The Blueprint – Without this millennia old concept, we wouldn’t have a clue what to do on our pride and joy. The artistry and craft of creating a blueprint is something that we here at Bridge Classic Cars celebrate and champion.
So much so, that we’ve created a hand-printed limited edition T-Shirt to show our love for this form of design and its connection to our wonderful world of classic cars.
With the handprinted process, each of our T-Shirts is entirely unique. Meaning every single piece is entirely unique to each owner of our classic blueprint t-shirts.
This exclusive design is limited to just 75 T-shirts.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
Eddie Stobart, the man behind one of Britain’s most recognisable and well-known haulage firms, has passed away at the age of 95.
Eddie first started the business in the 1950s, beginning with agricultural work in Cumbria. Over the years, what started as a small operation grew into a logistics giant under the leadership of his son, Edward. Today, the Eddie Stobart name is seen all over the country in the form of its green-and-white lorries.
Image: Eddie StobartImage: Eddie StobartImage: Eddie StobartImage: Eddie Stobart
The Eddie Stobart brand gained a strong following from its customers, passers-by and members of the public. A big part of this was because each lorry was given its own name – chosen by the driver.
Eddie actually retired from the business a while ago, but his influence was always felt throughout the company. His son, Edward, took over from his dad and was able to turn the Eddie Stobart name into something of an empire that continues to be hugely successful. So successful in fact that there have been documentaries made about the company, as well as toys, models, and a whole range of merchandise.
Tributes to Eddie have been shared on social media from people who have felt inspired by the legend that was Eddie Stobart.
In the New Forest in Hampshire, you’ll find one of the most interesting places for petrolheads – the National Motor Museum in Beaulieu. Although, even if you aren’t a typical “car person”, the museum is still an incredible place to visit.
Established in 1952 by Edward Douglas-Scott-Montagu as a tribute to his father, the museum has grown into an award-winning display of around 300 vehicles, all of which have played a part in automotive history.
The museum’s collection covers all the way back to early horseless carriages to some of the latest makes and models. A personal favourite of mine is the 1000bhp Sunbeam that is currently being restored at the museum.
This car, known as ‘The Slug’ was the one that Major Henry Segrave drove on Daytona Beach at more than 200mph on the 29th of March 1927. This was the first time that any car had ever reached this speed and set a new land speed record. Now, almost 100 years later, the museum is slowly bringing this ground-breaking car back to life thanks to its fundraising campaign.
The museum is part of the Beaulieu Estate, which also includes the Palace House, home to the Montagu family since 1538, the ruins of Beaulieu Abbey, and so much more.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
The Guild is the UK’s largest organisation for automotive media professionals, and being part of it feels like a huge step forward on my professional journey.
For those who don’t know, the Guild is an incredible community of journalists, photographers, authors, broadcasters, and creatives, all connected by their love for cars and storytelling. To now have a place among them is both an honour and a chance to dive even deeper into an industry I’ve come to love.
Joining the Guild feels like a natural fit for me. I didn’t come into the automotive space through the usual route, but over time, I’ve developed a real passion for sharing the stories behind cars – from classic restorations to the future of synthetic fuels. Whatever I’m writing about, I can’t wait to keep contributing and learning alongside some of the best in the business.
A big thank you to the Guild of Motoring Writers for welcoming me and also a huge thank you to Craig for his continued support. I’m looking forward to connecting with fellow members and hopefully adding my voice to this amazing community.
Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always an exciting prospect. However, imagine winning your dream classic without having to pay a penny.
The winner of today’s competition will receive 5 free tickets into one of our current competitions. This means they can enter the draw without having to pay a penny.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
One response to “Advent Calendar Day 17 – Competition Tickets”
Allan Price
I have owned a TR2…TR3…. TR4 and a TR4A. Guess what’s missing!!
Come on Santa make my dreams come true.
On Friday 20th December 2024, the very first issue of Driver, a brand new publication from Bridge Classic Cars will be released!
What Is Driver?
Driver is a digital publication that will have 3 issues per year. It’s a celebration of the stories, people, and machines that make the automotive industry so exciting. As long as you have even the slightest interest in cars, Driver will very likely have something for you.
