IMS Museum to Auction 11 Rare Race Cars in $100 Million Historic Sale
The Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum is partnering with RM Sotheby's to auction 11 of its most valuable cars, targeting over $100 million in total sales. The museum, which operates independently from Roger Penske's ownership of IMS, closed in November 2023 for renovations and will reopen in April.
Silver racing car number 16
Most of the vehicles being auctioned were either donated or acquired from non-IndyCar series and don't have direct Indianapolis 500 history. The anticipated auction prices could exceed $106 million if the projected values are met.
The museum's spokesperson, Kara Kovert Pray, explained that this is part of an ongoing de-accession process that began in 2017. While the sale will remove some variety from the predominantly Indy 500-focused collection, the proceeds will establish an endowment to ensure the museum's future, enabling:
- Acquisition of new cars and artifacts
- Restoration and maintenance of existing collections
- Development of the museum as a cultural destination
The auction schedule includes:
- February 1: 1954 Mercedes-Benz W196 R (Germany)
- February 4-5: 1964 Ferrari 250 LM (Paris)
- February 27-28: Remaining vehicles (Miami)
The funds are separate from the $89 million renovation campaign for the museum building, which has been operating since 1956.
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