Niki Lauda, the legendary Formula 1 driver and three-time champion, is not only known for his success in single-seaters but also for his prowess in other race cars. One notable example is the 1984 Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16, which will be up for auction at RM Sotheby’s in St. Moritz, Switzerland, on September 15th.
This particular Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 holds historical significance as it was driven by Lauda in the Race of Champions at the Nürburgring. The race, held on May 12, 1984, was organized by Mercedes to promote the opening of the track’s new Grand Prix circuit. It featured a collection of 20 renowned drivers competing in a 12-lap race using identical cars.
Among the notable drivers who participated in the race were nine of the 12 living F1 champions at the time, including Lauda himself, who would go on to win his third championship later that year. The field also included future champions Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna, adding to the prestige and excitement of the event.
The race showcased the Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.3-16 sports sedan, which was a sportier version of the 190 E compact sedan designed specifically for touring car racing. It featured a 16-valve inline-4 engine tuned by Cosworth, providing enhanced power and performance.
For the Race of Champions, Mercedes-Benz Sport-Technik modified the cars with several race-specific enhancements. These modifications included a new exhaust system and suspension setup, a 4.08 final drive, a bolt-in roll cage, a fire extinguisher, Recaro racing seats with 6-point harnesses, a quick release hood, a central circuit breaker, and wider wheels with Pirelli racing tires. These changes ensured that the cars were ready to tackle the challenging Nürburgring circuit.
In the race, Lauda finished a close second, just 1.58 seconds behind the eventual winner, Ayrton Senna. After the event, most of the 21 cars that had been modified for the race were converted back into road cars and sold to dealers or brand VIPs. However, the cars driven by Lauda and Senna were retained in their racing specifications.
Senna’s car found a permanent home in the Mercedes-Benz Museum, while Lauda’s car remained privately owned, making it the only Race of Champions 190 E in private hands. The significance of this car was further emphasized when Lauda himself was reunited with it in 2016. During the reunion, Lauda autographed the car’s roof, adding a personal touch to its already rich history. Subsequently, the owner of the car decided to have it rebuilt by Mercedes-Benz Classic in 2017, ensuring its pristine condition.
The opportunity to own such a remarkable piece of motorsport history is rare, and the significance of this Lauda-driven 190 E is reflected in its estimated auction price. It is expected to sell for 400,000 to 500,000 Swiss francs, amounting to approximately $450,000 to $565,000 at the current exchange rates. While this may seem like a steep price for an early 190 E 2.3-16, it pales in comparison to the exorbitant costs associated with purchasing one of Lauda’s old Formula 1 cars.
This auction presents a unique chance for automotive enthusiasts and collectors to acquire a piece of history associated with both Niki Lauda and Mercedes-Benz. The combination of Lauda’s racing pedigree, the significance of the Race of Champions event, and the exclusivity of owning the only private Race of Champions 190 E make this car a highly sought-after collector’s item.