Each issue will cover topics ranging from restoration projects and sustainable motoring to personal stories from classic car owners. The debut issue certainly sets the tone for what you can expect in future editions.
Why Launch Driver?
The idea for Driver has been around for a long time and it is now finally coming together. The first issue will be sent to everyone on our mailing list and shared on social media completely FREE. From there, members of the Bridge Classic Cars Members Club will have the subscription included in their membership and, for non-members, a yearly subscription will cost just £10.
There will be content in Driver that you won’t find anywhere else and there will also be discount codes for competitions from time to time too.
What Can You Expect in the First Issue?
Our launch issue has lots of automotive content within and we are very excited for you all to read it!
Here is a quick snapshot of what issue number 1 of Driver will feature:
Sustainable Mobility: Insights into how sustainable fuels and other green technologies are shaping the classic car industry
The history of the Ferrari Dino A look at the story behind a true icon of the car world
Elisa Artioli: The namesake of the Lotus Elise shares her story and some incredible imagery from her last road trip
Race Season Review: A fantastic review of the 2024 season from our friend, Alex Alloro
Coming On Friday
If you are on our mailing list, keep an eye on your inboxes on Friday as the very first issue of Driver will be with you sometime in the morning.
Everyone here at Bridge Classic Cars hopes you enjoy it and we hope that you subscribe to experience the 3 issues coming in 2025 too.
In a recent study by Warrantywise, conducted in collaboration with OnePoll, it was found that nearly half (46%) of UK drivers cannot identify most of their vehicle’s dashboard warning lights. This could mean that around 23 million drivers don’t know what their car is telling them resulting in poor vehicle maintenance and safety.
Image: Warrantywise Image: Warrantywise
Don’t Ignore The Lights
Modern cars are equipped with increasingly advanced dashboard systems designed to inform drivers about their vehicle’s health. These range from straightforward indicators like low washer fluid levels to critical warnings about brake system malfunctions or engine issues. However, the survey found that 3% of drivers – potentially 1.5 million people – cannot identify any warning lights at all.
This lack of understanding not only increases the likelihood of expensive repairs but also poses potential safety risks. Ignoring the dashboard lights can lead to delayed repairs, worsening damage, and heightened costs. In some cases, these oversights could endanger both drivers and passengers.
“Your car’s dashboard warning system is one of its first lines of defence. These warning lights aren’t just about convenience – they’re essential for your safety and the health of your vehicle. Modern cars bring incredible advancements, but they also require drivers to stay informed. Taking the time to understand your car could save you thousands in repair costs, and with your car likely being one of your biggest investments, learning what those warning lights mean is one of the best ways to protect it and stay safe on the road. And if the worst happens? That’s what we’re [Warrantywise] here for, but remember that if it’s found that a driver has driven when a warning light has been on, it can mean that a warranty claim is declined. Therefore, it’s important motorists know what their warning lights mean and when to act.”
Antony Diggins, Managing Director of Warrantywise
Growing Complexity in Dashboard Technology
As cars are becoming more technologically advanced, the variety and complexity of warning lights have expanded, making it even more important for drivers to understand their meaning. Acting quickly when a warning light appears can help prevent costly breakdowns and safeguard warranty coverage.
The data cited in this article was compiled from research conducted by OnePoll in 2024. The survey was based on responses from a representative sample of 2,000 UK: Car owners.
Just down the road from the Bridge Classic Cars workshop, Seckford Hall Hotel & Spa is a stunning location to stay and relax. The lucky winner will no doubt have an incredible time.
The most up-to-date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
Limited100 is based in Nottingham and specialises in limited edition, handcrafted automotive wall art.
The name explains the concept very well, each print is limited to just 100 examples and each individual order is numbered with where it fits in the run of 100. The subject of the prints is always a desirable car and the images are taken by top automotive photographers.
To add to the desirability of the prints, every piece is handmade in Nottingham using top-quality, sustainable materials such as eco-friendly framing and water-based paints. Each print also comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist and curator, confirming its limited-edition status.
