As Michael Schumacher continues his road to recovery after a tragic skiing accident, his old racer will be put out at an auction. The Formula 1 legend’s Benetton-Ford B191B is expected to sell for at least $250,000 in May 2016. The auction will be held in Monte Carlo.
The special Ford-Benetton B191B had its heydays during the 1990s, where it was driven by two world champions. Nelson Piquet, winner of three Formula 1 Championship titles, drove the car during his final grand prix. He also used the supercar when he exited the sport at the Australian GP in 1991. Just as Piquet was bidding the sports farewell, a new superstar was making an entrance – Michael Schumacher.
The car is notably unique because it was driven by the most successful driver in the history of the sport. Schumacher finished at the top spot for the first time while driving the vehicle at the 1992 Mexican Grand Prix at Mexico City. He also had two Top 3 finishes in the car, including the 1992 Brazilian Grand Prix, after which the vehicle was retired.
CarScoop writes that the supercar as also driven by Martin Brundle, a current F1 TV commentator and well-reputed pundit, during his Benetton team debut at the 1992 South African Grand Prix.
According to Top Gear, the single-seater Benetton-Ford B191B featured a 3.5-liter Series V Ford HB V8 engine that could rev up to 13,800rpm and generate a powerful 730bhp, linked to a proper six-speed manual gearbox made by Benetton. The racecar also included a 204-liter fuel tank. At the auction in May, the car is expecting to fetch anywhere between $250,000 and $318,000 and will be sold without a reserve, although the auctioneer guarantees that the car is fully operational.
The racer was built in 1991 and then upgraded to “B” specs to prepare for the 1992 season, writes Road and Track. According to Bonhams, the car is ready to drive anytime upon purchase. The engine still sounds remarkable. The car was actually auctioned by Bonhams in November 2014. Apparently, the car was not sold that time.
The B191B-006 remains a classic and is one of the most notable cars in the history of Formula 1. The auctioneer is more optimistic that the car will finally be sold next month.
More updates and details on the bid for Schumacher’s old Benetton-Ford B191B are expected when it goes up for sale in May 2016.
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