standard: More robust for road use.
- Alloy: Thinner aluminum panels dented easily (especially from racing), and the bodies could flex or pull away from mounting points due to less rigidity bracing the tubular spaceframe chassis. Many have been repaired, reskinned, or restored over time.
- Value Today:
- Standard examples are highly valuable (often $1–2+ million in excellent condition).
- Alloy versions command dramatically higher prices (often 4–5x more), with recent auction sales reaching $6–9+ million due to extreme rarity and racing pedigree.
Significance in Mercedes-Benz History
The 300 SL Gullwing is a landmark for the brand, symbolizing post-World War II resurgence. Derived from the dominant 1952 W194 racing cars (which won events like the Carrera Panamericana and Le Mans), it was the first production Mercedes sports car after the war and helped reestablish the company's engineering prowess.Key historical points:
- It introduced groundbreaking tech: direct fuel injection on a production car, lightweight tubular spaceframe chassis, and iconic gullwing doors (necessitated by the high sills of the frame).
- It was the fastest production car of its era and set styling cues (e.g., the grille with central star, hood bulges, side vents) for future Mercedes SL models.
- The Gullwing embodied ingenuity during resource-limited times, showcasing Mercedes' racing heritage and determination.
- It remains a cultural icon, often called "the sports car of the century" or simply "Mercedes-Benz" in collector circles. The alloy variant stands as the pinnacle — rare, race-bred, and the most valuable expression of this legendary model.
2002 CLK GTR Roadster
2023 SOLD for $ 10.2M by RM Sotheby's
Mercedes-Benz was supported since 1967 for the high performance engineering and custom projects by their partner AMG, which will be fully owned by the corporate in 2005.
The international organizations that manage the motor sport are continuously oscillating between promoting prototypes and grand touring. Announced in 1994, the initiative of the BPR Global GT Series is highly appealing the manufacturers. From the 1997 season, the FIA takes back the direct control of these competitions.
The FIA did not give up the old idea of a competition class that can be used to support the sales of high-end cars. The GT1 category is announced in 1996 for a start on the following year. Its specifications allow improvements that will not serve the basic model, including specific materials, improved aerodynamics, larger brakes and wider tires.
Mercedes-Benz cheers the GT1 as a great showcase to promote its supercars against McLaren and Ferrari. The release in just a few months by AMG of the CLK GTR would prove that discussions with the FIA had lasted for a significant time. The GT1 is close to a prototype category for which the returns on investment are not a foregone conclusion and Chrysler, for example, did not venture there.
The GT1 regulations require a population of 25 road homologated cars. The industrial challenge is so important that the organizers are tolerant for some interpretations of the rules. Mercedes-Benz has its car approved in GT1 before beginning the production model.
The supporting Strassenversion of the Mercedes-Benz AMG is made of 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. The production of these customer cars started in the summer of 1998, more than one year after the racing involvement of the prototypes.
These road cars that support the GT1 version are in period the most expensive cars on the market : around $ 1 million for the coupe and $ 1.5 million for the roadster, the world record in period for the most expensive commercially available road car.
That Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR, followed in 1998 by the CLK LM, was only loosely related to the new luxury mid size CLK class.
The success of the GTR and of the LM was so overwhelming that Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari and BMW gave up. The FIA GT1 and GT2 did not survive the 1998 season. Mercedes-Benz's ambitions in this class of competition are canceled in 1999 by the disastrous instability of the next model, the CLR, along with a further change in the rules of the FIA.The CLK GTR coupe has a follower in the CLK GTR roadster with open top. Built in 6 units by HWA which was the successor to AMG from 1999, this model was capable of reaching 320 km/h (in theory).
Mercedes-Benz had kept until 2014 the first of these six roadsters, which was revised by them before being sold to an investor who did not intend to use it. This beautiful black car with only 8 km from new was sold for £ 1.5M by Bonhams on June 26, 2015, lot 340.
The 3rd roadster is dated 2002. With 170 km from new, it was sold for $ 10.2M by RM Sotheby's on November 17, 2023, lot 38. It is finished in silver paint over a black and grey leather interior.
