Fangio’s Mercedes-Benz W196 Up For Auction

The Mercedes-Benz W196 which Fangio drove on the way to the second of his five Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championships is heading to auction at Bonhams’ sale at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on Friday the 12th of July.

The 2½-liter straight-eight won two consecutive Formula 1 grands prix, the 1954 German and Swiss Grands Prix, with Fangio at the wheel, before it was passed on to Hans Herrmann and Karl Kling, who raced it in its final Formula 1 appearance at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix.

This is the only example of Mercedes-Benz’ W196 in private hands, and the only surviving car to have won a grand prix; at the hands of the great Fangio no less. It’s an incredible icon of Formula 1 history and one of the most desirable and illustrious racing machines that the sport has produced, so it’s going to be an interesting auction!

Bonhams’ Goodwood Festival of Speed sale will be held on Friday the 12th of July on the Tapestry Lawn at Goodwood House. Hit this link to their website for more info.

Via Bonhams

Image via Bonhams