Forbes India 15th Anniversary Special

The Most Expensive Car Auctioned: Mercedes-Benz W196R

Published: Nov 15, 2013 06:30:16 AM IST
Updated: Nov 13, 2013 12:37:38 PM IST
The Most Expensive Car Auctioned: Mercedes-Benz W196R
Image: Simon Clay / Bonhams

This summer a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196R Formula 1 single-seat coupe became the most expensive car ever sold at auction, commanding $30 million at the Bonhams Goodwood Festival of Speed sale in England. It had won the 1954 Formula 1 world championship with the legendary Argentinean driver Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel and was the only W196R left in private hands. Here, a collection of some of the most expensive vehicles ever sold at auction.

Image: Boat: Courtesy of RM Auctions; Plane and Bus: Barrett-Jackson Collector Car Auction Company; Motorcycle: Paul D’orleans / The Vintagent.com

(This story appears in the 29 November, 2013 issue of Forbes India. To visit our Archives, click here.)