Few cars in the history of motorsport have generated more awe and acclaim than the prewar Mercedes Benz W154. The W154’s combination of technological prowess, historical record and rarity have made it one of the world’s rarest and most coveted historic racecars. In light of the fact only a handful of the original 10 examples still exist, the news that RM Auctions would be offering an original W154/W163 for sale by private treaty, is sure to send a charge of excitement throughout the collector car community.
The car to be offered is chassis #15, which is unique, even among W154s, in that it is one of two examples to have been fitted with the more advanced M163 specification engine. The M163 benefitted from a modified induction system that included twin-stage supercharging. Chassis #15 was one of two W154s sent to the 1939 Belgrade Grand Prix and was driven to second place by Manfred von Brauchitsch. During the course of the race weekend, England declared war on Germany, making this event significant in that it was the last Grand Prix of the prewar era.
Over the course of the subsequent 40 years, chassis #15 would be hidden by the Germans in Austria, found by the Soviets at the end of the war, bought by a Romanian and stored in relative obscurity until the late ’80s. When an avid Mercedes Benz enthusiast persuaded the Romanian owner to sell the car, chassis #15 then began a meticulous restoration with the help of the Mercedes Benz factory. For more information contact David Gooding or Ian Kelleher at (866) 762-8284.
