Patrick Jackson •8 September, 2024
A collection of Formula 1 memorabilia spanning the distinguished career of Michael Schumacher auctioned this week by RM Sotheby's saw a number of items fetch big money.
Officially dubbed the Schumacher and F1 Legends Collection, a number of the legendary driver's suits, gloves, boots, and vehicle components – almost all of which were signed by him – were sold alongside a small selection of items worn by other greats of the sport during his era.
Headlining the sales was a Schuberth helmet from his 2001 championship-winning season with Scuderia Ferrari, with it fetching top-dollar at €126,000 (A$209,550).
This helmet was the one worn at the Hungarian Grand Prix where he clinched the title and equalled Alain Prost's record of 51 race wins.
Schumacher's OMP racing suit from the same race also fetched a pretty penny at €72,000 (A$119,743).
A Sparco suit worn during his first championship-winning season with Benetton in 1994 fetched a strong price of €54,000 (A$89,807), making his suit from the season before a comparative bargain at €18,600 (A$30,933).
Likewise, the helmet worn in his final race – the 2012 Brazilian Grand Prix – was a relative steal at €6600 (A$10,976). Given it's his time with Ferrari Schumacher is best-remembered for, a pair of OMP gloves from that era fetched more at a price of €8700 (A$13,421).
Other items won at a good figure included signed Puma boots (€3000 / A$4989) and a BBS wheel and Pirelli tyre taken from one the Mercedes-Benz cars he drove in the twilight of his career (€2040 / A$3392).
While most of the lots were Schumacher-worn items, a few helmets worn by others went for big money as well. Fernando Alonso's 2004 helmet went for an impressive €49,200 (A$81,824) while Giancarlo Fisichella's lid from the same season sold for €10,800 (A$17,961).
All items sold since all lots were offered with no reserve price. The same can't be said for other recent auctions, with a number of high-profile Holdens failing to sell recently.
Sign up for the latest in retro rides, from stories of restoration to community happenings.