Dan Beaumont of Niton visited the Hampshire-based collection, dedicated to the famed Gulf Oils racing livery, on March 4th. The collection features dozens of iconic racing cars, including 24 Hour of Le Mans-winning sportscars and Grand Prix-winning Formula One machinery. It is not open to the public, and was thus a truly special experience for Beaumont, a life-long motoring enthusiast. 

The winning bidder was greeted by Stuart Hall, a former FIA World Endurance Champion and Monaco Historique Classic F1 race winner, as well as motorsport commentator and St Catherine’s alumnus Adam Weller. Hall imparted his first-hand experiences from racing many of the fabulous machines, while Weller explained the history and folklore behind cars in the collection.

Cars in the collection include the famed Porsche 917, Ford GT40, McLaren M23, Aston Martin DBR9 and McLaren F1 GTR. 

As a special honour, Beaumont was allowed to sit at the wheel of a McLaren F1 GTR Longtail, which competed at the 1997 Le Mans 24 Hours. The car is estimated to be worth £30m today.

The tour also included a look at the stock of the exclusive Duncan Hamilton ROFGO dealership, which specialises in selling prestigious historic racing cars.

Beaumont said: “The collection itself is, of course, mind-blowing, and the knowledge imparted by Adam and Stuart really added to the experience. The opportunity to sit in a McLaren F1 of any description - let alone a Longtail raced at Le Mans - is absolute bucket list stuff.”

Weller added: “It was incredibly gratifying to offer this tour in aid of the school. I would most likely not be in a position to build professional relationships with people like Stuart Hall without my time there. Meeting others who appreciate the work of St Catherine’s, like Dan, is always wonderful.”