I’d like to say a big thank you to Simon, founder of Limited100 for being so generous with prizes offered in the Bridge Classic Cars Advent Calendar competition 2024.
Our technician Steve has been working away on the gorgeous 1967 Mercedes 250SL ‘Pagoda’ that we currently have in our workshop. The car had reportedly developed a knocking or clunking sound which was isolated to the selector rod hitting the gearbox mount due to excessive play in the mount itself.
Steve swapped out the old perished mount, which tightened everything back up and allowed the selector rod the clearance to operate fully and freely.
December 13, 2024 4:35 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
This week’s episode of the Torque Show comes to you from our usual spot, The Classic Lounge.
Molly is first off joined by Craig and Gordon to talk about how we source cars not only for our classic car competitions but also restoration projects for customers, friends and ourselves but also some of the things we look out for and keep in mind when viewing a classic car.
They also chat about their approach to buying classics, how we keep the pipeline of cars flowing and what goes into running an award-winning restoration workshop and a catch-up with our friends at H & H Classics after their last auction of the season.
Then, Molly sits down with one of our amazing technicians Jon. Jon is the technician in charge of preparing and working on every one of our competition cars alongside his work in the restoration side of our life in classic cars. Jon has been an instrumental part in our journey into using sustainable fuels with P1 Fuels in our competition cars as well as a wealth of knowledge, experience and approach.
Then it’s back to Molly and Craig to talk you through this week’s winners of our 2007 Porsche 911 Carrera S and 1994 Jaguar XJS, plus a closer look and chat about this year’s Advent Calendar. All of that, and more, on this week’s Torque Show.
December 13, 2024 4:29 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Our technician Jon has been working his magic on the 1969 Daimler 250V8 which is currently being checked over and repaired in our restoration workshops at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk.
When the car arrived, it was taken out on test and found that under load it would lose 2 cylinders. So, Jon got it into the workshop to check that out and give the whole car a look over with a fine tooth comb. At this point, Jon is tracking down some electrical issues in the classic saloon along with a thorough inspection and test of the cooling system.
”Finish earth wire in boot, tape into loom, connect and test, ok. Carry out cooling system pressure test. Leave at 15psi and check over for signs of leaks. Tighten various jubilee clips but still holding pressure after 10 mins. Check heater valve operation . Lever stiff and won’t stay in position as if cable seized or loose.heater valve moves by hand. Get off ramp. Refit drivers carpet. Strip centre console and check heater cable. Found cable bent up and twisted. Strip and straighten cable both ends. Work cable in and out. Reattach to heater valve. Remount cable to lever and test. Works now. Refit centre console. Check interior lights. No power. But with power probe they all work. Check cigarette lighter socket, no power. Check fuses and found blown fuse. Replace and test, ok now.”
After sorting out the wiring issue, Jon could move onto getting to the bottom of the running issue with the Daimler.
”Take outside and warm up. Still holding back and won’t rev smooth up the rev range. Return to workshop. Check cap and rotor and elec ignition. Remove spark plugs clean and regap. Remove offside carb suction chamber and piston. Inspect, needle a bit green and rough. Clean all parts and remove float bowl lid and suck out fuel. Clean inside and blow through. Set jet depth with verniers. Reassemble carb and check piston free.”
”Continue with carb clean. Repeat yesterday’s work on nearside carb. Needle looks OK on this carb. So clean and blow out. Set jet depth and refit piston and suction chamber. Ignition on and check for leaks, ok. Refit air filters and take outside and warm up. Starts and idles fine but still won’t rev. Check timing 10 btdc, spot on. Check leads fitted in correct firing order. Pull leads off 1 at a time to check for what feels like a misfire. Hard to tell. Adjust carbs, still the same.”
He then inspected the ignition system, which had an electronic pick up unit fitted. He closed up the gaps as much as possible whilst also removing and checking each spark plug individually and regapping them to spec, before running the car back up again. Although it had helped the issue, Jon has ordered a new spark tester and will continue with his diagnostics once this arrives.
December 13, 2024 4:20 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Removing the paint, exposing the corrosion and starting to rectify the issues we face on our 1977 Triumph 2500TC.
