A special Tesla Roadster, driven by Michael Schumacher and used in the 2010 Race of Champions, is up for auction next month.
The bright orange electric sports car is just one of the stars at the Bonhams Les Grandes Marques à Paris Sale.
It’s also one of two cars in the auction with a link to seven-time Formula 1 World Champion, Michael Schumacher.
Electric orange
Akin to a ‘World Cup of motorsport’, the Race of Champions is designed to put the world’s best racing drivers head-to-head in identical machines.
For the 2010 edition, held at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, four electric Tesla Roadsters were added to the selection of vehicles. Each car was fitted with a roll cage and carbon fibre racing seat, then stripped of unnecessary interior trim.
The Tesla’s 288hp electric motor was left unchanged. Being able to sprint from 0-60mph in less than four seconds, it was more than fast enough for the twisty confines of the Esprit Arena.
Compared with the other vehicles, the Tesla’s appearance at the Race of Champions was certainly quieter. However, with drivers like Michael Schumacher behind the wheel, it would be no less exciting.
Victory charge
Schumacher was partnered with fellow German Sebastian Vettel for the 2010 Race of Champions. The duo would win the ROC Nations Cup competition, defeating the British team of Andy Priaulx and Jason Plato in the final.
Following the Race of Champions, the Tesla was sold to its current vendor. Other than removing the fire extinguishers, the car is still the same as when it competed.
Racking up 15,000km (9,320 miles) on the roads of France, the Tesla has not been left as a museum exhibit. The signatures of Sébastien Loeb, Travis Pastrana and Andy Priaulx on the rear wing will certainly add to its collectability.
Accordingly, Bonhams has given the Tesla a pre-sale estimate of £110,000 to £170,000.
A genuine Schumacher original
The Bonhams Les Grandes Marques à Paris Sale will also feature a car actually owned by Michael Schumacher.
During his time as Formula 1 driver for the Mercedes team, Schumacher had this 2010 C63 AMG Estate as his company car.
A 451hp 6.2-litre V8 engine might seem a little slow compared to Schumacher’s weekend ride. However, for most drivers, it would feel more than fast enough on the road.
Heading for the chequered flag
Schumacher specified €20,000 (£16,650) worth of options on the C63 AMG. He would use the car until July 2010, before it passed through a number of other owners.
Between them, they have added 152,000km (94,000 miles) to the AMG’s odometer.
Bonhams suggests a potential sale price of £42,000 to £83,000 for the V8 estate. Although this may seem high for a leggy Mercedes, the appeal of a legendary F1 owner is hard to ignore.
Set to be held on 3 February, we will have to wait and see if the two Schumacher-related cars reach expectations.
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