Tom Hartley Jnr Ltd, a leading dealer in classic and historic sports cars, has been appointed by Bernie Ecclestone to sell his extraordinary collection of historic Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars.
At 94, Ecclestone, who was instrumental in making Formula 1 a global powerhouse, possesses a collection of 69 cars considered the finest ever assembled. Each car is unique and many have been hidden from public view for over 50 years.
Highlights include Ferraris raced by legends like Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher, as well as Brabhams driven by champions such as Nelson Piquet and Lauda. Among these is the one-off Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46 B ‘fan car’, which won the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix in its only race by a significant margin.
Bernie Ecclestone remarked:
“I have been collecting cars for over 50 years, always choosing the finest examples, with a focus on Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars rather than sports cars.
“Formula 1 cars are the pinnacle of motorsport, and all of mine have incredible race histories and are rare works of art.
“While I love my cars, I need to consider their future. That’s why I’ve decided to sell them; I want to know where they go and not leave that task to my wife if I’m not around.
“Tom [Hartley Jnr] is handling the sale because he knows these cars better than anyone and offers the transparency I need.
“It’s time for these extraordinary vehicles to be enjoyed by others who will treat them with the care they deserve.”
Tom Hartley Jnr remarked, “This is undoubtedly the most important race car collection in the world, spanning 70 years of Grand Prix and Formula 1 racing. Highlights include World Championship-winning Ferraris driven by Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher, as well as all of Bernie Ecclestone’s Brabhams, including the famous ‘fan car,’ and the Vanwall VW10, in which Stirling Moss secured victories that led to Vanwall’s historic Constructors’ Championship in 1958.
“The standout feature of the collection is the Ferraris. Bernie has curated a near-unrepeatable collection, featuring the Thin Wall Special and historically significant cars like the 375 F1 and the Dino, which contributed to multiple championships.
“Bernie’s steadfast ownership of the Brabham cars means many have not been seen for decades, making it easy to overlook the team’s legacy, which includes 22 Grand Prix wins and two World Championships. Brabham was also innovative, being the first to introduce carbon brakes and in-race refueling.
“I’m honored to handle this sale at Tom Hartley Jnr. This collection is a unique opportunity for discerning collectors, and it would be fantastic to see these iconic cars back on track.
“Today’s Formula 1 cars look quite similar, but the designs from the 1960s to 1970s hold a timeless beauty that would fit perfectly in The Museum of Modern Art.
“This collection is the very history of Formula 1.”
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