Formula 1 legend Bernie Ecclestone is parting with one of the most remarkable private collections of race cars in the world.
Spanning over 50 years of acquisitions, the collection includes 69 Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars, many of which are iconic pieces of motorsport history.
This extraordinary sale is being handled by Tom Hartley Jr., a renowned U.K.-based exotic car specialist.
A Legacy of Racing Passion
Ecclestone, now 94, has been synonymous with Formula 1 since the 1950s.
Starting as a manager for the Connaught team, he later became a team owner with Brabham, which he purchased in the 1970s.
His pivotal role came in 1987 when he founded the Formula One Group, the entity that revolutionized F1’s commercial operations worldwide.
While he stepped down in 2017 when Liberty Media took control of the sport, his legacy endures, not just in F1 but also through his collection of rare and historic racing machines.
Why Sell Now?
In a heartfelt statement, Ecclestone explained his decision to part with the cars:
“A Grand Prix and, in particular, a Formula 1 car is far more important than any road car or other form of race car, as it is the pinnacle of the sport… I want to part with them while I am still alive, as I would like to know where they end up and not leave their sale as a burden for my family.”
Ecclestone’s passion for F1 cars over road cars is evident, and this sale allows him to ensure that these pieces of racing history find homes where their legacy will be appreciated.
Highlights of the Collection
The collection features some of the most significant cars in F1 history, many of which haven’t been seen in decades. Among the highlights:
Ferrari Legends
- Ferrari F2002: Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning car from the 2002 F1 season, a pinnacle of Ferrari dominance.
- Ferrari 312B3: A vital part of Ferrari’s racing legacy from the 1970s.
- Ferrari 375: The car that Alberto Ascari drove to victory in the 1951 Italian Grand Prix.
The One-of-a-Kind Brabham BT46B “Fan Car”
- Designed by Gordon Murray and driven by Niki Lauda, this car achieved victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix before being banned for its revolutionary “fan” system, which created immense downforce.
Vanwall VW10
- Piloted by Stirling Moss to multiple victories in 1958, this car is a cornerstone of British motorsport history.
A Collector’s Perspective
Ecclestone’s collection was never about flash or investment—it was about his love for motorsport.
He rarely displayed the cars publicly, preferring to preserve them as “rare works of art” that represent the pinnacle of racing achievement.
“All the cars I have bought over the years have fantastic race histories and are rare works of art.”
Notable Omissions
While many treasures are included in the sale, some key cars remain in Ecclestone’s possession.
Notably, his 1993 McLaren MP4/8A, driven by Ayrton Senna, which he purchased for $5 million in 2018, is absent from the list.
The Sale and Its Impact
This sale represents a unique opportunity for collectors and enthusiasts to own a piece of motorsport history.
These cars are more than just vehicles—they are symbols of innovation, competition, and engineering excellence.
Whether it’s Schumacher’s Ferrari, Lauda’s revolutionary Brabham, or Ascari’s Grand Prix winner, each car tells a story of triumph and ingenuity on the world’s greatest racing stages.
As Bernie Ecclestone steps away from his lifelong passion for collecting, his cars will continue to inspire the next generation of racing fans and collectors, ensuring that their legacy remains as vibrant as the sport itself.
Check out
Aize Carter
Aize Carter
