Bernie Ecclestone’s £300 million car collection is being auctioned, including Michael Schumacher’s F1 car

Bernie Ecclestone, the 94-year-old former Formula One boss, has decided to auction his huge car collection, estimated to be worth over £300 million. The collection, a culmination of over 50 years of careful collecting, is more than just a testament to automotive history; It is a personal inheritance that Ecclestone wants to part with to ensure a smooth estate auction.

At the heart of this decision was the desire to spare his wife Fabiana the burden of managing the collection in the future. Commenting on his decision to sell, Ecclestone said the following:

“I’m 94 and with a bit of luck I might have a few more years – who knows? – but I didn’t want to leave Fabi wondering what I should do with them when I’m gone.”

Ecclestone’s car collection is considered one of the most prestigious in the world, comprising 69 cars with an illustrious Formula 1 pedigree. These machines aren’t just cars; They embody some of the greatest motorsport stories. Among the collection’s jewels is Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari from his 2002 F1 World Championship, a piece worth more than £10 million. There’s also Niki Lauda’s Ferrari, Mike Hawthorn’s 1958 championship car and Sir Stirling Moss’ Vanwall VW10, which was instrumental in securing Vanwall’s first constructors’ championship 66 years ago.

The sales of these vehicles are managed by Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, a reputable dealer of historic racing machines. Interestingly, the sales are not through public auctions but through private transactions to ensure that these “rare works of art,” as Ecclestone calls them, find appreciative and competent owners.

“After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they went.”

Ecclestone’s cars have a fantastic racing history and offer more than just aesthetic appeal. “They are more important than any road car or other racing car. They are the pinnacle of sport,” he said.

Bernie Ecclestone’s career has been synonymous with the transformation of Formula 1 into a global giant. He is often referred to as the “father of modern Formula 1” and his leadership transformed the sport into a multi-billion dollar industry. His affinity for Grand Prix cars rather than sports cars is evident in his collection, which includes a diverse selection of models from different eras, including cars such as the 1931 Bugatti Type 54S and the Ferrari Thin Wall Special.

For Ecclestone, the decision to sell these cars is as much a matter of estate planning as a personal consideration. “I love all my cars but maybe I should have done this five years ago but I never got around to it until now,” reflected Ecclestone.

On a personal level, Bernie’s move is deeply rooted in family considerations. His wife Fabiana and his daughters Tamara and Petra have little desire to be burdened with responsibility for the collection. A source close to Ecclestone confirms:

“It’s unlikely that his wife or daughters will want to go to the trouble of selling Bernie’s cars.” However, it is hinted that his young son Ace might one day venture into building his own collection, aided by the resources the family available. “And let’s be honest, if Ace wanted to start his own collection at some point in the fairly distant future, he would have the means to do so,” the source added.

Ecclestone’s decision also means the end of a chapter for him personally. As he moves his collection to a new home, he moves away from a lifelong passion that has shaped much of his identity outside of his public role. The meticulous care with which these cars were maintained and stored, for example in his private hangar at Biggin Hill Airport, speaks volumes about his commitment.

Looking ahead, Ecclestone has resolved matters relating to his legal and financial background, including a significant £650m settlement relating to undisclosed assets in a trust.

In a final reflection, Ecclestone said: “I have decided to move them to a new home that will treat them as I do and protect them like valuable works of art.”