Bonhams has revealed that an historic, double Grand Prix-winning racing car is to auction at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12. The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 einsitzer - chassis number 00006/54 - was twice driven to victory by five-time world champion Juan Manuel Fangio (nicknamed El Chueco - "the bowlegged one"), who dominated the first decade of Formula One racing.
 The car's innovative design marked the successful introduction of a number of technologies into Formula One |
Fangio's 1954 victories in the German and Swiss Grand Prix were the first two to be achieved in succession by the Mercedes-Benz Formula One team during its post-war racing comeback.
The national press responded to the victories with the same, simple message: "Mercedes are back!"
The car's pioneering W196 design marked the successful introduction of a fuel-injected engine, all independent suspension, "spaceframe" lightweight chassis design and all-round inboard mounted brakes into Formula One - early versions of all important technologies that drivers could not do without today.
Robert Brooks, chairman of Bonhams, comments: "I have been privileged to handle some of the world's most desirable and important motor cars. To handle the sale of this legendary W196 Grand Prix car - the only one out of captivity - could well be the pinnacle."
Here at Paul Fraser Collectibles, we have a number of Formula One items in stock, including this Jim Clark autographed menu and this Lewis Hamilton signed Formula One jersey - must see memorabilia for fans of the sport.
For more information about the investment potential of the classic car market, see our guide to investing in classic cars.
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