The Legacy of Jody Scheckter: A Look at His Legendary Racing Career

Jody Scheckter, a South African racing driver, is known for his impressive career in Formula 1, spanning from 1972 to 1980. Throughout his time in the sport, he won a total of 10 world championship races out of 111 starts. Now, at the age of 74, Scheckter has decided to auction off 12 cars from his personal collection at RM Sotheby’s Monaco sale on 11 May.

One of the highlights of the auction is his ground-effect 1979 Ferrari 312 T4, which was the final car to secure a drivers’ title during Enzo Ferrari’s lifetime. This particular car, chassis #040, was one of five 312 T4s built and was driven exclusively by Scheckter. It achieved back-to-back victories in the Belgian and Monaco GPs and played a pivotal role in the Ferrari team’s success, leading to a drivers’ and constructors’ championship double. Scheckter acquired the car in 1982 from the team and it is now estimated to be worth between £4.45 to £5 million.

In addition to the Ferrari 312 T4, several other iconic cars from Scheckter’s career will also be up for auction. This includes the 1971 McLaren M19A, the car in which Scheckter made his F1 debut at the United States GP. The car holds historical significance as it was also driven by racing legends such as Denny Hulme, Jackie Oliver, Mark Donohue, Peter Revson, and Brian Redman. Another notable car going under the hammer is a 2008 recreation of the Tyrrell P34, the six-wheeled car that led Scheckter to victory in the 1976 Swedish GP.

Apart from his F1 cars, Scheckter is also selling two Formula 2 cars, a 1971 Merlyn Mk21 Formula 3 racer, and his championship-winning Formula Ford and Formula 5000 cars. Additionally, a 1960 Alfa Romeo Giulietta SZ sportscar that competed in the Targa Florio road race will also be part of the auction. The total value of the 12 lots up for sale is estimated to be around £10.9 million, showcasing the breadth and depth of Scheckter’s racing career.

Jody Scheckter’s decision to auction off a part of his personal car collection provides a unique opportunity for racing enthusiasts to own a piece of Formula 1 history. Each car tells a story of Scheckter’s illustrious career and serves as a reminder of his undeniable talent and success in the world of motorsport.