Nigel Mansell Crashed F1 Car Part to Auction

Guernsey, United Kingdom, September 22, 2012 --(PR.com)-- The rear section of Nigel Mansell’s Formula 1 racing car from the 1986 Adelaide Grand Prix will sell at PFC Auctions on September 27 2012.

The last of 16 races in the 1986 Formula One season, competition was fierce between Nigel Mansell and Nelson Piquet, both racing for the Williams-Honda team, and Alain Prost, for McLaren.

Mansell was holding strong behind his two contenders, needing only third place to secure the championship. However, his left rear tyre exploded on the main straight during lap 64 at 180mph. He managed to glide to safety without colliding with the wall, but his chance for the world title was lost.

This car part, which was signed by Mansell at a later date, originates from the collection of Michael Cuming who worked a security role on the F1 Williams pits in 1986.

A letter of provenance from Cuming reads, in part: “After the crash the race car was towed back to the pits to be inspected by the scrutineers. The team cars were disassembled to be shipped back to the UK. Frank Williams [owner of the Williams-Honda team] was overseeing the dismantling of the race cars. He saw the damage on the rear section… he said it was not worth shipping back to the UK because of the damage. Then asked me if I wanted it as a souvenir and of course I said yes.”

PFC Auctions Spokesperson Kylie Whitehead said “This car part presents a unique opportunity to own part of a Williams-Honda car driven by one of the most famous Formula 1 drivers of all time. A must see for any F1 enthusiast.”

Online bidding at www.pfcauctions.com is now open and will end at 7:00pm BST on Thursday September 27 2012.

For further information and/or images, please contact:
Kylie Whitehead
PFC Auctions
Tel: +44 (0) 117 933 9500
kylie@pfcauctions.com