TWO motorcycles that once belonged to the 1992 F1 World Champion, Nigel Mansell, are set to go up for auction with RM Sotheby’s, along with a host of other items.
The first bike, a Honda DAX ST50, was used by Mansell as a mode of paddock transport while he raced for the Ferrari team between 1989 and 1990. It was a tough period with the world’s most famous car marque, and Mansell managed only three wins for the ‘prancing horse’. He did though win something much bigger, the love of the Ferrari fans. The Tifosi, as they are known, were swept up in Mansell-Mania, nicknaming the moustachoed Brummie ‘Il Leone’ for his brave-hearted, never-say-die driving style.
It’s not clear how much Mansell used the Dax after leaving Ferrari for Williams in 1991, although the tax disc gives us a clue. Interestingly the date of expiry on the tax disc is 31/01/1993, just a few months prior to when F1 lost one of its most precocious talents, the Brazilian, Ayrton Senna.
The Honda isn’t the only two-wheeled offering he’s looking to shift. Among the numerous race suits, crash helmets, trophies and even a go-kart is a BMW R18 custom called ‘Il Leone’. The bike was built by his son, Greg Mansell, and Steve Burt (a.k.a. Custom Bike Steve), and it’s a nod to the authentic, gritty 80s and 90s era of Formula One. The BMW is wearing a hefty estimate of £20,000 to £40,000, while the Honda Dax is a slightly more palatable £5,000 to £10,000 guide price.
You can check out the full Nigel Mansell Legacy Collection sale here.
