The myth of Michael Schumacher echoes supreme. An almost morbid interest has developed around the seven-time Formula 1 world champion (a record equaled by Lewis Hamilton), especially after the dramatic accident in which he was involved on 29 December 2013. Since then, his life has changed, falling into total oblivion. His wife Corinna and two children, Gina-Maria and Mick, have joined forces to defend him from prying eyes. Very few people can see him today, only his closest relatives and friends, including Jean Todt.
A traumatic absence
The former Ferrari team manager, companion of countless triumphs of the German driver, said that, from time to time, they watch F1 GPs together. He has never let himself go beyond that, which leads one to think the worst. The mania for having updates on the current health conditions also attracts, unfortunately, jackals, people willing to do anything to get rich, including speculating on the misfortunes of others.
The arrest of two criminals in Germany is still fresh, guilty of threatening Corinna to divulge personal information if she did not pay them millions. And yet, she remains close to the man she loves, or what is left of him. Having changed residence, from Switzerland to the island of Mallorca, having an entire private hospital built, she incurs huge medical expenses every year. For this reason, valuable goods are auctioned, including watches from a few weeks ago. And even those who own precious objects that once belonged to the motorsport champion can be pushed to sell them, tempted by the potential profits. This is the case of a rare Ferrari 550 Maranello.
The technical sheet
The model, dated 1996, was sold yesterday to the highest bidder by Artcurialduring the Garden Party St. Tropez. Although there is no information on the identity of the new owner, he must have an enormous fortune. In fact, the cars of the Emilian company usually reach astronomical thresholds and in addition we must add a couple of factors: rarity and sentimental value.
Between 1996 and 2001 the model was produced in only about 3,000 units, including the one that ended up in the hands of Michael Schumacher. With chassis 105067 and a silver/red color scheme, the sensational GT hides a twelve-cylinder engine under the bonnet. To be fair, “Schumi” kept it in his respective fleet until 2003, driving it just 4,700 km.
After that, he gave it to theJapanese importer Cornesnot without leaving a “personal touch”: the autograph on the glove compartment lid and a letter, complete with wishes of enjoyment to the buyer. Regularly maintained by Ferrari Cornes over the following decade, it still clocked up few kilometers, around 10,000. In short, it is kept in perfect condition, like a relic, which is indeed true, if we think about what it represents.
Unlike similar cars, estimated at 120,000 euros, experts recognized them a price between 250,000 and 450,000 euros. Having won his first two world titles with Benetton in the Briatore era (who could now bring his son, Mick, to Alpine), Michael Schumacher has become a legend in Ferrari. In red, he has made fans dream with five consecutive crowns and no one will ever forget the glories of the past.
