If you’ve always aspired to have Formula 1 racecar style minus the blinding speed and cornering, I think I’ve found the right option for you. At Bonhams’ Scottsdale auction on January 27, 2023, a 2001 Ferrari F1 ‘Michael Schumacher’ show car chassis No. N56 with all the panache fit for a seven-time F1 champion is being offered to the highest bidder. The auction house estimates it will set you back between $500,000-700,000. That’s some serious coin for a racecar without an engine but, in the right setting, it could become a motorsports collectible around your home that really ties the room together.
The show car was built by Ferrari S.p.A. to celebrate Schumacher’s F1 championship wins. It is based on Ferrari’s F2001 racecar that won 10 races, plus it was Schumacher’s fourth F1 driver’s championship in 2001.
“Hand-built at Ferrari’s Modena raceworks using race-derived componentry such as carbon fiber aero devices and suspension parts, titanium exhaust, BBS wheels and Bridgestone tires, Brembo brakes, and a Magneti Marelli steering wheel,” the listing states. “This beautiful Formula One show car accurately portrays a complete and race-prepped example with its carefully duplicated livery, sponsor markings, and official Ferrari chassis plate.”
All things Ferrari F1 are highly collectible. In November 2022, Sotheby’s sold Schumacher’s Ferrari F2003-GA for $14.9 million. He drove that one to five race wins, two podium finishes, and three pole positions. Three-years earlier, an F2002 driven by Schumacher in the 2002 season was sold by RM Sotheby’s for $6.6 million. This example was driven to three race victories and helped secure his fifth F1 driver’s championship.
Even without any racing pedigree (or the drivetrain, for that matter), expect chassis No. 56 to do well when the hammer drops on January 27. This is a good opportunity for the Tifosi to buy a prancing horse from a great era of championship victories, as opposed to the current dumpster fire with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz Jr.
Source: www.classiccars.com