A classic Formula 1 Mercedes-Benz has become the most expensive car to be sold at public auction after fetching more than £19m.
The 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 was the racing car driven by five-times F1 world champion Juan Manuel Fangio when he clinched the second of his titles in 1954.
The Argentine drove the 2.5-litre car to victories in the 1954 German and Swiss Grand Prix races, the first successive triumphs achieved by the Mercedes-Benz team in its post-war comeback.
The single-seater was auctioned by Bonhams at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in Chichester, West Sussex.
The previous world record for the most expensive car sold at public auction was a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa which went for more than £10m in California in 2011.
The Mercedes was sold over the telephone to an undisclosed bidder.
Racing historian Doug Nye said: "The first time I saw this car I needed oxygen. It's landmark technology and it was driven by a landmark driver.
The car was sold in its current condition, with noticeable blemishes and dirt.
"What's so special about it is that it has this wonderful, untouched patina," Mr Nye said.
"Some people think it looks grotty - that's not the point - the really rare cars today are the unrestored ones.
"Every car that's restored has lost a part of its history because it's been obliterated by repainting or by rebuilding. Nothing's been obliterated on this, it's just a beautiful survivor."
Mystery surrounds the discovery of the car after so many years out of the spotlight.
Auctioneer Bonhams would not comment on where the car was found, stating only that is was found "in a warehouse".
Bonhams chairman Robert Brooks said: "I have handled some of the world's most desirable and important motor cars during a motoring auction career spanning five decades, but I have reached a peak today with this legendary Grand Prix car.
"It was a personal privilege to preside over the sale of this vehicle, which is not only one of the most significant motor cars of the 20th century, but also the most important historic Grand Prix racing car ever offered for sale...
"Mercedes has long been recognised for the world-class quality of its products and in 1954/55 they set out to rebuild their reputation for automotive excellence post-war. With this W196 and its sports car sisters they did just that, and how."
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