The Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Formula One Paddock Bike, linked to Nigel Mansell’s racing legacy, is an exceptional item up for auction as part of RM Sotheby’s Nigel Mansell’s Legacy Collection.
Top key points
- Nigel Mansell was a British Formula One driver who is considered one of the greatest drivers of all time.
- He was known for his aggressive driving style and his “win it or bin it” attitude.
- He won the Formula One Drivers’ World Championship in 1992.
- The Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Formula One Paddock Bike is a rare and unique machine that was once owned by Nigel Mansell.
- It is expected to fetch a high price at auction.
- The auction will take place from October 4 to 11, 2023.
Nigel Mansell
This bike carries immense historical value due to its direct association with Nigel Mansell, the fiercely competitive British Formula One driver who dominated the tracks in the 1980s and early 1990s.
Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Paddock Bike
Mansell’s racing career exemplified his unwavering determination and fearless attitude. He earned his reputation by demonstrating unmatched resolve, including racing even after a severe neck injury that almost left him quadriplegic. This unyielding spirit defined his approach and set him apart on the racing circuit.
A succinct overview of Mansell’s journey in racing:
- He clinched the title of the 1977 British Formula Ford champion, a testament to his exceptional skill and dedication from the outset of his career.
- At the inception of his Formula One journey with Colin Chapman’s Lotus Formula One team, he encountered a harrowing crash during his F1 debut at the 1980 Austrian Grand Prix.
- Undeterred by setbacks, he transitioned to Williams in 1985, heralding a period of numerous victories. His grasp on the Formula One Drivers’ World Championship slipped through his fingers twice due to last-minute misfortunes.
- The year 1989 saw Mansell’s move to Ferrari, a shift that garnered him the moniker “Il Leone” (The Lion) due to his unapologetic “win it or bin it” ethos. Notably, his stunning performance at the Hungaroring, surging from 12th place to claim victory, is etched in Formula One’s annals.
- Mansell’s crowning achievement arrived in 1992 when he secured the Formula One World Championship title with Williams. Subsequently, he ventured into the CART Indycar World Series, clinching the championship in his debut year (1993) and etching his name as the sole driver to simultaneously hold both F1 and CART titles.
RM Sotheby’s auction
The Honda ST 70 ‘Ferrari’ Paddock Bike hails from the 1989 season, coinciding with Mansell’s tenure at Ferrari. While the precise year of manufacture remains unclear, its association with that season and its Ferrari-themed design elevate it to the status of a coveted collector’s piece. This bike will be presented at auction without a reserve price, with an estimated valuation ranging between £5,000 and £10,000.
British Formula One Driver
Enthusiasts and collectors have a remarkable opportunity to acquire a tangible fragment of Nigel Mansell’s legacy and the captivating motorsport era from that time. The bike’s historical significance, intertwined with the legacy of a luminary like Mansell, amplifies its allure for aficionados of motorsports and vintage automobiles.
