Signed goodies in the Motor Sport shop from Stirling Moss, Michael Schumacher and Sir Jackie Stewart
For motor racing art, artefacts and ephemera, including the collectibles here, visit the Motor Sport shop – motorsportmagazine.com/shop
Stirling Moss signed prints
One of the most versatile drivers in history, Sir Stirling Moss left a legacy few will ever match. Although his competition career was cut short, curtailed by his Glover Trophy crash at Goodwood in 1962, Moss racked up a string of enviable accolades including 16 grand prix wins and that historic 1955 Mille Miglia triumph alongside this title’s Denis Jenkinson. Since his death in 2020, Moss collectibles have risen in demand, and this selection of signed prints may be one of the final-ever releases.
You can choose from Moss in action (or in the pits, above) aboard Rob Walker’s stunning Ferrari 250 GT SWB at Goodwood, speeding past a Monaco café aboard a Lotus 18, left, or wrangling Mercedes-Benz No722 around the tortuous Mille Miglia, above left. All prints are complete with a certificate of authenticity, and, where possible, photographic evidence of the signing. £99.95
Jackie Stewart Tyrrell signed box set
This is a commemoration of the career of one of F1’s most influential characters, both in and out of the cockpit. In 1973, Jackie Stewart won five grands prix in Ken Tyrrell’s 006, scoring a third world title. The centrepiece of this box set is a 1:18 model of the car, kept safe by a wooden presentation box signed by Stewart and topped with the Scot’s tartan. A percentage of the proceeds go to the Race Against Dementia charity. £349.95
Michael Schumacher signed display helmet
It’s been a while since we had anything Michael Schumacher-themed to showcase. Notorious for not being a fan of signing sessions during his career – a fact that makes him one of the more faked signatures out there – the seven-time F1 world champion did put his pen to this full-size replica of his Ferrari crash helmet from the 1998 Japanese GP. Signed in person at Silverstone. £4995
Alain Prost signed biography
A copy of the official McLaren biography of four-time F1 world champion Alain Prost, signed by the man himself. Written by Maurice Hamilton, this 256-page hardcover tracks the entire career of Le Professeur from his early days in karting through to the grand prix breakthrough and multiple history-making moments, such as becoming France’s first world champion. Limited edition, signed on the inner cover. £49.95
About the motor sport shop
With numerous special and unique racing-themed products, and many new items regularly added, the Motor Sport shop is aimed at both serious and casual collectors with a wide range of prices to suit your budget. Visit motorsportmagazine.com/shop
The expert view
Safe storage
In the wide world of collectors there are two extremes: those who build collections so vast they run out of room for them; and those who build collections that rarely ever see the light of day. But even for fans who just buy a few treasures, make sure items are displayed and stored properly and they will last for years.
I was talking to a friend the other day about a release of 1:2-scale helmets and they said, “Yeah, I’ll buy one and put it in a box under the bed.” These are ‘rainy-day collectors’ who enjoy knowing they have something and keep it hidden away for future appreciation. Nothing wrong with this, and speaking as somebody who often sells collections from these sorts of people, they’re great, as they often have rare items which will be in mint condition and usually supplied with a story.
I also know a chap who has collected so many scale models that he no longer has space for them in his home and has to rent somewhere to store them. People like this have trouble parting with their items but their collections are often very good. Owning is an appreciation of quality or beauty as much as an investment.
Display and storage is a big thing, so here’s a few tips on keeping your investments in order:
Autographs: keep them out of direct sunlight. No pen is ‘permanent’, trust me.
Models: keep the box and all the papers. Displaying on a windowsill? Turn it every so often: it minimises fade. Display in a case, above, to protect from dust.
Books: really pack these into a bookcase snugly and upright. If you let a book lean it’ll set in that position and ruin it.
Helmets: invest in a display case to protect from the sun, dirt and spillages.
Clothing: if you’ve got gloves, race suits, balaclavas, etc to store, use vacuum bags. They suck air and moisture out and allow treasures to be packed in total security.
If you ever come to part with a piece from your collection, condition is king so invest a little in looking after them and you will be rewarded, one day.
Andrew Francis is director at The Signature Store. thesignaturestore.co.uk