Brawn GP F1 Car Auction – Rare Opportunity to Own
For the first time ever, the iconic Brawn GP Formula 1 car is hitting the auction block, offering a unique chance for motorsport enthusiasts to own a piece of racing history. The highly coveted BGP 001/01, one of only three Brawn GP chassis ever produced, will be up for grabs at Bonhams’ auction during the Miami Grand Prix this May. This particular car, adorned in the livery of Jenson Button’s vehicle from the memorable 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, holds a special place in Formula 1 lore.
A Revolutionary Design and Unforgettable Legacy
Back in 2009, Rubens Barrichello, Button’s teammate, took the wheel of this remarkable chassis, steering it to victory at the European Grand Prix in Valencia and the Italian Grand Prix at Monza. The car, with chassis number 001/01, also secured four podium finishes, including a second-place spot in an impressive Mercedes one-two finish at the team’s debut race in Australia. The car’s success on the track solidified its status as a game-changer in the world of Formula 1.
Louis Frankel, the Miami head of sale at Bonhams, described the vehicle as the pinnacle of a Formula 1 fairy tale, noting its revolutionary design that pushed the boundaries of what was achievable on the track. The upcoming auction of Chassis 001/01 is expected to draw the attention of avid collectors worldwide, eager to claim a piece of motorsport history for themselves.
A Legendary Racing Season and Mercedes Acquisition
Brawn GP’s meteoric rise in the 2009 Formula 1 season is the stuff of legends. Emerging from the remnants of the defunct Honda team, the outfit, under new management, defied the odds with a modest budget and innovative design. The team, powered by Mercedes engines, clinched both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships in their debut season, securing eight wins in 17 races. Mercedes later acquired the team, paving the way for continued success in the years to come.
Chassis 001/01 found itself under Mercedes’ ownership post-2009 season as part of the team’s acquisition, eventually serving as a showcar with a silver finish. The car later made its way into the hands of Jenson Button as part of a contractual agreement, adding a layer of intrigue to its storied past. While the vehicle’s ownership history remains somewhat veiled, its significance in the world of motorsport is undeniable.
Preserving a Racing Legacy and Auction Records
The legacy of Brawn GP lives on through its surviving cars, with Chassis 001/02, the vehicle that carried Button to his championship victory in 2009, currently owned by Ross Brawn. This chassis, the only operational one of the trio, has made appearances at various events, showcasing the enduring spirit of Brawn GP’s triumphs on the track.
With the upcoming auction of Brawn GP’s iconic chassis, the anticipation among collectors is palpable. The event follows a recent milestone in the world of motorsport auctions, where a 1954-55 W196R Stromlinienwagen, driven by legends Juan Manuel Fangio and Stirling Moss, fetched a staggering $53.9 million. The sale, which set a new benchmark for grand prix cars at auction, underscores the enduring allure of historic racing machines.
As the countdown to the auction of BGP 001/01 begins, enthusiasts and collectors alike eagerly await the opportunity to own a piece of Formula 1 history. The significance of this momentous event extends beyond a mere transaction, embodying the rich legacy of Brawn GP and the indelible mark it left on the world of motorsport.
