Source – Drive
Benire Ecclestone will put his entire collection of Formula 1 cars, which he accumulated over the course of his decades in the sport, up for auction.
As Formula 1’s indomitable force for decades, Bernie Ecclestone shaped the sport into the global phenomenon it is today. Now, at 94 years old, the former commercial rights holder is preparing for an emotional parting with his cherished collection of Formula 1 cars, a personal archive of racing history amassed over more than half a century. This unparalleled collection, consisting of 69 cars, is being auctioned through Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, and its value is as staggering as its legacy—estimated at an eye-watering $630 million.
For Ecclestone, this is no ordinary sale; it is a deeply personal decision. The cars represent not just a passion but a lifetime spent preserving the pinnacle of motorsport. “I have been collecting these cars for more than 50 years, and I have only ever bought the best of any example,” Ecclestone remarked. His passion has always been firmly rooted in Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars, which he views as far more significant than road cars or other forms of race cars. To him, they are “rare works of art” with fantastic race histories that symbolize the zenith of motorsport innovation and competition.
Among the highlights of the collection are Ferrari machines that bear the marks of greatness, having been piloted by World Champions such as Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher. Each car is a chapter in the sport’s illustrious story. From the 1958 Vanwall VW10, in which Stirling Moss helped Vanwall clinch the inaugural Constructors’ Championship, to the one-off Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46B “fan car” that famously dominated the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix, these vehicles are the physical embodiment of F1’s most iconic moments.
The collection also includes the Alberto Ascari Italian Grand Prix-winning 375 F1, the legendary “Thin Wall Special” Ferrari that first toppled Alfa Romeo, and the Mike Hawthorn Championship-winning Dino. Each car is steeped in history, representing the evolution of the sport across seven decades. Tom Hartley Jnr, tasked with handling the sale, called it “the most important race car collection in the world.” He emphasized the near-impossibility of replicating Ecclestone’s Ferrari collection today, a feat of curation that stands as a testament to the former F1 boss’s dedication.
Ecclestone’s decision to part with his collection stems from his desire to ensure these cars find deserving homes. “The time has come for me to start thinking about what will happen to them should I no longer be here,” he shared. The move also spares his wife the burden of dealing with the collection in his absence, a practical yet poignant consideration.
Tom Hartley Jnr echoed the significance of the sale, emphasizing its rarity and impact on the motorsport world. “This collection spans 70 years of Grand Prix and Formula 1 racing, and there has never been, nor will there ever be, another like it,” he said. The collection’s legacy is not merely in its financial worth but in its unmatched ability to transport enthusiasts into the golden eras of racing.
The upcoming auction marks the end of an era, not only for Ecclestone but for the sport itself. These cars are more than machines; they are milestones of human achievement, engineering brilliance, and indomitable competitive spirit. With their sale, the sport’s history will pass into the hands of new custodians, ensuring the legacy of Bernie Ecclestone and his unparalleled contribution to Formula 1 endures for generations to come.
