An official Ferrari Grand Prix drivers’ simulator used by Michael Schumacher will be on display at a major antiques fair next weekend.
The simulator was used by Ferrari to prepare drivers for the various circuits on the Formula One calendar in 2006 – Schumacher’s last season driving for the team.
Schumacher has a joint-record seven World Drivers’ Championship titles (tied with Lewis Hamilton) and, at the time of his retirement from the sport in 2012, he held the records for the most wins, pole positions and podium finishes.
The F1 memorabilia will appear at Timeless, the Irish Antique Dealers’ Fair, which returns to Dublin’s RDS on September 15th and will be sold at a subsequent auction in the coming months.
Antiques dealer Niall Mullen is bringing the piece to the South Dublin event that will give Grand Prix fans a rare opportunity to see a piece of F1 history at close quarters.
“This is a fantastic piece of official Ferrari equipment and would have been used by the great German ace and his team-mate Felipe Massa,” he said.
“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.”
The fair will also feature a range of other statement items, including a rare first edition Memphis Milano Carlton bookcase – a favourite of David Bowie – which will be sold in Ireland for the first time by Acquired.
The Carlton bookcases, valued at €17,000, were in the collections of rock and fashion icons such as Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld.
A 400-year-old diamond ring which travelled the Silk Road is also among the unique designs to be featured as the Fair returns for the 56th time, running from September 15th-17th.
The English crafted ring, valued at €3,950, pre-dates the mining era and the stones would have been weathered by the earth and polished rather than cut.
The diamonds would have been transported to England via the old Silk Road trade route as there were no established shipping routes.
Garret Weldon, president of the Irish Antique Dealers’ Association, said the pieces were “magical” and “unique”.
“Each piece is unique and the real joy of Timeless is discovering that something different, the one magical piece that makes a home,” he said.
“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.”
