The Mercedes-Benz W196 was auctioned in 2013 for 29.6 million dollars (22.7 million euros), same amount of money for which Michael Jordan basketball player's mansion was auctioned as well.
The Mercedes-Benz W196, also known as "Silver Arrow" was auctioned at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed edition, sponsored by the Bonhams auction house, for a staggering amount 22.7 million euros, the same amount of money the singer Adele earned in 2013. Therefore, the car not only became one of the most expensive cars in history, but the highest amount ever achieved by a car at an auction, even greater than the amount being paid by a Formula 1 car. Consequently, it also happened to be the most expensive Mercedes-Benz in history. Its exorbitant price is attributed not only to the long series of successes regarding racing, but because of the fact that it is the only victorious W196 that has survived to present.
It was manufactured in 1954 and used by legendary drivers like Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. The construction of this model and its first race marked the entry of Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1, as it was the first time they competed after the Second World War. Joining the competition did not go unnoticed, as Juan Manual Fangio won 9 of the 12 races in which he was enrolled, winning the world's championship in 1954. However, this model was withdrawn on June 11 1955 after causing an accident and 80 deaths, thus initiating the absence of Mercedes-Benz in Formula 1, which lasted over 40 years.
The technical features concerning this car marked a crossing line in the history of racing cars. It is known as a unique and personalized model since only two cars were manufactured. The premise of covered wheels brought a new aerodynamic shape to the racing world. In addition, they also incorporated a new direct fuel injection system, which turned out to be a great innovation when it came to increase effectiveness while improving in performance. It also contained a tabular chassis of 00006/54 and a 5-speed gearbox. Weighing 700 kg, with a power of 257 HP and 2.496 cc. it can reach a top speed of 280 km/h.
http://money.cnn.com/2014/01/03/real_estate/jordans-house/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mercedes-Benz_W196
http://www.museofangio.com/es/autos/4-mercedes-benz-w-196-2500-3000/
http://www.autospeed.com/cms/article.html?&title=The-Mercedes-Benz-W196&A=113108
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