Automotive: Ecclestone sells private car collection to Mateschitz

Bernie Ecclestone has completed the sale of £500m private car collection – as Red Bull billionaire Mark Mateschitz has become the ‘most worthy owner’ of 69 Grand Prix cars.

He called them precious works of art and they were valued at £500million.

Yet now, we can reveal, Bernie Ecclestone has sold his beloved private car collection in what is believed to be the biggest ever transaction of its kind.

After a private negotiation for an undisclosed fee, Red Bull billionaire Mark Mateschitz, a family friend of the Ecclestones, becomes the new ‘most worthy’ owner of the unique assortment of 69 Grand Prix cars.

Mark And his late father Dietrich Mateschitz

Confirming the change of ownership, Ecclestone said: ‘These are unique vehicles. They have written sport history and marked technical milestones. They embody 70 years of F1 history.

‘It means a great deal to me to know that this collection is now in the very best of hands.

‘Mark is the best and most worthy owner we could ever imagine.’

Mateschitz, who succeeded his father on his death in October 2022, said: ‘I am very pleased that Bernie has placed his trust in me to take care of this historically significant collection.

‘It will be carefully preserved, expanded over the years, and in the near future it will be made accessible to the public at an appropriate location.’