A Drummer And A Racer
Nick Mason was a car fanatic long before he ever became a founding member of Pink Floyd. But the band's success has enabled Mason to build what has to be one of the best car collections in the world. There’s lots of horsepower in Mason’s garage, of course, but there’s also plenty of history. No mere hobbyist, Mason has raced many of these cars, including a run in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Let’s take a tour of Nick Mason’s car collection.
1996 McLaren F1 GTR
The car that marked the peak of the GT resurgence at Le Mans in the 90s, the F1 GTR is a collector’s dream. Mason swapped an Indy car for this McLaren F1. Though this one has been driven extensively on circuits by the McLaren GT team, it has never been entered into a race. Its estimated worth is about $10 million.
DREAM CAR COLLECTION?! - (Two GTOs, 250 SWB and Many More...), RichReviews
1935 Aston Martin Ulster
Aston Martin’s 1.5-liter Ulster was their general-purpose racing car in the mid-30s, running in Le Mans and many other events of the time. Mason owns and races three different models of this car: the LM17, LM18, and LM21. They’re peak 30s racing technology! Estimated at about $3 million.
1959 Maserati Tipo 61 Birdcage
Mason actually bought two of these by mistake! The Maserati Tipo 61 was nicknamed “Birdcage” due to its unique lightweight structure that provided stability and strength. The windshield is recessed down into the body to get around the Le Mans rules of the early 60s. The car had great speed and some reliability issues that limited its racing success, though it did take the 6 Hours of Nurburgring two years in a row. Estimated to be around $3.5 million.
Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
1970 Ferrari 512 S
Only 25 of these were built, one of which appeared in the Steve McQueen film Le Mans (1971). Viewed as a possible competitor to the imposing Porsche 917, the 512S suffered from reliability issues, crashes, and a change in the class rules at Le Mans for 1972, causing Ferrari to discontinue the line. They're worth about $3 million.
Alfa Romeo 8C 2300
Enzo Ferrari once owned and raced this car, which was used to win the 1931 Italian Grand Prix and then updated to a Le Mans type to win that race the following year. Mason ended up selling the car to avoid paying exorbitant income taxes, calling it the “one that got away”.
Brian Snelson, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Bentley 4½ Litre (His Father's Racing Car)
This was the machine that got Mason hooked on cars, while watching his dad race it at English tracks in the early 50s. It was a very successful car, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1928 and 1929.
Sémhur, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
BRM P30 (Which He Previously Raced)
British Racing Motors built these historic cars to compete in Formula 1 in the late 40s. Powered by a 1.5-liter V16, the car was popular with many drivers, including Juan Manuel Fangio. A staple at vintage auto shows in Britain, only four were ever produced. Note that Mason has since sold this car.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari BB LM
The LM was a racing version of the Berlinetta Boxer modified in the late 70s. It included a longer body and improved brakes and suspension, among other upgrades. Ferrari didn’t race the car themselves, farming it out to other teams. This may explain its lack of success in racing, though it did grab a first place finish in the GTX class at the 1981 24 Hours of Le Mans.
DoomWarrior, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione
Only 500 Competiziones were made. Along with its rarity, the car’s style and performance make them a car collector’s delight, with a median price in the range of $285,000 USD.
Keanan, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
1901 Panhard 5-litre
The oldest car in Mason’s collection, this beauty featured a 5-liter, 24-horsepower motor that could seat five. Mason regularly takes this car on the annual 54-mile vintage car tour from London to Brighton. The vintage car is worth close to $400,000.
Iwao, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Aston Martin V8 Zagato
Only 52 of these were built by Aston Martin in the late 80s. An 80s-style reinterpretation of the popular Zagato of the 1960s, the angular look didn’t appeal to everyone, but it was capable of getting up over 180 mph.
Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Austin A35 race series
This English classic was a common sight on British streets and motorways in the 60s. Long successful in racing in the saloon car class, the A35 is still driven in historic racing series.
David Pimborough, Shutterstock
Bugatti Type 13 Brescia
The first car ever built under the Bugatti name, this design was very innovative for 1910, featuring the first four-valve head. The tiny racer could get up to a blistering 77 mph.
Craig Howell, USA, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari Daytona Competition
These cars were built by Ferrari in the early 70s to bump up the 365GTB/4 for Le Mans competition in the GT category. Initially only given a more lightweight aluminum body, later upgrades included a more powerful motor. Though Ferrari never raced the car themselves, other teams found success with it, as it took its class at Le Mans three straight years starting in 1972.
DREAM CAR COLLECTION?! - (Two GTOs, 250 SWB and Many More...), RichReviews
Ferrari F40
As you may see, Mason is a big Ferrari fan. He and Pink Floyd bandmate David Gilmour picked up two of these F40s fresh from the Ferrari factory in 1988 and drove them back to England. With no power steering or power brakes, this incredibly fast car is a true throwback to a simpler time.
DREAM CAR COLLECTION?! - (Two GTOs, 250 SWB and Many More...), RichReviews
Ferrari 599GTO
The 599GTO released in 2006 is named for its 5999cc V12 engine that produced 612 horsepower. It was the most powerful production road car yet for Ferrari.
DREAM CAR COLLECTION?! - (Two GTOs, 250 SWB and Many More...), RichReviews
Ferrari LaFerrari
The LaFerrari is Ferrari’s first step into the hybrid world, offering a 40% improvement on fuel consumption. The car still has the customary Ferrari power with its mid-engine V12 that produces more than 700 hp.