The international organizations that manage the motor sport are continuously oscillating between promoting prototypes and grand touring. Announced in 1994, the initiative of the BPR Global GT Series is highly appealing the manufacturers. From the 1997 season, the FIA takes back the direct control of these competitions.
The FIA did not give up the old idea of a competition class that can be used to support the sales of high-end cars. The GT1 category is announced in 1996 for a start on the following year. Its specifications allow improvements that will not serve the basic model, including specific materials, improved aerodynamics, larger brakes and wider tires.
Mercedes-Benz cheers the GT1 as a great showcase to promote its supercars against McLaren and Ferrari. The release in just a few months by AMG of the CLK GTR would prove that discussions with the FIA had lasted for a significant time. The GT1 is close to a prototype category for which the returns on investment are not a foregone conclusion and Chrysler, for example, did not venture there.
The GT1 regulations require a population of 25 road homologated cars. The industrial challenge is so important that the organizers are tolerant for some interpretations of the rules. Mercedes-Benz has its car approved in GT1 before beginning the production model.
The supporting Strassenversion of the Mercedes-Benz AMG is made of 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. The production of these customer cars started in the summer of 1998, more than one year after the racing involvement of the prototypes.
These road cars that support the GT1 version are in period the most expensive cars on the market : around $ 1 million for the coupe and $ 1.5 million for the roadster, the world record in period for the most expensive commercially available road car.
That Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTR, followed in 1998 by the CLK LM, was only loosely related to the new luxury mid size CLK class.
The success of the GTR and of the LM was so overwhelming that Porsche, McLaren, Ferrari and BMW gave up. The FIA GT1 and GT2 did not survive the 1998 season. Mercedes-Benz's ambitions in this class of competition are canceled in 1999 by the disastrous instability of the next model, the CLR, along with a further change in the rules of the FIA.The CLK GTR coupe has a follower in the CLK GTR roadster with open top. Built in 6 units by HWA which was the successor to AMG from 1999, this model was capable of reaching 320 km/h (in theory).
Mercedes-Benz had kept until 2014 the first of these six roadsters, which was revised by them before being sold to an investor who did not intend to use it. This beautiful black car with only 8 km from new was sold for £ 1.5M by Bonhams on June 26, 2015, lot 340.
The 3rd roadster is dated 2002. With 170 km from new, it was sold for $ 10.2M by RM Sotheby's on November 17, 2023, lot 38. It is finished in silver paint over a black and grey leather interior.
2013 Mercedes AMG F1
2023 SOLD for $ 19M by RM Sotheby's
Mercedes-Benz had a successful participation in Formula One in 1954 and 1955. Their ambition restarted for the 2010 season with the sponsorship of the energy group Petronas. The drivers were Nico Rosberg and Michael Schumacher. Schumacher retired before the 2013 season and was replaced by Lewis Hamilton coming from McLaren with which he had won the 2008 drivers' championship at the age of 23.
The model for 2013 was the Mercedes AMG Petronas W04. This F1 season was the last one using naturally aspirated V-8 engines with the signature F1 soundtrack. The chassis 04 was driven by Hamilton in 14 out of the 19 events including the win in the Hungarian Grand Prix. This car was sold for $ 19M from a lower estimate of $ 10M by RM Sotheby's on November 17, 2023, lot 13.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The image of this car driven by Hamilton in the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix to a third place finish is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.
The co-operation of Mercedes and Hamilton was fruitful. Hamilton won 6 drivers' championship from 2014 to 2020 and Mercedes-AMG 8 successive constructors' championships from 2014 to 2021.
The model for 2013 was the Mercedes AMG Petronas W04. This F1 season was the last one using naturally aspirated V-8 engines with the signature F1 soundtrack. The chassis 04 was driven by Hamilton in 14 out of the 19 events including the win in the Hungarian Grand Prix. This car was sold for $ 19M from a lower estimate of $ 10M by RM Sotheby's on November 17, 2023, lot 13.
Please watch the video shared by the auction house. The image of this car driven by Hamilton in the 2013 Malaysian Grand Prix to a third place finish is shared by Wikimedia with attribution Morio, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons.
The co-operation of Mercedes and Hamilton was fruitful. Hamilton won 6 drivers' championship from 2014 to 2020 and Mercedes-AMG 8 successive constructors' championships from 2014 to 2021.
