Ex-Schumacher F1 car goes under the hammer for $1.1 million

GOT a spare space in your garage you need to fill? Well, how about this 1991 Benetton Formula One race car, which was driven by not one, but two of the best drivers in history.

Behold, the Benetton B-191-02 F1 car. This very car was driven by both Michael Schumacher and Nelson Piquet in the 1991 Formula One World Championship.

6

The iconic racer is going under the hammer at renowned auction house Bonhams, and is expected to fetch between $1.1 million and $1.3 million.

Okay, so it’s not exactly what people would call ‘affordable’, but it’d be more fun than a Sydney studio apartment. The car is in running order, too, with a 3.5-litre Cosworth V8 sitting under the rear cowl.

6

Nelson Piquet won the 1991 Canadian Grand Prix in the car, before it was driven by Michael Schumacher at the final two rounds of that season – Japan and Australia.

Unfortunately, the man who would go on to be the most successful driver in F1 history failed to finish both races in the Benetton. He would go on to win back-to-back titles with the team in ’94-’95.

6

Although Schumacher didn’t win any races in this car, the fact he took part in a Grand Prix behind the wheel adds to its rich history…and value.

Following the end of the ’91 grand prix season the car was placed in a museum, before undergoing a rebuild by a team of specialists.

6

The B-191-02 is ready to roll, with the gearbox, engine, chassis, and safety equipment all being overhauled.

Thankfully, the restoration left the car largely in original specification, bar a few FIA-mandated safety features. Just in case the new owner decides he wants to show off at a local track day.

6

The ’91 F1 season was chock full of beautiful cars, including the Jordan 191 (which Schumacher made his grand prix debut in), and the McLaren MP4/6 (which won the championship at the hands of Ayrton Senna).