As a part of the projects, the customer would like to upgrade his dashboard to the newer MkII version. We have been able to source the correct dashboard but modifications will be required as the car is in left hand drive form.
December 13, 2024 4:07 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
We’re lucky to have some incredibly talented and skillful friends, such as our friend Mike. Not only is he a sensational driver (who we did a Talking Classics with about his love for 1990s Formula 1 cars, which you can see here) but he also creates beautiful pieces of art and jewelry connected to the world of motorsport. So, when he came in recently he asked if we could photograph some new pieces for him.
First up, is a beautiful pendant made from the oil cooler that was fitted to one of Michael Schumacher’s earliest F1 race cars, a Benetton.
Next up on the list to be shot in the Classic Lounge, were two formula 1 exhaust manifolds. Much like our very own manifold sculpture, these were originally supplied to cars for Sergio Perez and Fernando Alonso – with the Alonso manifold being part of his Renault R29 during the Monaco Grand Prix in 2009. These wonderful, organic, skeletal sculptures are truly amazing to see let alone photograph, and especially when refinished in Blue and Red.
December 13, 2024 2:35 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
The stunning heritage building of Buxton Crescent Health Spa Hotel is the perfect backdrop for a relaxed, afternoon tea. With freshly made finger sandwiches, warm scones with jam and clotted cream, and a selection of sweet treats, this is a great prize to win.
The Sparkling Afternoon Tea also comes with a glass of bubbles alongside all the delicious food.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
Finished in Bridge Black with our signature white insignia, ‘The Original’ sits at the core of our classic cars. All of our ‘Original’ T-Shirts are made to the highest quality and finish we achieve with our restorations, and you can show everyone that you carry the same ethos as the Bridge Classic Cars team.
Show the car world that you are ‘The Original’.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
It is probably one of the most charming cars that I’ve ever photographed. It wasn’t just the general feel of the day, the weather, the ambiance or what have you – this little car is just a wonderful thing.
Molly and I set out one morning earlier this month to shoot the car at our usual haunt. The leaves were damp and amber, the chill hung in the air and the the sun would make brief and fleeting appearances through the sparse trees but it was all ok, we had a Morris 8.
A car that was somewhat instrumental in getting Britain on the road, much like the Austin 7, the Tourer was by far the most elegant of the offerings. This one, is no exception. With a hearty serving of double green in its interior and paint work, only broken up with the luxurious black wings, our 1939 Morris 8 just has a way about itself. Not only does it look glamorous, it drives beautifully too.
Fitted with a (speaking in 2024) small 914cc engine, but a 4-speed manual gearbox, the little Morris 8 happily plugs along down a British country road without a care in the world. Recently restored by its previous owner of nearly 30 years, the car feels composed and inspires a confidence in your drive. Are you going to get their quickly? No, but you will find yourself lost in a daydream as you soak up the sights and sounds that surround you inside of its cabin.
No matter your taste in classic cars, a small, fun, lightweight, quirky and sweet prewar convertible should always be on your list… and this one could be yours just in time for Christmas.
Our 1976 Jensen Interceptor has had a special delivery at the Bridge Classic Cars workshop in the form of more parts sent over by its owner for our team to organise and assess as the cars restoration journey begins here at our restoration workshops in Suffolk.
December 11, 2024 1:52 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Steve has been working on the 1967 Mercedes SL250 ‘Pagoda’ here at the Bridge Classic Cars HQ in Suffolk. This time, he has been servicing the beautiful straight-six.
After removing the various filters, and thoroughly cleaning out their respective housings, Steve gapped the new spark plugs before fitting them to the car and running it up to temperature.
December 11, 2024 1:45 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Our fabrication team have been diving into our 1963 Rover P4 deeper and have been finding areas of the classic saloon that need attention. Our technician Rob, has been getting to the root cause of the corrosion issues in the classic Rover.
He has been looking into the right hand A post, and has found a series of previous repairs which will require attention.
So, Rob has been making up next sections to repair the floor and front sill section which have been perfectly shaped and refined in order to fit the car best but also to allow the strongest weld for the car.