Ferrari F12 Tdf
This car’s name is a nostalgic nod to the Tour de France car race that was in its heyday in the 50s and 60s. Designed by Ferrari as a sportier version of their F12 Berlinetta, its distinctive body style is complemented by a 6.3-liter V12 that takes it from 0–62 mph in 2.9 seconds.
Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari SF90 Stradale
This recent Ferrari hybrid release is fitted with three electric motors, two of which are mounted on the front wheels. The 4-liter twin turbocharged V8 generates over 900 horsepower, enabling the car to go 0–62 mph in 2.5 seconds.
Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Fiat Nuova 500L
This Fiat was designed in the mid 50s to compete in the compact market, and against the popular Vespa and other scooters common on Italian streets. With an air-cooled 500cc engine pushing 15 horsepower, it’s an interesting piece of automotive history that adds variety to Mason's car collection.
Ford V8 Coupe Hot Rod
The Deuce Coupe is a restoration piece still going strong today in a seemingly endless variety of colors and modifications. The classic hot rod is one of the few American makes in Mason’s vast collection.
GPS 56, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Frazer Nash Le Mans
This was one of a line of replicas of the successful Le Mans entry by Frazer Nash. Powered by a 2-liter V6, it held its own at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the other endurance racing events of the day.
John Chapman (Pyrope), CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jaguar Mark 2
This updated version of the Jaguar Mark 1 was a major improvement in the specialty sport saloon class of cars. Capable of going 0–60 in only 8.5 seconds, the car became a favorite for bank robbers and the police trying to catch them. The Mark 2 was a successful racing car in the early 60s, winning several events in the touring car class.
Robotriot, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Jaguar E Type Series 3
Style and speed are a perfect combination in this early 70s update to the popular Jaguar E Type. Boasting a 5.3-liter V12, the car was a common sight and strong performer at production car racing events in the early 70s.
Lola T297 Ford-Cosworth
British constructor Lola built this racing prototype, an update of its 290 series in the 2.0-liter category. Mason himself drove this car at Le Mans in 1980 as a member of the Dorset Racing team, finishing third in its class.
March 86C
Powered by the Ford-Cosworth Turbo V8 engine, the March 86C took the first three places in the Indy CART PPG series. This particular car was driven by Michael Andretti, who finished second that year to Bobby Rahal.
Porsche 991
One of the few Porsches in Mason’s collection, the 991 represents Porsche’s third platform update since the original classic 911. The mostly aluminum chassis and a more powerful engine give the 991 some added speed over its model predecessors.
Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Renault-Alpine A110
The A110 is a revival of a Renault line popular in the 60s. The 4-cylinder lightweight mid-engine two-seater is built more for handling than straightaway speed, and is a popular model on the rally circuit.
Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Subaru Impreza 22B
The Impreza 22B was produced as a commemoration of Subaru’s success as a manufacturer in the World Rally Championship. The limited production series featured some distinctive body modifications including the adjustable rear wing.
Calreyn88, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ferrari 312 T3
The 312 T3 was the 1978 model of Ferrari’s Formula 1 car driven during the 70s, one of the most successful car designs in Formula 1 history. Mason’s car was the one that Gilles Villeneuve drove to victory in the 1978 Canadian Grand Prix.
Bahnfrend, CC BY-SA 3.0, Wikimedia Commons
Ford Model T
Mason acquired this Model T that was once owned by the old Hollywood slapstick comedy producer Mack Sennett. The car can be seen in old Laurel and Hardy features and rounds out the impressive modern sports cars with some historical charm.
A look at Nick Mason's car collection, The Telegraph
Porsche 962
Part of Porsche’s stretch of dominance at Le Mans in the 80s, this car succeeded the 956 with significant safety and performance upgrades. The cars were so great to drive that many teams converted them over to road use when their racing days were done.
A look at Nick Mason's car collection, The Telegraph
1957 Maserati 250F
Mason owns one of only 26 250Fs ever made. The car was voted greatest racing car of all time in 2009. Driven to victory on the Formula 1 circuit by such greats as Juan Manuel Fangio and Sterling Moss, the car’s 2.5-liter V12 gave it up to 270 horsepower. It's estimated to be worth about $2 million.
1955 Jaguar D-Type
One of the most successful racing cars ever built, as well as the most beautiful, the Jaguar D-Type captured three 24 Hours of Le Mans victories in the 1950s. Though Mason has never expressed a desire to sell this car, the auction price would start at well over $10 million.
1927 Bugatti Type 35B
The Bugatti Type 35B dominated racing back in the 1920s. Mason rebuilt one of these from several different components back in the 70s and 80s and took it racing. It's worth upwards of $600,000.
Sicnag, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
1953 Ferrari 250 MM
The 250 Mille Miglia is another racing legend from the early 50s with a prodigious record of track accomplishments behind its 3-liter V12 engine. Mason bought this car in 2011, and it’s become one of the gems of his collection. Its initial auction price would be around $13 million.
1962 Ferrari 250 GTO
One of the most sought-after and expensive cars in the world, the 250GT is priced upwards of $40 million. Mason bought his in the 70s for around $42,000. Ferrari only made 36 of these, but Mason and his wife enjoy driving it occasionally. Mason also features it in auto shows where it always makes a big impression.
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