In February 2025, RM Sotheby's will auction 11 extraordinary cars from the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. The proceeds will be used to fund improvements for the museum.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, often referred to as America's "Vatican of Speed," is bidding farewell to some iconic cars to focus on vehicles directly connected to the Indy 500. These aren't just collectibles; they're legendary relics ready to cross the auction block.
The collection, featuring cars from various eras, will be sold over three RM Sotheby's auctions starting next February in Stuttgart. Highlights include:
- 1907 Itala 120 HP: One of three known survivors, potentially fetching $2-3 million.
- 1965 Spirit of America Sonic 1: Record-holder at 600.601 mph, driven by Craig Breedlove and embodying the spirit of the space race.
- 1930 Bugatti Type 35: A masterpiece of supercharged excellence.
- Pre-WWI Mercedes: Features one with an enormous 17.3-liter engine.
- 1966 Ford GT40: Raced at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Holman-Moody.
- 1957 Chevrolet Corvette SS XP-64: An endurance racer designed by Zora Arkus-Duntov.
- 1991 Benetton F1 Car: Driven by Michael Schumacher in his rookie season.
Even more astounding are:
- 1964 Ferrari 250 LM: Winner of the 1965 24 Hours of Le Mans, valued at around $30 million.
- 1954 Mercedes-Benz W 196 R: One of the Silver Arrows, expected to surpass the Ferrari's valuation.
The proceeds from these sales will support the museum's mission. While Formula 1 remains elite, the heart of American racing—Indy—welcomes everyone. The auction aims to enhance access and preserve a piece of motor racing history for all.
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum's auction of 11 unique race cars offers a rare chance to own pieces of racing history. Proceeds will enhance the museum's focus on Indy 500 legends, ensuring the legacy of these marvels remains accessible to the public.
