Got a spare £200,000? Former Banbury team's Formula 1 cars on sale to public

The team is now called Manor Racing after it went into administration for a month last year but John Pye Auctions Luxury Assets department is offering a quartet of F1 cars to the international market, available by private treaty upon instruction from a private collector.

The four cars span the 2010-13 F1 Grand Prix seasons and although the cars for sale did not register a single World Championship point, the prized asset is the 2013 Marussia MR02, driven by Max Chilton and the late Jules Bianchi.

The other cars are the 2010 Virgin VR01 driven by Timo Glock and Lucas di Grassi, the 2011 Marussia Virgin MVR02 driven by Glock and Jerome d’Ambrosio and the 2012 Marussia MR01 driven by Glock and Charles Pic.

Offers for the 2013 MR02 are in the region of £200,000, with the remaining cars offered in the region of £150,000.

Giorgio Vitale, John Pye Auctions business development manager, said: “This is an incredibly rare and unique opportunity to own a piece of Formula One history.

“These assets are the most modern F1 cars available to have been made available on the international market.

“The grand prix photos show great provenance but simply do not do the cars complete justice; they have to be seen in person to be fully appreciated for their styling and engineering beauty.

“The cars will be of interest to private collectors as museum pieces, as well as showcase items and even track day cars with some post sales engine and tuning to high net worth individuals looking for the ultimate automotive thrill.”

The MR02 will surely be of the most interest to prospective buyers as it is one of the first Formula 1 cars to be offered to the public featuring the DRS system.

The Drag Reduction System was first introduced to the sport in 2011 and when activated, reduces drag to increase the cars top speed.

Viewings will take place at the John Pye Auctions West Midlands Hub at Units 39-40 Marchington Industrial Estate, Marchington, near Uttoxeter, Staffordshire ST14 8LP.

Initial dates are from Monday, February 1 from 11am to 1pm and Tuesday, February 2 from 11am to 1pm.

Sheldon Miller, John Pye business development director said: “We are anticipating international interest in this exclusive private client offering.

“The cars have raced through the streets of Monte Carlo for the Monaco grand prix and across the F1 grand prix international circuit. It’s the ultimate auto sport asset provenance offering.

“Due to the premium niche nature of these highly desirable F1 luxury assets, the cars are priced upon application and we are managing offers on a private treaty basis with marketing and negotiation being brokered by John Pye Luxury Assets on behalf of our private client.”

Private viewings can be arranged, further details can be found on the John Pye Auctions website at www.johnpye.co.uk

To request a copy of the sales prospectus or to make an offer, visit www.johnpye.co.uk/f1 or contact Mr Vitale at [email protected] or by calling 020 7456 6750.