December 11, 2024 1:39 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Our workshop team have been busy working on the driveline of our 1960 Jensen 541R as it begins the next phase of its restoration journey. Our technician Paul has been working on the pair of 541’s which are currently being restored by our workshop.
This time, Paul has been working on the brake system for the 541R. With the calipers in place, Paul could begin to map out and bend up the hardline needed to connect the brakes from the front, all the way to the back to complete the circuit when ready.
December 11, 2024 12:50 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Our technician Steve has been diving into the 1968 MGC Roadster which is currently in the workshop here at Bridge Classic Cars. As part of the cars assessment, the team found that there was a very small weep coming from one of the core plugs in the engine block, so this would need to be addressed. To do that, Steve had to remove the intake manifold, as well as the exhaust manifold, from the car, making sure to safely disconnect all of the carburetor linkages and fuel lines.
After gaining access to the core plugs, Steve carefully replaced each one as well as taking this opportunity to completely flush out the coolant system of the classic roadster. After that was complete and leak checks were all ok, Steve could get the manifolds back onto the car with the new gaskets.
December 11, 2024 12:41 pmPublished by Nick Skinner
Winning a classic car for just a few pounds is always an exciting prospect. However, imagine winning your dream classic without having to pay a penny.
The winner of today’s competition will receive 5 free tickets into one of our current competitions. This means they can enter the draw without having to pay a penny.
The most up to date list of prizes in our advent calendar can be seen here
Today, Pete has fitted the DAB antenna, hands free microphone and made adaptions to the way the stereo cage fits in the dash using some hand made rubber spacers. He has made a minor repair and location change to the sun visor clamp as this was sitting wonky and looks to have done so from factory.
We are awaiting an adapter for the DAB antenna connector to the back of the head unit and then this can be fitted in place for the final time. The Bluetooth, remote, and hands free functions are working as they should be. We are also chasing some interior parts for around the window switches and for the interior lights. Once these items have arrived that will conclude interior work on this big cat.
Amongst other things, the rear trailing arms have the new bushes fitted, have had a light shotblast, a fresh coat of paint and all now reassembled into the car. Pete had to fabricate new locking bolts to replace the worn ones and found a broken grease nipple so that was removed and replaced. The AC fan has finally come free of the old motor by drilling the shaft out and using a big hammer! It’s now mounted into the frame with it’s new motor and new fittings ready to go back in after we replace the condenser unit.
As Pete told us, a picture says a thousand words in this next section. Over the last couple of days he has been working on more rust repairs. The car has has had some extensive cosmetic and structural surgery. Removed a previous repair to the front of the nearside sill that was well below our standards and it highlighted just how poor this was done previously. We have found further rust holes behind it, this has now been cut out and new steel parts hand made to suit the shape of the car. Welded, dressed and primed. There has also been a lot of work replacing the lower rear quarter the same side. More rot was found on the inner panel, this has all been replaced and the new rear quarter welded into the car and trimmed/dressed to fit perfectly. He has even maintained the position of the original spot welds keeping this spots. Next we will be on the drivers side for similar repairs.
Much the same as the passenger side in fabrication needed, inner had slightly more rot than the passenger side but Pete has made replacement steel sections for this, all that remains is a final weld dress and then it onto the lower sill and jacking point repairs. Starting to be a very solid car now.
December 10, 2024 7:23 pmPublished by Craig Ranson
We have so much going on at Bridge Classic Cars Competitions right now; cars coming in, cars going out, cars finding new homes, cash alternatives flying about all over the placed. It’s difficult to keep up!
So I thought I’d do a weekly round up of all competition car updates for you. I’m really sorry if you come on to read about one specific car (which I know a lot of you do) but I just thought I’d be a bit different today. Normal updates will follow…
2024 MG Cyberster
Our 2024 MG Cyberster, one of the very first models to arrive in the UK was won last week by Paul Butcher. Paul opted for the cash alternative of £45,000 which is an incredible sum of money just before Christmas. Being one of the first MG Cybersters to arrive on UK soil and being one of the most important EV’s to be released, this car is certainly set to be one for the future. A very special car indeed and now in the hands of EMG MG to sit as pride of place in their Ipswich showroom.
