Latest news with #RM Sotheby's
ArabGT
3 days ago
- Automotive
- ArabGT
The Earliest Military Land Rover Series I Still Survives
While the Land Rover Series I made its debut after World War II, its identity as a rugged, no-nonsense off-roader with military roots was quickly established—much like the Jeep CJ it is so often compared to. These compact, robust machines earned a place in the military almost immediately after production began in 1948. One rare example stands out above the rest: chassis R-860756, believed to be the oldest surviving military Land Rover Series I in existence. Now, this historic vehicle is heading to auction with RM Sotheby's, offering collectors a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own a true British legend. A Battle-Tested Legacy Preserved in Bronze Green Rolling out of the Solihull factory on December 16, 1948, this Series I was one of just 20 vehicles in the very first batch delivered to the British Ministry of Supply. It carried the War Department registration 'M6278786' before receiving its service number '90 YJ 00' in 1949. Unlike many of its contemporaries that were lost during active duty, this Land Rover endured—and its survival makes it a pivotal piece of Land Rover's military heritage. This Land Rover Series I remained in military service until 1961 and was officially retired the following year, sent to the War Department Storage Depot at Ruddington before being auctioned off. Civilian life began for the Series I with registration '2350 PK,' and it passed through only two owners before arriving in the hands of its current custodian in 1985. Restored With Respect, Built for History Though the original 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine was replaced during military service with a reconditioned 1949 unit—a standard practice for vehicles of this era—the engine block still wears its Ministry of Supply brass 'overhaul' plate. Beyond that, its drivetrain remains authentic, featuring a full-time, two-speed four-wheel-drive system and the rare 'ring pull' gearbox still intact. Photographic documentation from an early restoration effort revealed a chassis so well-preserved it had reportedly never required welded repairs. A comprehensive, historically faithful restoration followed in 2014–2015 under the supervision of a Dunsfold Land Rover expert. The body was returned to its correct Bronze Green, complemented by a silver chassis and black axles—factory-spec finishes throughout. It still rides on period-correct Avon Traction Mileage tyres wrapped around split-rim military wheels, and even includes semaphore turn signals and a complete toolkit. Interestingly, hints of red paint once flanking the body suggest it may have been used in bomb disposal or as a munitions carrier—a detail that adds further intrigue to its military backstory. Own a Defender's Grandfather—for the Price of One Despite its rarity and historical significance, RM Sotheby's has placed a surprisingly accessible estimate on this landmark vehicle: £50,000 to £75,000, or roughly $68,000 to $102,000. That positions it squarely within the price range of a new Land Rover Defender—modern, yes, but lacking the gravitas and originality of this Series I. With no reserve set, this iconic machine will sell to the highest bidder when it crosses the block at the Cliveden House auction on July 8. For enthusiasts and collectors alike, this Land Rover Series I isn't just an opportunity to buy a car—it's a chance to own the beginning of a legend. Gallery:
Top Gear
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Top Gear
Schumi's 2001 Ferrari just sold for £13.4 million
Schumi's 2001 Ferrari just sold for £13.4 million Making it the most expensive Ferrari F1 car ever Skip 24 photos in the image carousel and continue reading Turn on Javascript to see all the available pictures. 1 / 24 For the second time in its life, Michael Schumacher's F2001 has become the most expensive Ferrari F1 car ever sold at auction, after going under the hammer for £13.4m big ones (or $18.2m slightly smaller ones) in Monaco this weekend. Rewind seven-and-a-half years and this exact chassis fetched about half that – $7.5m, or closer to $10m today – when it became the most expensive F1 car in history. Advertisement - Page continues below That title now belongs to the Mercedes W196 R, of course, having shifted for a frankly obscene £42.6m earlier this year. How the other half live, eh? The 3.0-litre V10-engined F2001 was the car with which Schumi clinched his second world championship for Ferrari (and fourth overall). He won nine grands prix that season, including Monaco, and so dominant was he that victory in Hungary sealed the deal… in August. With four races to spare. Overseen by RM Sotheby's, a donation will be made to the Keep Fighting Foundation – the charity set up after the tragic skiing accident that left Michael with severe brain injuries – from the proceeds of the sale. Advertisement - Page continues below Wonder how long it'll be before this thing is rolled out to break its own record again? Top Gear Newsletter Thank you for subscribing to our newsletter. Look out for your regular round-up of news, reviews and offers in your inbox. Get all the latest news, reviews and exclusives, direct to your inbox. Success Your Email*
The Sun
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Sun
Michael Schumacher's 2001 Monaco -winning Ferrari breaks record as it sells for whopping £13.4MILLION at auction
