Former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone has put his salivating car collection up for sale featuring some of the most significant designs to hit the race track.
The billionaire has put his collection of 69 significant Formula 1 chassis for sale featuring Ferraris, Brabhams, Bugattis, Vanwalls and many more.
Offered through high-end UK auctioneers Tom Hartley Junior Limited, the collection has been described as ‘priceless’ and is valued at $4.46 billion AUD according to Forbes.
Hand picked by Ecclestone in terms of significance and success, much of the selection represents Brabham – a team owned by the Formula 1 powerbroker during the 1970s and 1980s.
This includes the Brabham BT46B or otherwise known as the ‘Fan Car’, which won the Swedish Grand Prix on its sole appearance before rule changes banned the innovative model. A fan at the back produced increased downforce designed by the legendary Gordon Murray.
Another highlight is Niki Lauda’s title winning Ferrari 312T or Michael Schumacher’s dominant F2002 or Alberto Ascari’s 375.
Another of significance is the Vanwall VW10 as it became the first Grand Prix winning British manufacturer in 1957 and secured the Construtors’ Championship the next year.
“I have been collecting these cars for more than 50 years, and I have only ever bought the best of any example,” Ecclestone said.
“Whilst many other collectors over the years have opted for sports cars, my passion has always been for Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars.
“A Grand Prix and in particular a Formula One car is far more important than any road car or other form of race car, as it is the pinnacle of the sport, and all the cars I have bought over the years have fantastic race histories and are rare works of art.”
Hartley Jr highlighted the importance of this sale and the rareness of such a collection.
“This is quite simply the most important race car collection in the world. There has never been and probably never will be a collection like it ever offered for sale again,” said Hartley Jr.
“The collection spans 70 years of Grand Prix and Formula One racing and highlights include Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher World Championship-winning Ferraris, all of Bernie’s Brabhams including the famous ‘fan car’ … [and] the Vanwall VW10 in which the great Stirling Moss won several Formula 1 Grands Prix.”