LONDON — Best known as the longtime drummer of the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, Nick Mason has also earned recognition as one of Britain’s most dedicated classic car collectors. Over the years, Mason has assembled an extraordinary collection of historic automobiles, many of which have not only been preserved but also raced in prestigious motorsport events.

Unlike many collectors who keep rare vehicles on display, Mason has consistently maintained that every car in his collection has competed—or will compete—on the racetrack. A passionate motorsport enthusiast, he has participated in numerous historic racing events, including the renowned 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he has driven several of the cars from his personal garage.

Among the most valuable vehicles in his collection is a 1962 Ferrari 250 GTO, widely regarded as one of the world’s most desirable collector cars. Powered by a 3.0-liter V12 engine producing around 300 horsepower, the iconic sports car was originally developed to compete against rivals such as the Jaguar E-Type, Shelby Cobra, and Aston Martin DP214. Distinguished by its recognizable No. 22 badge on the hood, Mason’s Ferrari is estimated to be worth as much as £30 million.

Another standout is the 1961 Maserati Birdcage, a lightweight racing car famous for its innovative tubular space-frame chassis constructed from approximately 200 chrome-moly steel tubes. The distinctive engineering gave the car exceptional rigidity while reducing weight, making it one of the most advanced racing machines of its era. Mason has previously described the Birdcage as his favorite car to drive, praising its balance and confidence-inspiring handling.

The collection also includes a 1983 Porsche 928 S, a luxury grand tourer equipped with a front-mounted, water-cooled V8 engine. Designed as a more refined alternative to the Porsche 911, the 928 offered improved weight distribution, comfortable long-distance driving, and a body combining galvanized steel with lightweight aluminum panels.

Mason’s appreciation for Ferrari’s racing heritage is further reflected in his ownership of a 1971 Ferrari 512 S. Although the model enjoyed only a brief competitive career due to fierce competition from the Porsche 917, its powerful 5.0-liter V12 engine and sleek aerodynamic styling have secured its place as one of Ferrari’s most admired endurance racing cars.

Completing the collection is a 1969 Lotus Elan +2, a sports coupe that blended the agile performance of the original Elan with greater practicality. Capable of accelerating from 0 to 60 mph in under eight seconds and reaching a top speed of approximately 120 mph, the model exemplifies the lightweight engineering philosophy that helped establish Lotus as a legendary performance car manufacturer.

Today, Mason remains one of Britain’s most respected classic car enthusiasts. His collection stands out not only for its rarity and value but also for his commitment to preserving these historic machines through active participation in motorsport rather than simply displaying them as museum pieces.

Source: https://www.carolenash.ie/