An official Ferrari Grand Prix drivers’ simulator, once employed by the legendary Michael Schumacher during his illustrious Formula 1 career, is set to take centre stage at a prominent antiques fair scheduled for the upcoming weekend.
This remarkable simulator played a pivotal role in Ferrari’s preparations for the demanding circuits of the Formula One calendar back in 2006 – a significant year as it marked Schumacher’s final season with the Scuderia Ferrari team.
The German racing icon boasts a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles, a distinction he shares with Sir Lewis Hamilton.
Furthermore, at the time of his retirement from the sport in 2012, Schumacher held an array of records, including the most wins, pole positions, and podium finishes.
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The prestigious F1 memorabilia will make its appearance at “Timeless,” the renowned Irish Antique Dealers’ Fair, returning to Dublin’s RDS on September 15.
Subsequently, it will be made available for sale at an auction slated for the coming months, offering motorsport enthusiasts a unique opportunity to get up close with a piece of Formula 1 history.
Niall Mullen, a distinguished antiques dealer, is the curator responsible for bringing this exceptional piece to the event in South Dublin.
He expressed his enthusiasm for sharing this treasure with Grand Prix aficionados, saying, “This is a fantastic piece of official Ferrari equipment and would have been used by the great German ace and his teammate Felipe Massa.”
“The working simulator, which originally cost in excess of €60,000, features a force-feedback steering wheel and is loaded with all the F1 circuits from the time and a number of international tracks used for testing.
“It will feature in an auction of celebrity items due to be held in the coming months, but I really wanted the public to be able to see this while they experience all the other fantastic items at Ireland’s largest selection of classic pieces that stand the test of time.”
In addition to the iconic simulator, the fair promises a captivating array of other exceptional items, including a rare first edition Memphis Milano Carlton bookcase – a cherished possession of the late David Bowie – which will be available for purchase in Ireland for the very first time courtesy of Acquired.
These Carlton bookcases, valued at €17,000, were once coveted by rock and fashion luminaries such as Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld.
Among the unique treasures featured at the 56th edition of the fair, set to run from September 15 to 17, is a 400-year-old diamond ring with a storied past that traces its journey along the Silk Road.
Crafted in England, this extraordinary ring, valued at €3,950, predates the mining era, with its stones bearing the weathering marks of time rather than the precision of modern cutting techniques.
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These diamonds made their way to England through the ancient Silk Road trade route, a testament to the rich history and global connections embodied in this remarkable piece.
Garret Weldon, the President of the Irish Antique Dealers’ Association, expressed his admiration for these unique pieces, stating:
“Each piece is unique, and the real joy of Timeless is discovering that something different, the one magical piece that makes a home.
“The best of the past is also best for the future, as our trade is the original sustainable industry and helps the planet through a reduction in manufacturing and waste.”