At 94, Bernie Ecclestone, the former kingpin of Formula 1, has decided to part ways with his unparalleled collection of Grand Prix cars. Valued at an eye-watering $400 million (₹3,387.6 crore) by Car and Driver, the collection boasts 69 rare and historic vehicles that chart the evolution of motorsport greatness. While the cars won't be auctioned, they will be sold privately through Derbyshire-based luxury dealer Tom Hartley Jr., marking a major event in the world of automotive collecting.
The collection spans decades and features some of the most iconic vehicles in Formula 1 history. Among the standouts is the Ferrari F2002, piloted by Michael Schumacher to his fifth world championship, and the groundbreaking Brabham BT46 "fan car," a technological marvel designed by Gordon Murray. This car, which famously won the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix by 30 seconds before being withdrawn from competition due to its controversial design, represents the ingenuity and risk-taking that defined F1's golden era. Also included is the 1951 Ferrari 375, the car that claimed Ferrari’s first Formula 1 victory with Alberto Ascari behind the wheel, as well as the Vanwall VW10, which secured the first-ever constructors’ championship and marked the rise of British motorsport.
Ecclestone’s collection isn’t merely a display of technological advancements—it’s a living history of motorsport legends. Cars once driven by icons like Niki Lauda, Mike Hawthorn, Sir Stirling Moss, Nelson Piquet, and Ayrton Senna are part of this treasure trove. Many of these vehicles have remained unseen since Ecclestone acquired them, making this sale a rare opportunity for collectors and museums alike.
For Ecclestone, the decision to sell is deeply personal. “I am 94, and with luck, I might have a few years longer—who knows? But I didn’t want to leave [my wife] Fabi wondering what to do with them if I was no longer around,” he shared. “After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone.”
Half of the collection is composed of Brabhams, a nod to Ecclestone’s tenure as owner of the Brabham F1 team in the 1970s and 1980s. These cars represent a crucial chapter in F1 history, as Ecclestone transformed the team into a competitive force while simultaneously revolutionising the sport’s commercial structure. The other half features championship-winning machines and engineering masterpieces, such as the Dino 246 that took Mike Hawthorn to the 1958 title and holds the distinction of being the last front-engine car to win an F1 race.
Tom Hartley Jr., who has handled high-profile automotive sales before—including a 1957 Ferrari 250 Testa Rossa for £24 million (₹257.1 crore)—described the collection as “possibly the greatest ever assembled.” Selling the cars through private deals, rather than an auction, ensures discretion and careful placement in the hands of discerning collectors or institutions. Hartley’s career has also seen him managing sales for Formula 1 figures like Toto Wolff, Sebastian Vettel, and Adrian Newey, further cementing his reputation in the motorsport world. This sale provides a rare opportunity to see vehicles that have defined motorsport excellence. Whether it’s the innovation of the Brabham BT46 or the elegance of the Ferrari 375, each car represents a milestone in racing history. For enthusiasts, it’s a chance to glimpse the engineering feats, racing triumphs, and larger-than-life personalities that shaped Formula 1 as we know it today.
Ecclestone’s decision to part with these cars is bittersweet. For decades, the collection has served as a personal tribute to the sport he helped shape. As these vehicles find new owners, they’ll continue to embody tales of speed, innovation, and legacy—whether displayed behind the glass walls of private collections, showcased in public museums, or, if we dare dream, roaring back to life on the track once more.
