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One of the first pair of open-wheel W196s built, this example made a victorious debut in the hands of Juan Manuel Fangio during the 1954 German Grand Prix at the Nürburgring. Fangio won again at the subsequent Swiss Grand Prix, while for the final races of the year, chassis 000 06 was campaigned with limited success by Hans Herrmann. Used mainly for testing during the 1955 season, this car was only pressed into service for the very last race of the season at Monza where Karl Kling failed to finish the race after starting from the front row.
After that final outing, chassis 000 06 was rebuilt to race ready condition and then entrusted to the factory's exhibition department. During the 1960s and early 1970s, it was used both for demonstration and testing purposes until it was presented to the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu, England. In order to finance a new extension to the museum, the ex-Fangio W196 was sold to Sir Anthony Bamford. The only privately owned W196 was later acquired for a record amount (for any motor car) by Jacques Setton. The next custodian was Friedhelm Loh, who even had the car raced at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix by Willy Green.
Loh sold the car to the current owner, who has decided to offer the rare machine at Bonhams' 2013 Goodwood Festival of Speed auction. As this is the only W196 in private hands, the sale presents a unique opportunity to acquire one of the finest Grand Prix cars of all time. The estimate is available on request but we could see the car pass into new ownership for over $10 million. Because of the nature of the auction, Bonhams do request potential bidders on this car to register their interest no later than 48 hours prior to the July 12, 2013 sale.
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