Unlike what Indiana Jones might suggest, some of the most historically significant cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) Museum’s collection are set for auction. The Speedway has teamed up with RM Sotheby’s to auction off 11 vehicles starting this fall. Among the notable cars listed are a 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner ‘Monza’ and a 1964 Ferrari 250 LM.
The Mercedes-Benz vehicle holds a prominent place in motorsport history, having been driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss. Fangio raced it in 1954 with an open-wheel design during a non-points race in Buenos Aires. The following year, Moss piloted the car after it had been modified into the streamlined form it’s famous for today. Moss achieved the fastest lap during the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza, earning a point in that year’s World Drivers’ Championship. Mercedes-Benz donated this car to the IMS in 1965, and it is currently valued between $50 million and $70 million.
On the other hand, the 250 LM holds a significant place in Ferrari’s racing legacy. Driven by Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt, this race car clinched victory at the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans. It wasn’t until last year that another Ferrari topped the podium at Le Mans, although the company secured another win this year.
Throughout its racing career, the 250 LM participated in eight races, most of which were 24-hour endurance events. It entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times and raced four times at the 24 Hours of Daytona. This Ferrari has been showcased at prestigious events such as Pebble Beach and Amelia Island Concours, and the IMS acquired it in 1972.
All funds raised from the auction will support the museum’s endowment, promoting long-term financial health. With backing from donors and membership support, the auction will help the museum upgrade its facilities and exhibits, focusing on more engaging and interactive displays that tell the stories of racing. While financial needs were a key motivation for this auction, the overarching aim was to better align the collection with the Indy 500 and the Speedway itself.
According to a press release from the museum, “Although the IMS Museum houses thousands of significant racing artifacts, some pieces—while they contribute to automotive and racing history—do not align with the Museum’s mission. After thorough consideration, the Museum decided to deaccess and auction the last remaining vehicles not directly tied to the Indianapolis 500 or Indianapolis Motor Speedway.”
Other vehicles up for auction include a 1966 Ford GT40 Mk II, which made its debut at Sebring that same year, a 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS Project XP64—potentially the only magnesium-bodied Corvette ever constructed—and a specially designed hill climber, the 1908 Mercedes Brookland-Semmering Rennwagen.
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