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An official Ferrari Grand Prix drivers’ simulator used by Michael Schumacher will be on the podium at a major antiques fair next weekend.
The electronic simulator was used by Ferrari to prepare its drivers for the various circuits on the Formula One calendar in 2006 – Schumacher’s last season driving for the team.
It will appear at Timeless, the Irish Antique Dealers’ Fair, which returns to Dublin’s RDS on Friday (Sep15) and will be sold at a subsequent auction in the coming months.
Antiques dealer Niall Mullen is bringing the piece to the South Dublin event to give Grand Prix fans a rare opportunity to see a slice of famous F1 history at close quarters.
“This is a fantastic piece of official Ferrari equipment and would have been used by the great German ace and his team-mate Felipe Massa,” he said.
“The working simulator, which originally cost in excess of €60,000, features a force-feedback steering wheel and is loaded with all the F1 circuits from the time and a number of international tracks used for testing.
“It will feature in an auction of celebrity items due to be held in the coming months, but I really wanted the public to be able to see this while they experience all the other fantastic items at Ireland’s largest selection of classic pieces that stand the test of time.”
With a blend of contemporary and antique-focused exhibitors, Timeless allows all ages and tastes to explore and discover stunning once-off, yet affordable, pieces that appeal to them.
The fair will feature many unusual statement items, including a rare first edition Memphis Milano Carlton bookcase – a favourite of David Bowie – which will be sold in Ireland for the first time by Acquired.
Breaking from all traditional materials and rules of design, Carlton bookcases, valued at €17,000, were in the collections of rock and fashion icons such as Bowie and Karl Lagerfeld, who were among the first to understand and acknowledge the ground-breaking design.
A 400-year-old diamond ring which travelled the Silk Road is also among the unique designs to be featured as the Fair returns for the 56th time, running from Friday to Sunday. (Sept15-17)
The English crafted ring, valued at €3,950, pre-dates the mining era and the stones would have been weathered by the earth and polished rather than cut.
The diamonds would have been transported to England via the old Silk Road trade route as there were no established shipping routes.
“Each piece is unique and the real joy of Timeless is discovering that something different, the one magical piece that makes a home,” said Garret Weldon, President of the Irish Antique Dealers’ Association.
“The best of the past is also best for the future, as our trade is the original sustainable industry and helps the planet through a reduction in manufacturing and waste.”
More details about the fair on: timelessfair.ie