Bernie Ecclestone Sells the World's Most Exclusive Formula 1 Car Collection
Bernie Ecclestone, a man whose name is etched in F1 history as the long-time holder of the sport's commercial rights, has decided to sell his extraordinary collection of historic Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars. This collection, comprising a total of 69 cars, is unique in both its scope and significance. Each car in this collection is unique, embodying the most remarkable moments in the sport's history.
Over his 94 years, Ecclestone has carefully amassed these cars, guided by a single principle: to buy only the best and most original cars. Many of these veteran cars have been hidden from the public for decades, some for more than fifty years. Highlights of the collection include Ferraris driven by legendary world champions like Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher, as well as Brabhams driven by top-class drivers like Nelson Piquet and Carlos Pace. The crown jewel of the collection is the unique Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46B "fan car," which won the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
Ecclestone explains that his passion for Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars has lasted for more than 50 years. "Many collectors focus on sports cars, but my interest has always been on the side of the formulas because they are the pinnacle of motorsport. Each of my cars is a work of art that tells its own story and reflects the high technology of its era," says Ecclestone. The decision to put the collection up for sale was not easy, but he says the time is right. "I want to know where these cars are going and be sure that they are treated with the same care and respect that I have given them."
The sale of the collection is being handled by Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, a globally recognized dealer of exclusive classic and historic cars. Tom Hartley Jnr himself describes it as the most important collection of racing cars in history. "This is not just a sale; it is a new chapter for a collection filled with great moments of sport and engineering. Bernie's collection spans over 70 years of Grand Prix and Formula 1 history," says Hartley.
He specifically highlights the Ferrari formulas, which are the most prominent in the collection. These include the Ferrari Dino that brought Mike Hawthorn to the world championship, Niki Lauda's historic formulas, and Michael Schumacher's title-winning cars. Hartley adds that Ecclestone has carefully preserved all the Brabhams he owned. Many of these have not been seen by the public for decades. "Brabham was synonymous with innovation – they were the first to use refueling during races and carbon brakes."
