Museums, much like car enthusiasts, often find themselves in need of selling vehicles to make room for new additions and generate funds. This is why the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum has decided to put several of its classic cars up for auction. RM Sotheby’s has been chosen to handle the sale, which will include over 10 cars from the museum’s collection.
Among the highlights of the auction is a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 “Monza” Streamliner. This particular car holds historical significance as it was driven by racing legends Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio. Originally an open-wheel race car, Fangio raced it in Buenos Aires during the 1950s. By the time Moss raced it at the 1955 Italian Grand Prix, it had been fitted with a more streamlined closed-wheel body. The aerodynamic styling helped Moss set the fastest lap time, making this car truly remarkable.
Another notable car going up for auction is a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM with chassis number 5893. This car achieved first place overall in the 1965 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, solidifying its place in racing history. If you’re looking for something a bit more unique, the 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64 might catch your eye. It is a magnesium-bodied prototype that participated in the 1957 12 Hours of Sebring but dropped out due to technical issues. However, it had a lasting impact on the regular-production Corvette.
The full list of cars being sold by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum includes various notable models such as the 1907 Itala, 1909 Mercedes Brookland “Semmering Hill Cilmb,” and the 1991 Benetton B191 Formula One car. Each car holds its own significance and adds to the allure of the auction.
The Mercedes-Benz W196 will be displayed at RM’s Monterey sale in August 2024 and is expected to fetch up to $70 million, making it one of the most valuable cars in the collection. The exact timeline for the auctions has not been released yet, but RM plans to hold them beginning in the fall of 2024. The decision to sell these highly valuable models is aimed at supporting the museum’s long-term financial sustainability. As the museum is currently closed for renovations, the funds generated from the auction will aid in completing ongoing projects and ensure the museum’s continued success.
In an interview with local news outlet WRTV, Joe Hale, the museum’s president, expressed his optimism about the auction. He noted that the proceeds from the sale would enable the museum to invest in new additions for its collection, support its restoration staff, and maintain the upkeep of the existing cars. It’s worth mentioning that none of the cars being sold have any connection to the prestigious Indianapolis 500 race.
While the selling of these iconic cars might seem bittersweet, it is a necessary step for the museum to evolve and thrive. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is scheduled to reopen in April 2025, ready to welcome visitors with a refreshed collection and renewed financial stability.