Iconic Schumacher Benetton F1 show car hits auction

A remarkable piece of Formula 1 heritage has emerged for collectors and enthusiasts.

A Benetton B190B show car, complete with custom Michael Schumacher detailing, is now available through F1 Authentics in an auction closing April 22.

The show car features the iconic yellow Camel livery that defined the team's early 1990s aesthetic.

While this particular vehicle is a reproduction rather than an original race car, its connection to Schumacher's legacy makes it a compelling acquisition for serious collectors.

Historical Significance

The B190B represents a brief but significant chapter in Formula 1's technical evolution.

As an improved version of the 1990 B190, the car leveraged its Ford HBA4 engine and advanced aerodynamics to achieve notable results, including a podium finish at the Phoenix Grand Prix with Nelson Piquet behind the wheel.

Its competitive life proved short-lived, however.

Just two races after Phoenix, Benetton replaced it with the B191, which introduced the team's first nose-up design concept.

Schumacher connection

The special appeal of this auction item lies in its Schumacher detailing.

The German driver joined Benetton in the latter part of the 1991 season after beginning his Formula 1 career with Jordan.

It was at Benetton where Schumacher truly established his dominance in the sport, securing his first two world championships in 1994 and 1995 before moving to Ferrari, where he would cement his legacy with five additional titles.

Auction details

The bidding for this reproduction starts at £10,000.

While no estimate has been officially disclosed, the auction listing describes the show car as the "ultimate centrepiece for fans and collectors wishing to own a moment of a bygone era."

As a reproduction rather than an actual race car, it's expected to sell for a fraction of what an original Schumacher-driven vehicle would command.

This potentially puts it within reach of dedicated enthusiasts who could never afford the seven-figure prices of authentic race cars.

Collector appeal

The timing of this auction coincides with increased interest in Formula 1 memorabilia, particularly items connected to legendary drivers like Schumacher.

For many fans, these show cars represent the closest opportunity to own a tangible piece of motorsport history.

With Schumacher's recovery from his 2013 skiing accident remaining private, artifacts from his racing career have taken on additional significance for fans who wish to celebrate his extraordinary achievements in the sport.

The auction continues through April 22, offering collectors worldwide the chance to bid on this distinctive piece of Formula 1 memorabilia.