Bernie Ecclestone, the venerable 94-year-old former head of Formula One, has taken the momentous decision to put his extensive car collection up for auction. Estimated to be worth over £300 million, this collection, amassed over five decades with meticulous care, is not merely a testament to automotive history; it is a personal legacy that Ecclestone has chosen to part with to facilitate a smooth estate auction.

Spare His Wife the Burden

At the core of this decision lies Ecclestone's desire to relieve his wife, Fabiana, of the future burden of managing the collection. As he stated on his decision to sell: "I am 94 and with luck I might have a few years longer – who knows? – but I didn't want to leave Fabi wondering what to do with them if I was no longer around."The collection is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious in the world, boasting 69 cars with an illustrious Formula One pedigree. These machines are not just ordinary cars; they encapsulate some of the greatest moments in motorsport history. Among the prized possessions is Michael Schumacher's Ferrari from his 2002 F1 world championship, a vehicle valued at over £10 million. This is accompanied by Niki Lauda's Ferrari, Mike Hawthorn's 1958 championship-winning car, and Sir Stirling Moss's Vanwall VW10, which played a crucial role in securing Vanwall's first constructors' championship 66 years ago.The sale of these vehicles is being expertly managed by Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, renowned dealers in historic racing machines. Interestingly, the sales will not occur through public auctions but rather through private transactions, ensuring that these "rare works of art," as Ecclestone refers to them, find appreciative and capable owners."After collecting and owning them for so long, I would like to know where they have gone," Ecclestone expressed.His cars possess remarkable race histories, offering more than just visual appeal. "They are more important than any road car or other form of race car. They are the epitome of the sport," he emphasized.Bernie Ecclestone's career has been closely intertwined with the transformation of Formula One into a global powerhouse. Often hailed as the "father of modern Formula 1," his leadership transformed the sport into a multi-billion-dollar industry. His preference for grand prix cars over sports cars is clearly evident in his collection, which includes a diverse range of models from different eras, such as the 1931 Bugatti Type 54S and the Ferrari Thin Wall Special.For Ecclestone, the decision to sell these cars is not only about estate planning but also a personal reflection. "I love all my cars but maybe I should have done this five years ago, but I never got around to it until now," he reflected.On a personal level, Bernie's move is deeply influenced by family considerations. His wife, Fabiana, and his daughters, Tamara and Petra, have little interest in shouldering the responsibility of the collection. A source close to Ecclestone confirmed: "It is unlikely his wife or daughters would want to be burdened with the hassle of selling Bernie's cars." However, it is hinted that his young son Ace might one day embark on building his own collection, supported by the family's resources. "And, let's be honest, if Ace wanted to start his own collection at some point in the relatively distant future, he'd have the means to do so," the source added.Ecclestone's decision also marks the closing of a significant chapter in his life. As he moves his collection to new owners, he steps away from a lifelong passion that has defined a large part of his identity beyond his public image. The meticulous attention to detail with which these cars have been maintained and stored, such as in his private hangar at Biggin Hill airport, clearly demonstrates his unwavering commitment.Looking ahead, Ecclestone has settled his legal and financial affairs, including a substantial settlement of £650 million related to undisclosed assets in a trust.In a final reflection, Ecclestone said: "I have decided to find new homes for these cars that will cherish them as I have and look after them as precious works of art."