LEGENDARY racing driver Michael Schumacher's Monaco-winning Ferrari has sold for a staggering £13.4million. Schumi raced the F2001 to victory twice in 2001 - including the famous Monaco Grand Prix. 3 3 3 Chassis number 211 made its final appearance at the 2001 Hungarian Grand Prix where the racing legend qualified on pole position and took top step on the podium. The icon went on to win the title that year - his fourth of seven - with a records points haul ahead of team-mate Rubens Barrichello. The F2001's dominance also saw Ferrari take its 11th contructors' title. The historic motor was sold by RM Sotheby's for an eye-watering £13.43million. It marks the most expensive of Schumacher's Formula One cars to be sold at auction. The Ferrari F2001 was a cornerstone of Michael Schumacher and Ferrari's record-setting, multiple Formula 1 World Championship-winning pomp at the turn of the 21st Century," the car's listing reads. "Chassis 211 holds the remarkable distinction of being the only Ferrari aboard which the German won both the Monaco Grand Prix and Drivers' title in the same season, as the Scuderia clinched the 2001 Constructors' crown. "A two-time Grand Prix winner with a brace of World Championships to its name, chassis 211 is among the most significant of modern-day race cars." MICHAEL Schumacher's life was hanging by a thread 12 years ago as medics tried desperately to keep him alive after a tragic skiing crash that left him with horrific brain injuries. The F1 legend was given the best possible treatment as he was put into a medically induced coma, had his body temperature lowered and underwent hours of tricky operations on his brain. Formula One's Highest Earners Back in 2013, the retired seven-time world champion, and his then 14-year-old son set off on the Combe de Saulire ski run in the exclusive French resort of Meribel. Footage from his helmet camera revealed he was not travelling at excessive speed when his skis struck a rock hidden beneath the snow. He catapulted forward 11.5ft and crashed into a boulder head first that split his helmet into two and left him needing to be airlifted to hospital for two life-saving operations. At one point his family were told to brace themselves for the worst case scenario as the situation was much worse than originally believed. At the time, medics said Schumacher was likely to stay in an induced coma for at least 48 hours as his body and mind recovered. But the coma ended up lasting 250 days - more than eight months. After he woke up in June 2014, he was discharged from hospital and sent to his home in Lake Geneva to get further treatment. Since then his wife Corinna and his inner circle of friends have expertly avoided almost anything leaking out about his health status. Only small amounts of information have been released including reports that Schumacher was in a wheelchair but can react to things around him. In 2019, it was said that Schumacher was set to undergo breakthrough stem cell therapy in a bid to regenerate and rebuild his nervous system. Renowned France cardiologist Dr Philippe Menasche, who had operated on him previously, was set to carry out the treatment that would see cells from his heart go to his brain. Following the treatment at the Georges Pompidou Hospital in Paris, he was said to be "conscious", although few other details were given about his state.
The Herald
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Herald
Michael Schumacher's Ferrari sets Formula One record at auction
Michael Schumacher's Ferrari Formula One car that won the 2001 Monaco and Hungarian grand prix races was sold for $18.17m (R324.24m) , according to RM Sotheby's. Selling ahead of qualifying in Monaco on Saturday, the F2001 car that the legendary German driver used en route to that year's world title became the most expensive F1 vehicle driven by Schumacher to be sold at auction. The $18.17m price tag topped the $13.2m (R235.55m) a bidder paid for Schumacher's 2003 Ferrari F2003 in 2022. It also became the fourth-most expensive F1 car ever sold. The world record sits at $52.52m (R937.22m) , which occurred earlier this year for a Mercedes W196 streamliner that was driven by Formula One legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s. Schumacher, now 56, drove the F2001 Ferrari in his fifth and final Monaco Grand Prix win, which he followed up with a victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The latter win clinched Schumacher's fourth F1 world title.
Malay Mail
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Malay Mail
Schumacher's championship-winning Ferrari F2001 becomes one of most expensive F1 cars ever
ZURICH, May 25 — Michael Schumacher's Ferrari Formula One car that won the 2001 Monaco and Hungarian grand prix races was sold for US$18.17 million (RM76.9 million), according to RM Sotheby's. Selling ahead of qualifying in Monaco yesterday, the F2001 car that the legendary German driver used en route to that year's world title became the most expensive F1 vehicle driven by Schumacher to be sold at auction. The US$18.17 million price tag topped the US$13.2 million a bidder paid for Schumacher's 2003 Ferrari F2003 in 2022. It also became the fourth-most expensive F1 car ever sold. The world record sits at US$52.52 million, which occurred earlier this year for a Mercedes W196 streamliner that was driven by Formula One legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss in the 1950s. Schumacher, now 56, drove the F2001 Ferrari in his fifth and final Monaco Grand Prix win, which he followed up with a victory at the Hungarian Grand Prix. The latter win clinched Schumacher's fourth F1 world title. — Reuters-Field Level Media
