Bernie Ecclestone is parting with his legendary $400M race car collection, featuring F1 icons like Ferrari’s first Grand Prix winner and Schumacher’s F2002.
Bernie Ecclestone’s Legendary Race Car Collection Goes on Sale
Former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, once the sport’s most influential figure, is selling his extraordinary collection of race cars, valued at approximately $400 million. The collection includes some of the most iconic vehicles in motorsport history, such as the Ferrari F2002 driven by Michael Schumacher and Ferrari’s first Grand Prix-winning car, the 1951 Ferrari 375.
The Collection: A Historic Treasure Trove
The sale, managed by Tom Hartley Jnr in Derbyshire, UK, includes 69 Grand Prix cars, many never before offered for sale. This treasure trove spans decades of racing history, with highlights including:
- The Brabham BT46 “fan car”, a groundbreaking design by Gordon Murray that dominated the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
- The Dino 246, the car Mike Hawthorn piloted to win the 1958 F1 championship, marking the end of the front-engine era in F1.
- The Vanwall VW10, the first British car to win an F1 race and secure the inaugural Constructors’ Championship in 1958, driven by Sir Stirling Moss.
- The Ferrari F2002, used by Michael Schumacher to clinch the 2002 F1 championship.
Roughly half of the cars for sale are Brabhams from Ecclestone’s ownership era, many of which have not been seen publicly in decades.
A Personal Decision
At 94, Ecclestone explained his decision to sell: “I didn’t want to leave my wife, Fabiana, with the burden of deciding what to do with them. After owning and collecting these cars for so long, I want to see where they end up.”
Sales Through Private Deals
Unlike traditional auctions, Ecclestone’s collection will be sold through private deals brokered by Tom Hartley Jnr. This approach means the final sale prices may never be disclosed. However, the sale brings these rare and historically significant cars into the spotlight, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts.
A Legacy Preserved
Ecclestone’s collection represents a significant chapter in motorsport history. From Ferrari’s first Grand Prix victory to groundbreaking designs like the Brabham BT46, the cars offer an unparalleled glimpse into the evolution of Formula 1. Enthusiasts hope many of these vehicles will find homes in museums or collections accessible to the public, ensuring their legacy lives on.
For motorsport fans and collectors alike, this sale is a monumental moment—a chance to own a piece of Formula 1’s rich history.