Available now if you want to get the keys to your own Cyberster in time for Christmas! Contact EMG MG for more information.
1987 Maserati BiTurbo
We can not wait for this car to be ready. The Maserati has been in our possession for many many years and is a genuine 11,000 mile car. Since taking ownership of this incredible car the values have soared, especially in the hard top models.
We are currently recommissioning the car and as it has been standing for some time this is not a 5 minute job, but will be well worth it when it’s complete.
We have stripped and cleaned the plenum chamber, inlet manifold and rocker covers ready for painting.
The carburettor has been removed from the inlet, we’ve cleaned out the float chamber and freed off the needle valve. Blow out jets and reassemble.
The rest of the parts have been removed from the manifold. to be degreased.
Make new seal with O-ring kit and refitted the manifold bottom water chamber.
We have flattened and polished the car.
The badge and lettering is now back on the car as well as the rear light and number plate.
Jon has finish preparing the parts for painting. He has cleaned the throttle and choke spindles.
The manifold has been masked up before being given to the body shop.
1968 Ford Lotus Cortina
Next up, our 1968 Ford Lotus Cortina in for a full appraisal on the workshop floor.
Swap wires from coil and ballast. Electronic ignition fitted and wired to coil 12v. Coil wired through ballast at 6v. We’ve swapped the wires from ballast to coil to 12v feed. Tighten steering idler bolts.
Next up, we’ve put the car up on the ramp to continue with our assessment.
The rear rear wheels have been removed to check the brakes. Nearside rear wheel bolts loose and wheel holes now elongated and won’t tighten so requires a new wheel.
We’ve fitted smaller nyloc nut to nearside trailing arm so bolt actually goes into nyloc.
There is a fuel leak from fuel tank sender area so we have drain the fuel. We’ve used the fuel pumps on the car to empty the tank. Next up, we’ve remove the sender, cleaned and tested. Removed the spark plugs and cleaned out holes. Cleaned and regapped before refitting the plugs.
Remove battery from boot and start to re-route the fuel pipes to pumps.
Continue re-routing the fuel pipes to pumps in the boot area. Drill and fit p-clips to floor, to hold pipe in place.
Refit battery and secure. We have slackened the alternator belt and checked waterpump and all is ok. Unbolt pulley and refit fan blades. Refit alternator belt and adjust. Remove driver’s seat and carpets. Fit fibre washer to ignition barrel and secure. Strip and fit new rear shoes but clip missing from offside so unable to finish.
Next, we have tested the repaired fuel sender and all seems to be ok.
Remove passengers seat and carpet. Start stripping to remove heater box.
Still more to do on our Cortina in preparation for filming. We have drain the coolant, remove some extra items attached to dash so we can finish removing the heater box.
Once removed, we have strip the heater box and removed the heater radiator.
Tested the radiator and found a split in the seam causing it to leak. With it removed, we are now able to tidy up the area.
And for now, we are up to date on competition cars!
December 10, 2024 10:52 amPublished by Craig Ranson
We have a great range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks in The Classic Lounge at Bridge Classic Cars. Today’s winner will be the lucky recipient of one of our bottles of wine.
The bottle will be personally selected by Craig, Managing Director, and will be with the winner in time to enjoy a glass or two over Christmas.
This style of jacket first appeared in the 1930s however, it wasn’t until the 1960s when the Harrington Jacket really took on its classic and stylish persona.
You can celebrate 20 years of Bridge Classic Cars with our classic Camel Trojan Harrington Jacket. Worn by Steve McQueen, James Dean and Frank Sinatra (to name just a few), what better way to honour two decades of automotive craftsmanship than by wearing this classic design.
In collaboration with Trojan Records Clothing, we have created this limited edition run of Harrington jackets to celebrate our 20 years of classic car preservation.
Tom Hartley Jnr has been given the job of selling Bernie Ecclestone’s collection of Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars.
At 94 years old, Ecclestone, the former commercial rights holder of Formula 1, is the man widely credited with transforming the sport into the global phenomenon it is today. His personal collection of 69 historic Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars covers a huge part of the history of motorsport.
