Few people, beyond those very close to the classic car market, knew until now that Formula 1 'impresario' Bernie Ecclestone had amassed a substantial collection of classic cars. He kept the collection very quiet - but liked all the cars to be in running order, so he could dip in and go for a drive whenever the mood took him.

Now he's decided to sell up, and there's a frisson of excitement, both to see what he'd collected - and to speculate on why he's selling. It's been suggested that, at the age of 76, the man who effectively 'owns' Formula 1 is losing his enthusiasm - or that, astute businessman that he is, he reckons the classic car market is peaking and it's time to get out. Perhaps it's just that he's so busy, he rarely has a moment to drive them.

Either way, Bernie's collection includes some gems and they will be sold at Battersea Evolution in Battersea Park, London on October 31 by RM Auctions in association with Sotheby's.

Mercedes-Benz is clearly a favourite, with superb 1928 SSK and 1931 SSKL sports cars and a fabulous 1937 540K Special Roadster. Then theres a Gurney Nutting-bodied drophead 1933 Rolls-Royce Phantom II and a 1954 Ferrari 250GT Europa MkII plus more prosaic machinery, such as a couple of VW Beetles (said to be in incredibly original condition and estimated at over 10,000 each!). More details on www.rmauctions.com
Malcolm McKay, Motorbase News Editor