The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum recently partnered with RM Sotheby’s to auction off some extraordinary cars, including the extremely rare Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner, a 1966 Le Mans-winning Ferrari 250 LM, a Ford GT40 MkII, and several significant pre-War cars. These cars are part of the museum’s effort to refocus its collection on vehicles that have raced at the Speedway. The Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner is a standout piece, with a rich racing history that includes appearances by Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. RM Sotheby’s estimates that this car could sell for $50 to $70 million. Additionally, the Ferrari 250 LM that won Le Mans in 1965 and the Ford GT40 MkII are also expected to fetch high prices at the auction.
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Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner:
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner is a rare and significant piece of racing history. Driven by legendary racers Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, it has a rich racing pedigree and is expected to fetch a high price at auction. RM Sotheby’s estimates that it could sell for between $50 and $70 million, making it a highly sought-after item for collectors. -
Ferrari 250 LM:
The Ferrari 250 LM that won Le Mans in 1965 is another standout piece in the auction. With a significant racing history and a connection to iconic drivers like Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt, this Ferrari is one of the most important vehicles ever produced by the automaker. While RM Sotheby’s has not provided a price estimate for this car, it is expected to be in line with the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner. -
Ford GT40 MkII:
Another highlight of the auction is the Ford GT40 MkII, which placed second at Sebring and ran at Le Mans in 1966. Despite retiring early at Le Mans, this car is considered one of the most original GT40s in existence. With its rare racing heritage and historical significance, the Ford GT40 MkII is sure to attract attention from serious collectors. -
Other Notable Cars:
In addition to the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner, Ferrari 250 LM, and Ford GT40 MkII, the auction will also feature an ex-Michael Schumacher Bennetton B91B, a rare 1957 Corvette racing prototype, and several pre-War race cars. These cars represent a diverse range of racing history and are expected to be popular among collectors. - Auction Details and Goal:
RM Sotheby’s has not yet announced specific sale dates for the auction, but it is expected to take place later this year and into next year. The goal of the auction is to increase the endowment and financial sustainability of the IMS Museum, enhance the restoration and care of its collection, and acquire new artifacts that reflect the comprehensive history of the Indianapolis 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. With the sale of the Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner alone, the museum is poised to achieve these aims and continue to preserve and celebrate the rich racing heritage of the Speedway.