The collection has been hidden from public view for decades, some of the cars for more than 50 years. Many of the cars haven’t been seen since Ecclestone acquired them. Among the highlights are Ferraris driven by World Champions like Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher, alongside Brabhams piloted by legends such as Nelson Piquet, Carlos Pace, and Lauda again. There is also a one-of-a-kind Brabham-Alfa Romeo BT46B ‘fan car,’ which made history with its sole race – a victory at the 1978 Swedish Grand Prix at Anderstorp.
Image: Tom Hartley JnrImage: Tom Hartley JnrImage: Tom Hartley Jnr
Bernie Ecclestone said: “I have been collecting these cars for more than 50 years, and I have only ever bought the best of any example. Whilst many other collectors over the years have opted for sports cars, my passion has always been for Grand Prix and Formula 1 cars.
“A Grand Prix and in particular a Formula 1 car is far more important than any road car or other form of race car, as it is the pinnacle of the sport, and all the cars I have bought over the years have fantastic race histories and are rare works of art.
“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, and 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 should I not be around.
“Tom [Hartley Jnr] is handling the sale for me because he knows the cars better than anyone else, his business is best placed to sell them, and I am guaranteed transparency which is important to me.
“Having collected what are the best and most original Formula 1 cars dating back to the start of the sport, I have now decided to move them on to new homes that will treat them as I have and look after them as precious works of art.”
Tom Hartley Jnr said: “This is quite simply the most important race car collection in the world. There has never been and probably never will be a collection like it ever offered for sale again. The collection spans 70 years of Grand Prix and Formula 1 racing, and highlights include Mike Hawthorn, Niki Lauda, and Michael Schumacher World Championship-winning Ferraris, all of Bernie’s [Ecclestone] Brabhams including the famous ‘fan car’, and the Vanwall VW10, the car in which the great Stirling Moss won several Formula 1 Grands Prix on the way to Vanwall clinching the first ever Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship in 1958, plus so much more.
“But, for me, the highlight of the collection has to be the Ferraris. Bernie has assembled a collection of Ferrari Formula 1 cars that today would be near-impossible to repeat. There is the famous Thin Wall Special, which was the first Ferrari to ever beat Alfa Romeo, the Alberto Ascari Italian Grand Prix-winning 375 F1, the Mike Hawthorn World Championship-winning Dino which Ferrari campaigned over three seasons before it was donated to the Henry Ford Museum, plus historically significant World Championship-winning Niki Lauda and Michael Schumacher cars.
“Because Bernie has retained ownership of the Brabhams since they were new, and many of those cars have not been seen for decades, people can forget quite how special a team Brabham was. Brabham scored 22 Formula 1 Grand Prix wins, 24 Formula 1 Grand Prix pole positions, 25 Formula 1 Grand Prix fastest laps, and two Formula 1 World Championships under Bernie’s tenure. The team was also very innovative, fitting carbon brakes to its cars in the 1970s, and was the first to introduce in-race refuelling. Bernie was also the person who gave a young South African engineer named Gordon Murray a job – and other big names in motorsport such as Charlie Whiting and Herbie Blash were part of the Brabham boys.
“I feel very privileged that Bernie has entrusted the sale of his cars to my Tom Hartley Jnr business. Formula 1 cars are cars that I know particularly well, they are not just cars that I have a great personal interest in, but we at Tom Hartley Jnr actively buy and sell them, too. However, there has never been a collection like this one offered for sale, and no one in the world has a race car collection that comes close to Bernie’s. This a great opportunity for a discerning collector to acquire cars that have never before been offered for sale, and it would be great to see them back on the track again.
“All of the cars on the Formula 1 grid today look the same. If you stripped them of their liveries, you’d struggle to know which one was a Williams and which was a Ferrari. But when you look at some of the Grand Prix cars from the early 1960s to the late 1970s, they’d very much be at home in The Museum of Modern Art.”
“This collection is the history of Formula 1.”
One response to “Bernie Ecclestone’s Collection For Sale”
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The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes.The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
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