Bernie Ecclestone‘s Legendary F1 Car Collection Up for Sale
Photo: Tom Hartley Jnr
After decades of being a closely guarded secret, former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is putting his legendary collection of Grand Prix and F1 cars up for sale. The impressive trove boasts 69 meticulously curated vehicles, each one a jewel of motorsport history. With an estimated worth of over $100 million CAD, the collection is a testament to Ecclestone’s lifelong passion for the sport.
Photo: Tom Hartley Jnr
A Lifetime Dedicated to Legacy
“I’ve been collecting these cars for over 50 years and have only bought the best examples,” says Ecclestone, now 94. While many other collectors have opted for sports cars over the years, my passion has always been for Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars. A Grand Prix, and in particular a Formula 1 car, is much bigger than ‘a road car or some other form of racing car, as this is the pinnacle of the sport, and all the cars I have purchased over the years have a fantastic racing history and are rare works of art.”
The collection is a true testament to Ecclestone’s dedication to the sport. It includes around 30 Brabham cars, a reflection of Ecclestone’s ownership of the Brabham team from 1972 to 1988. Significantly, the collection includes at least one example of each edition of Brabham ever built, including the iconic BT46B with its revolutionary rear fan, driven by Niki Lauda to victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.
Naturally, Ferraris hold a prominent place in the collection – 17 in total. Among them is a 375 driven by the legendary Alberto Ascari and freshly restored over a painstaking two-year process. This car holds the significant honor of being the very first Scuderia car to win an F1 race. Champion Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari F2002 is another highlight of this impressive collection.
A Decision Made with Clarity
Ecclestone’s decision to sell the collection stems from a desire to ensure it is properly cared for in the future.
“I don’t want my wife to be burdened with it if something happens to me,”
he explains.
“I also want to know that these cars will find themselves in good hands and will continue to be appreciated by enthusiasts.”
Details regarding the sale, including a confirmed date and an estimated value, are yet to be released. Tom Hartley Jnr, a British specialist, is tasked with overseeing the sale, ensuring these historic vehicles find deserving new homes.
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What motivated Bernie Ecclestone to sell his extensive car collection?
## Bernie Ecclestone’s F1 Legends Go on the Block
**[News Anchor]:** Joining us now ismotorsport historian, Alex Reed, to discuss the surprising news that former Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone is selling his legendary car collection. Welcome!
**Alex Reed:** Thanks for having me.
**[News Anchor]:** For those who may not know, this collection is pretty extraordinary, isn’t it?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. It’s not just the size, 69 cars is remarkable, but the quality. Ecclestone has a keen eye for motorsport history and has amassed some of the most iconic Grand Prix and F1 machines ever built. We’re talking about vehicles that have made history on the track, driven by legends.
**[News Anchor]:** And Ecclestone himself has been intimately involved with Formula 1 for decades.
**Alex Reed:** Exactly. He ran Formula 1 for almost four decades [[1](https://www.autoweek.com/racing/formula-1/a63070368/bernie-ecclestone-selling-incredible-69-car-collection-of-classic-f1-machines/)]. This collection reflects not only his love for the sport but also his intimate knowledge of its evolution.
**[News Anchor]:** There’s talk of this potentially being one of the biggest car sale events in history.
**Alex Reed:** There’s definitely a lot of buzz surrounding it. Estimates suggest the collection could be worth over $100 million CAD. It’s a chance for serious collectors and museums to acquire a piece of motorsport history.
**[News Anchor]:** Any idea why Ecclestone is deciding to sell now?
**Alex Reed:** At 94, he’s likely looking to downsize and ensure that these cars are properly cared for. It’s bittersweet, but it’s also an opportunity for these incredible machines to find new homes where they can continue to be appreciated.
**[News Anchor]:** Well, it will certainly be fascinating to see what happens with this auction.
Thank you for joining us, Alex Reed, and sharing your insights on this fascinating story.
