For decades, the precise contents of former Formula 1 'ringmaster' Bernie Ecclestone's private car collection remained a closely guarded secret, known only to him and those he entrusted with its care. Some might have even ventured to suggest that, like other manifestations of worldly wealth, one cannot take it all with them. Now, at the age of 94, Ecclestone is disposing of at least a portion of his collection through UK-based performance car specialist Tom Hartley Jr, via private treaty sale rather than auction. As a result, the final transaction values will remain undisclosed.
Ecclestone's Journey in Collecting
Ecclestone, originally a motorcycle salesman, began amassing his collection in the 1950s. Last year, he reached a settlement with British tax authorities to avoid a 17-month custodial sentence for fraud. He pleaded guilty and paid £652m plus prosecution costs of £74,000. The 69 racing cars up for sale encompass a number of historically significant examples with racing history. There are also some interesting 'recreations', such as a pre-war Auto Union and a Lancia D50. One standout is the Brabham BT46 'fan car' in which Niki Lauda won the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix.This ingenious design was a clever workaround of the laws of physics. The Alfa Romeo flat-12 engine's shape made it difficult to run 'ground effect' venturi like the rival Lotus 79. So, designer Gordon Murray fitted a huge fan to suck the car towards the ground. When the car was unveiled, it provoked outrage. To avoid alienating allies as he moved to consolidate F1's commercial revenues, Ecclestone withdrew the car. It wasn't seen in public again until the 2001 Goodwood Festival of Speed.Brabham BT46BPhoto by: David PhippsEcclestone owned the Brabham team from 1971 to 1988, and its cars form the core of the collection. However, there are many other chassis with winning history. "I have been collecting these cars for more than 50 years, and I have only ever bought the best of any example," Ecclestone said. "I love all of my cars, but the time has come for me to start thinking about what will happen to them should I no longer be here. That is why I have decided to sell them. After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone and not leave them for my wife to deal with if I am no longer around."The collection includes the Vanwall VW10 raced by Stirling Moss in the first year of the constructors' championship. But at the forefront is a vast expanse of rosso corsa, as Ecclestone is a renowned collector of racing Ferraris. Alberto Ascari's 1951 Italian Grand Prix-winning 375, Mike Hawthorn's 1958 championship-winning Dino, and an ex-Michael Schumacher F2002 are likely to command the highest valuations. There is also a Ferrari in British Racing Green - the Thinwall Special, and the historically interesting 312B3.This was Ferrari's first true monocoque chassis, produced during a time of internal political turmoil. Engineer Mauro Forghieri was out of favor and banished to 'special projects'. His replacement, Sandro Colombo, outsourced the build and much of the design detailing to TC Prototypes in the UK. When the car fell short of expectations, further unrest ensued. Once Forghieri was reinstated behind the drawing board, he made many revisions to the existing chassis and reverted to a semi-monocoque concept in later examples.The collection also includes the 312T2 in which Carlos Reutemann won the 1977 Brazilian Grand Prix.This is not the first time Ecclestone has parted ways with some of his collection. In 2007, he offered 50 cars for sale via auction by RM Sotheby's, including a 1928 Mercedes SSK roadster and a 1939 Lancia Astura cabriolet reputed to have been owned by Benito Mussolini.
