Bernie Ecclestone’s Historic F1 Sale Is A Powerful Signal For Vehicle Investment
The recent sale of Bernie Ecclestone’s esteemed Formula 1 car collection has spotlighted the escalating value of automotive assets in the investment landscape. Ecclestone, the former chief executive of Formula 1, amassed a remarkable collection over five decades, comprising 69 historic racing cars. This collection has been acquired by Mark Mateschitz, son of the late Red Bull co-founder Dietrich Mateschitz, for an estimated £500 million (approximately AUD$930 million).1,2
While enthusiasts may see these cars as symbols of F1’s golden era, investors see something else—highly scarce, appreciating assets with growing global demand.
A Collection Steeped In Motorsport Legacy1,2
Ecclestone’s collection is more than just a set of cars; it is a rolling archive of racing history. It includes some of the most coveted Formula 1 machines ever built, such as:
These vehicles are not just artefacts; they symbolise pivotal moments in motorsport. Their provenance alone makes them uniquely desirable among collectors and investors alike.
Global Interest And The Role Of Sovereign Wealth Funds
The sale attracted global attention, with interest from various quarters, including sovereign wealth funds and Ultra-High Net Worth collectors. This underscores a growing recognition of collectible cars with exceptional provenance as viable investment assets, appealing not only to individual enthusiasts but also to institutional investors seeking portfolio diversification.
Today, 87% of the world’s top UHNWI collectors invest in tangible assets, recognising their portfolio diversification benefits and long-term appreciation potential. This shift is not coincidental—it reflects broader economic and regulatory changes that are making classic and high-performance vehicles even more desirable.1,3
Collectible Cars As Appreciating Assets1,2,4,5
Investing in collectible cars has historically been a lucrative endeavor for many. Factors such as rarity, historical significance, and cultural impact contribute to their increasing value. For instance, a 1965 Aston Martin DB Short-Chassis Volante, one of only 37 produced, is expected to fetch between £550,000 and £600,000 (approximately AUD$1.02 to AUD$1.11 million) at auction.
The Investment Appeal Of Automotive Assets1,2,5
The allure of investing in collectible cars extends beyond the passion for automobiles. These tangible assets offer intrinsic value and have demonstrated resilience even during economic downturns.
The collector car market in the United States only comprises approximately 43 million vehicles, collectively valued at an estimated USD$1 trillion (approximately AUD$1.39 trillion). This substantial market underscores the potential of automotive assets as a stable and appreciating investment class.
CHROME TEMPLE Commitment To Automotive Investment
At CHROME TEMPLE Investments Pty Ltd ("CHROME TEMPLE”), we have long recognised the investment potential of ‘last-of-the-line’ collectible performance cars. CHROME TEMPLE’s data-driven approach to curating the CHROME TEMPLE Investments Mach 1 Fund (“Mach 1 Fund” or the “Fund”) fleet, combined with our operational expertise and logistical infrastructure are designed to cater to discerning investors who appreciate the multiple benefits of owning a piece of automotive history, securing an asset WITH appreciation potential and having the professionals take care of selection, trade-timing and preservation.
In conclusion, the sale of Ecclestone’s collection serves as a compelling case study in the rising prominence of automotive assets in the investment sphere. As the market continues to evolve, collectible cars not only represent pieces of art and history but also solidify their status as valuable components of a diversified investment portfolio.
Own A Piece Of The Mach 1 Fund Fleet
As of today, the Mach 1 Fund holds circa 20 assets valued at approximately AUD$15 million—and we’re just getting started. With more acquisitions on the horizon, now is a great time to secure your place in phase 2 of the Fund and gain ownership in a meticulously curated car collection of rare and significant vehicles.
If you’d like to own a piece of the Mach 1 Fund fleet, click here to start investing.
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1 Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance.
2 Forbes. “Bernie Ecclestone Sells His $646 Million F1 Car Collection To Red Bull Heir” 11 March 2025
3 Credit Suisse 2022 Collectibles Amid Inflation Report.
4 Investorpedia. "Investing in Collectible Cars: Top Tips and Risks" 11 January 2022.
5 The Sun. “Ultra-rare 60s Aston Martin with chrome wheels & vintage Motorola radio could be yours for £600k" 11 March 2025.
6 Hagerty.com “The Collector Car Market: By the Numbers”