The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum boasts an exceptional collection that transcends Indy cars. Nonetheless, it aims to concentrate its efforts on acquiring vehicles that have competed at the Speedway, prompting a strategic reduction in its holdings. The cars it is offering for sale, in collaboration with RM Sotheby's, are remarkable. Among them, the 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 Streamliner stands out. Initially equipped with open-wheel bodywork, Juan Manuel Fangio piloted this vehicle in a non-championship Formula 1 event in 1954. Subsequently, with its streamlined body, Stirling Moss drove it in the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza. Moss set the fastest lap of the race, though he did not finish, while Fangio triumphed in a sister car. This marked Mercedes' final streamliner. RM Sotheby's anticipates it will fetch between $50 and $70 million, a relative steal compared to the $143 million 300 SLR "Ulenhaut" coupe, which holds the title of the world's priciest car.

Additionally, the Ferrari 250LM, which secured victory at Le Mans in 1965, is up for sale. This marked Ferrari's last win at Le Mans until its triumphant return with the 499P last year. Driven by Masten Gregory and Jochen Rindt, it was fielded by Luigi Chinetti's North American Racing Team. The car participated in Le Mans twice more and competed in the Daytona 24 Hours on four occasions during its racing tenure. It ranks among the most significant Ferraris ever produced, and while RM Sotheby's has not provided a price estimate, it could rival the Mercedes.

Other notable sales include a 1966 Ford GT40 that finished second at Sebring and participated in Le Mans in 1966, albeit retiring early. RM Sotheby's considers it one of the most original GT40s extant due to its brief racing career. Also on the block is an ex-Michael Schumacher Benetton B91B, a rare 1957 Corvette racing prototype, and several significant pre-War race cars. RM Sotheby's has yet to announce the sale dates but confirms that the auctions will take place later this year and extend into next year. The objective of these sales, as stated, is to bolster the IMS Museum's endowment and financial stability, improve the restoration and care of its collection, and acquire new artifacts that offer a more comprehensive narrative of the Indianapolis 500 and Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Given the anticipated sale of the Mercedes alone, these goals should be readily achievable.