Grand Prix Car Collection Up for Sale
Legendary Formula 1 figure Bernie Ecclestone, known as the driving force behind modern Grand Prix racing, has decided to part ways with his unparalleled collection of rare Formula 1 cars. Valued at an estimated $400 million, the collection includes 69 iconic vehicles that have defined motorsport history. The sale, handled privately by Tom Hartley Jnr in the U.K., is an extraordinary opportunity for collectors and F1 enthusiasts alike.
The collection is a tribute to Ecclestone’s decades-long dominance in Formula 1, from owning the Brabham team in the 1970s to transforming F1 into a global phenomenon during his tenure as CEO. His meticulous curation focuses on cars with exceptional racing pedigrees or artistic significance, making this offering a treasure trove of automotive history.
Among the highlights are championship-winning cars driven by legends such as Michael Schumacher, Niki Lauda, and Mike Hawthorn. The sale also includes historic milestones like the first Ferrari to ever secure a Formula 1 race victory and the iconic Brabham BT46B “fan car,” known for its innovative engineering. Many of these vehicles have remained hidden from the public since Ecclestone acquired them, adding to their mystique and value.
At 94, Ecclestone has chosen to sell the collection to ensure its legacy continues under new stewardship. “I love all of my cars, but the time has come for me to start thinking about what will happen to them should I no longer be here,” he said in a statement. “After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone and not leave them for my wife to deal with.”
Unlike traditional auctions, these vehicles are being sold through private negotiations, a fitting approach for assets of such prestige. Estimates place the total value of the collection in the hundreds of millions, reflecting both the cars’ historical significance and their importance in the world of motorsport.
Ecclestone’s sale marks a rare chance to own a piece of Formula 1 history, a testament to a man whose influence on the sport remains unparalleled. For collectors, the opportunity to acquire cars of this caliber is nothing short of monumental.
