Jody Scheckter’s Historic €21 Million Racing Car Collection Heads to Auction
In a remarkable turn of events, Jody Scheckter, the 1979 F1 World Champion, is auctioning off his prestigious collection of racing cars, estimated to be worth €21 Million. This significant sale not only marks a pivotal moment in racing history but also offers a unique opportunity to acquire pieces of motorsport legacy.
Key Takeaways:
- The auction is scheduled for May 11 at the Grimaldi Forum in Monaco, coinciding with the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique. It will feature all 12 cars from Scheckter’s personal collection.
- The highlight of the auction is the Ferrari 312 T4, the championship-winning car of 1979, valued at an impressive €6.5 million.
- The entire collection, offered without reserve, encompasses a wide array of racing history, with an expected total value reaching or exceeding €21 million (£17.9 million).
The anticipation within the motorsport community is palpable as the auction date for Jody Scheckter’s private collection approaches. The event, set amidst the glamour of the Grand Prix de Monaco Historique, is more than a mere auction; it’s a celebration of a storied career. RM Sotheby’s, a name synonymous with prestigious auctions, will be overseeing the event.
Central to the collection is the Ferrari 312 T4, a symbol of Scheckter’s glorious 1979 season. With its powerful 3-litre flat-12 engine and design by the legendary Mauro Forghieri, the car epitomizes the zenith of engineering and aesthetics in its era.
Scheckter’s tenure with McLaren is also well-represented, featuring the M19A and M23-2 chassis, highlighting his early exploits in Formula 1. Adding to the uniqueness of the collection is a reconstructed six-wheeled Tyrrell P34, made from an original chassis in 2008, and the 1975 Tyrrell 007. The 1977 Wolf WR1, a car that played a pivotal role in Scheckter’s nearly successful championship bid, further adds to the collection’s allure.
The collection’s breadth extends to Formula 2 and Formula 3 with the inclusion of a 1972 McLaren M21, a 1973 Rondel M1, and a 1971 Merlyn Mk21. Additionally, the collection features Scheckter’s 1970 British Formula Ford championship-winning Merlyn Mk11a, a 1974 Trojan T101 from the Formula 5000 series, and a historic 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ, known for its participation in the early ’60s Targa Florio.
This auction is not just a transaction of high-value items; it’s a passage of history from one generation to the next. The cars, each with a story to tell, embody the spirit of racing and the legacy of a champion like Jody Scheckter. For enthusiasts and collectors, this event presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of the rich tapestry of motor racing history.
