Rare Brawn F1 car could fetch $6.5m in Miami auction

Just one of three Formula 1 world championship-winning Brawn GP cars will be auctioned by Bonhams during the Miami Grand Prix this weekend.

The 2009 F1 season saw Brawn emerge from the embers of the defunct Honda team to shock the world by claiming both the constructors’ crown and drivers’ title with Jenson Button.

The chassis 001/01 is the only Brawn car to be offered publicly and will go up for auction, estimated between $4.5million and $6.5million – as the flagship car for the partnership between South Florida Motorsports – the Miami Grand Prix organisers – and Bonhams|Cars.

There will be 38 cars showcased across the weekend, with the auction taking place on Saturday evening in front of the Miami podium at Hard Rock Stadium.

“This car represents the ultimate Formula 1 fairy tale – a revolutionary design that redefined what was possible,” said Louis Frankel, Miami’s head of sales for Bonham|Cars.

“Chassis 001/01 is a piece of motorsport history, and its offering at auction is sure to captivate collectors worldwide. We are honoured to present this unrepeatable opportunity over the Miami Grand Prix, a stage befitting its legendary status.”

Button and his team-mate Rubens Barrichello shocked their F1 rivals when taking the Brawn car, rebranded and with a last-minute Mercedes engine in the back, to the top of the championship.

A strong start to the year saw Button win six of the first seven races, with Barrichello then taking two victories for himself as the team managed to stave off the competition, which closed the gap throughout the year.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Bonhams|Cars and bring even more success to this year’s event,” said Tyler Epp, president of the Miami Grand Prix.

“There is a strong car culture in South Florida, and the community of fans and collectors in Miami are passionate about all types of cars, old and new.

“So for enthusiasts to have the opportunity to own one of the items in this special lot will add further appeal to a busy weekend of on-track action at this year’s race.”

As well as the Brawn, there is a collection of F1 race-worn helmets and overalls from the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Alain Prost, with a helmet worn by Michael Schumacher in 1991 estimated at $30,000-$50,000.